(Ambika D’Souza, CIPM, CSPO, is serving as the chairperson for Financial Technology Forum’s Performance Measurement & Client Reporting conference and is an advisory board member for the FTF event on Feb. 29. D’Souza agreed to do a Q&A about her more than 25 years of performance and analytics experience. She was formerly a vice president at T. Rowe Price Associates, where she had overall leadership responsibility for the data management, GIPS, and strategic projects activities of the performance and analysis organization.)
Q: What is something that people do not know about you?
A: I was born in Sri Lanka as the youngest of eight children and spent my formative years in the U.K. I started my financial services career in the City of London. I have also worked in Boston and moved to Maryland a few years ago, where I now live with my husband, eighth-grade daughter, and two fur babies.
Q: Tell us about your origin story with respect to your career?
A: I fell into investment performance and analytics by accident.
Following the completion of my master’s degree, I cast a wide net in my job search across various industries. Fate led me to my inaugural role at AMP Asset Management, an Australian asset manager located in the City of London. It was there that I discovered my passion for the analytical intricacies inherent in the field. My first manager was an inspirational leader and played a pivotal role in nurturing my affinity for this profession.
Over the years, I have expanded my skill-set, gaining experience in program management and data management/governance.
Our industry is ever-evolving and the importance of having skills in program/project management as well as data management/governance is becoming critical.
These competencies not only contributed to my professional growth but also proved to be crucial in adapting to the dynamic landscape of our field. Moreover, I have come to appreciate that these skills are applicable across diverse industries.
Q: What advice would you give those just starting on their career journey?
A: Many individuals initially enter the profession as a stepping stone to explore various front office departments within asset management. This trend underscores the foundational exposure that entry-level analysts receive.
Should one develop a passion for the profession and choose to forge a long-term career in it, I would advise obtaining certifications that can significantly enhance opportunities for individuals with limited work experience.
Some notable certifications in this regard include CFA Institute's Certificate in Investment Performance (CIPM), CFA, and CAIA. These credentials are valuable in opening doors to new possibilities within the industry.
Q: What do you like doing in your spare time?
A: I am a bit of a sci-fi geek. Present me with a Marvel/DC/Star Wars/Star Trek movie, and I am completely absorbed.
Additionally, I have a deep passion for traveling, having explored six out of the seven continents. Antarctica is the only destination left on my bucket list, and I cannot wait to embark on that adventure with my family sometime in the future.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at the FTF PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT & CLIENT REPORTING 2024 conference?
A: I have attended the annual FTF conferences for many years.
I find it very well organized, and the content very relevant and current to practitioners. As someone who is in transition, it is an invaluable source of networking opportunity. But, most of all, I enjoy connecting with new acquaintances as well as old friends in the industry. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
(Editor’s note: D’Souza’s background includes membership in associations such as CFA Institute (CFAi), USIPC, CFAi GIPS Technical Committee, CFAi GIPS Investment Manager Subcommittee, and CIPM Standards Setting. Before joining T. Rowe Price in 2018, D’Souza was vice president at State Street Investment Manager Services in Boston and oversaw the GIPS group that serviced State Street Global Advisors, a GIPS-compliant firm. There she was also responsible for the global implementation of a new performance system. Prior to joining State Street, she was the analytics manager for the public assets of the retirement plans at Lucent Technologies. Before that, she was the head of performance at WestLB Asset Management in London.)