As global markets face volatility and innovation accelerates, the finance sector is rewriting the rules of talent. The focus has moved beyond credentials to building agile, future-ready professionals grounded in purpose and ethics.

In addition, a new generation is entering the workforce, and technology is reshaping the contours of the profession. How should organisations rethink their learning pathways, hiring practices, and leadership development frameworks?

To explore these questions, People Matters’ Pallavi Verma, Senior Editor, sat down with Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head, India at CFA Institute, in a compelling conversation that unpacked how the world of finance is evolving and how young professionals can better navigate it.

Key discussion points from the interview:

• Gen Z and the new learning mindset:
  Today’s professionals want learning that’s fast, relevant, and immediately applicable. 
  According to the recent Graduate Outlook Survey, 68 percent of graduates believe certifications are more valuable than postgraduate degrees for career growth. To address the evolving demands of the new generation, CFA Institute has redesigned its learning journey to reflect these preferences, from interactive to a stronger focus on practical job-ready skills.

• Upskilling as a continuous commitment:
  The industry’s pace demands a dual approach:
  1) Deep, rigorous qualifications for long-term credibility, and
  2) Agile micro-learning for fast adaptation. 
  Equipping professionals with the values, skills, and knowledge needed to thrive in a dynamic industry—and providing a ready talent pool through specialised pathways and certifications—remains a core focus area for CFA Institute
  
  

• Ethics at the core of finance careers:
  In a trust-based profession such as finance, technical skills aren’t enough. Employers are actively looking for candidates who bring in that integrity. The CFA Institute actively emphasises ethical behaviour and professional standards, aligning with the growing importance of integrity in the financial industry and hence, ethics remains a non-negotiable in the CFA® Program curriculum
  
  

• Redefining recruitment and diversity:
  With AI now filtering applications, professional certifications have become a critical differentiator. But beyond credentials, firms are also prioritising diverse thinking across gender, background, and perspective to drive better investment decisions.
  
  

• What’s next for financial professionals?
  As the profession stretches into new domains, from sustainability to AI, future-ready finance talent will need T-shaped skills: depth in technical areas and breadth across business, technology, and strategy.
  

The Graduate Outlook Survey saw 85 percent of graduates directly crediting industry certifications in improving their employability and earnings, reflecting a clear shift towards flexible, outcome-driven learning. The survey also revealed strong optimism among Indian graduates in their career prospects, growing confidence in AI and emerging skills in shaping successful and future-ready careers in finance.

Don’t miss this powerful exchange of skills, leadership, and the future of finance. Whether you’re an HR leader, L&D strategist, or a finance professional shaping your career, this conversation is packed with insight.