What Type Of Person Thrives In The Emerging Markets Industry, According To A Head Of Emerging Markets Debt At Abrdn
Edwin, Head of Emerging Market Sovereign Debt at Abrdn, highlights that success in this industry hinges on "intellectual curiosity" and a genuine "passion about emerging markets," extending beyond financial gain. This passion often manifests in involvement with nonprofits focused on these regions, a key differentiator from other investment sectors, according to Edwin.
Intellectual Curiosity, Passion for Emerging Markets, Global Awareness, Commitment to Emerging Market Development, Financial Acumen
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Edwin Gutierrez
Head of Emerging Market Sovereign Debt
Abrdn
UC Berkeley
MS Foreign Service, Georgetown University
Political Science, American Studies
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. A passion for emerging markets is crucial; it shouldn't be solely about the money.
2. Those who thrive are intellectually curious and comfortable learning about new countries and stepping outside their comfort zones.
3. Many professionals in this field are involved in non-profit organizations focused on emerging markets, showing a genuine care for their success.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
We really have to go back to the concept of intellectual curiosity. It's those who aren't afraid to leave their comfort zone and learn new things about new countries.
You have to have a passion for emerging markets. Sure, it's an industry where you can make a decent amount of money, but it really shouldn't be the primary reason to get involved.
One really has to have a fundamental interest in and care about these countries to understand how they operate. I think that's what makes us different from other people in finance. A lot of people in my industry fundamentally care about the countries in which they invest and want to see them succeed.
As an example, many investors in emerging markets are involved in nonprofit organizations doing work in emerging markets, including myself. I just don't see the same degree of passion from other investors who invest in things like infrastructure, tech, or government bonds in developed countries.
This is a generalization, but I generally think it is true that we in emerging markets fundamentally care about these countries.