FCB pledges support for budding financial analysts

FIRST Capital Bank chief finance officer Fanuel Kapanje has pledged the financial institution’s continued assistance to aspiring financial and market analysts as they develop into seasoned analysts.

Speaking during the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) competition hosted by Investment Professionals Association of Zimbabwe, Kapanje said they believed in the power of land as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.

“At First Capital Bank, we believe in power of land as catalyst of sustainable economic development. We will play our part and offer opportunities to all learners who approach us to achieve their best. We would like to offer you an opportunity for leadership from our executive, a small contribution we hope you go a long way as you think about your future careers,” Kapanje said.

The competition was attended by 10 universities across the country, with the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Midlands State University (MSU) and Lupane State University (LSU) emerging as the top three.

MSU won the challenge with 85 points, followed by LSU and Nust which occupied the third position.

The competition was held to train and give opportunities to learners across the country to expose their confidence and how deep their knowledge is as financial analysts.

MSU faculty advisor Wilfreda Chawarura said: “It means a lot for my team. They worked hard and I’m very proud of them. It’s good for the institution. I really hope that we maintain the momentum as we go into the regional finals. So, my hope is that probably we win at the finals. Now we sail through to the next level.”

Competitors said they faced many challenges during their research period, including limited time, lack of resources and poor internet connectivity.

Nust faculty advisor Chricencia Murape said: “We did not have time to really put up with students and you know the economy is not doing well and the students were on holiday and we didn’t have many resources to bring everything together. There is a need for some funding.”

Ipaz vice-president Ranga Makwata told NewsDay Business that the platform was good for learners as it helps to shape their careers.

“For us it is a culmination of the work that we have actually done over the three months as a team. We are training these teams to actually do work that professionals are doing on the market,” he said.

“We are teaching them tools that are used at the global stage. We are preparing them not only for the Zimbabwean market, but also for the global stage.”

Makwata said teaching students to be good financial analysts would draw investors to the country because they would be having confidence and knowledge about what is happening on the market.-newsday