Seminar “Digital transformation in the financial investment sector: From global standards to future skills” – UFM’s strategic contribution to training finance professionals for the 4.0 era
Following the CFA UAP certificate presentation ceremony, the auditorium on the 7th floor of the Tan My Campus continued to welcome more than 500 students for a specialized seminar on digital transformation in the financial investment sector. The event was organized by the School of Financial and Banking Technology, University of Finance – Marketing (UFM), in collaboration with the CFA Institute and Smart Train Academy.
The seminar was attended by Mr. Richard McGillivray, Senior Director of Product advocacy & Education, Asia-Pacific, CFA Institute; and Ms. Florence Wong, Director of Partnerships & Client solutions, Asia-Pacific, CFA Institute. Representing Smart Train Academy were Ms. Tran Thi Xuan Mui, Deputy General Director, and Mr. Vo Minh Duong, CFA, Deputy Director of the Finance Division. Representing the University of Finance – Marketing were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quoc Viet, Vice President, representing the University’s Board of Directors; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi My Linh, representing the School of Financial and Banking Technology; and Dr. Nguyen Minh Phuc, Deputy Head of the Department of Corporate Finance, School of Financial and Banking Technology, together with representatives of various university units, lecturers, and a large number of students.
The seminar was more than a knowledge-sharing event; it also served as a strategically oriented career development and guidance activity for students. The program was structured around three core pillars: international standards based on the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), digital transformation trends in the financial industry, and the future skills required of UFM students.
Representing the CFA Institute, Mr. Richard McGillivray opened the seminar with a presentation entitled “Professional ethics and global standards in the face of digital transformation.” He emphasized that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data, and fintech are bringing profound changes to the investment industry. Nevertheless, professional ethics remain an essential and irreplaceable foundation for the financial sector. He also highlighted the role of the CFA Program in helping students develop the knowledge, professional standards, and competencies needed to pursue global career opportunities in a sustainable and professional manner.
Figure 1. Mr. Richard McGillivray shares insights on professional ethics and global standards in the era of digital transformation.
Representing Smart Train Academy, Mr. Vo Minh Duong, CFA, Deputy Director of the Finance Division, provided students with practical insights into the application of emerging technologies in finance. His presentation explored the use of AI in financial analysis and portfolio management while highlighting key technology-related competencies that students should develop, including data analytics, Python, and Power BI. These insights closely reflect current recruitment trends in the financial sector, helping students better understand employers’ expectations and identify the skills they need to develop to remain competitive in the evolving labor market.
Figure 2. Mr. Vo Minh Duong, CFA, Deputy Director of the Finance Division at Smart Train Academy, shares insights into the CFA Program, essential skills, and future trends in the finance industry.
Figure 3. The speakers also engaged directly with students during the Q&A session, moderated by Dr. Nguyen Minh Phuc, Deputy Head of the Department of Corporate Finance, School of Financial and Banking Technology.
During the Q&A session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh highlighted the value that UFM students can gain from the cooperation agreement with the CFA Institute, emphasizing its role as an important bridge between the University and international professional standards. In response to questions about UAP learning outcomes, the benefits of pursuing the CFA qualification, and UFM’s position in global finance and banking education, she noted that UFM’s affiliation with the CFA Institute opens up opportunities for students to engage with emerging areas of finance, including ESG, FinTech, and alternative data – fields that are increasingly shaping the future of the investment industry. She further emphasized that UFM will leverage the global CFA network to organize career talks, networking events, and internship opportunities, enabling students to connect more closely with businesses and gain greater exposure to the international labor market. To fully capitalize on the benefits of the UAP, students should simultaneously develop analytical skills, data skills, and soft skills – the three core competency areas needed to compete in the global financial market.
Figure 4. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh, Director of the School of Financial and Banking Technology, shared insights into the benefits that students can gain from UFM’s affiliation with the CFA Institute.
The seminar became particularly engaging during the Q&A session, as students actively raised questions and interacted directly with the speakers. Outstanding questions were selected for awards, with recipients receiving premium notebooks and VND 500,000 vouchers for CFA courses at Smart Train.
Figure 5. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Phúc, Deputy Head of the Department of Corporate Finance, School of Financial and Banking Technology, presented commemorative gifts to the speakers.
The seminar was strategically significant, as it not only provided students with insights into digital transformation trends shaping the global finance industry but also helped them clarify their career development pathways and identify the key competencies they will need in the years ahead. At the same time, the event strengthened the connection between UFM and the CFA Institute, creating broader academic and career opportunities for students.
The event concluded in an inspiring atmosphere, opening new opportunities for UFM students to deepen their understanding of international financial standards. More than a purely academic activity, the seminar represented an important step in helping students develop a modern career mindset and prepare to enter the 4.0-era financial industry with greater confidence and competitiveness.
Le Vo Dai Hai, Nguyen Thi My Linh
School of Financial and Banking Technology.