Mari Jensen, CFA
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• First started working at Scotiabank in 1993
• Left Scotiabank in 2002 to complete a full-time MBA
• Rejoined in 2004 and is now director, Institutional FX Sales, with Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets
• Is the current chair of the Women in Capital Markets network
• Completed the MBA program in the same year she earned her CFA designation

What attracted you to a career in the finance industry?

I’ve been interested in finance since taking Finance 101 at Simon Fraser University. None of my extended family is in finance, so I knew very little about careers in [the industry] at the time, but I knew I loved the subject matter. Doing my MBA internship in wealth management at Scotiabank, I knew I’d made the right decision. Careers in finance are so varied, so there are endless opportunities to keep you challenged.

Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?

Within five years, I’ll be leading a team within the finance industry. Within 10 years, I’ll be on at least one corporate board.

How has the CFA designation and the knowledge you gained in the program helped you in your career?

I wouldn’t have my current position if it weren’t for my CFA designation. The hiring manager at the time specifically wanted a candidate with the designation, as the role was covering fund managers with their foreign exchange needs. She felt that understanding the process of investment management was critical to understanding their needs, and I’d agree with that. When I was writing Level 3, I was working in institutional investment management sales for Scotiabank. I remember specifically being able to apply the knowledge I learned about investment policy. So much of what you learn in university is theoretical—I loved the practical aspects of the CFA program.

You’ve held numerous roles at Scotiabank, from institutional investment management sales to foreign exchange. What advice would you give to new charterholders who might want to follow in your footsteps?

It’s important to remember that the actual job differs greatly from the theory you learned in school, and that there are so many different jobs in finance—so it’s best to keep an open mind. Finding the job that makes you happy also involves strong self-awareness. Do you like working on one project for a long time, with the prospect of a big win? Or do you like smaller but more frequent wins? Do you love to read, write, and research, or are you best when talking to people? Do you love learning about specific companies, or are you more interested in macro events?

“If you’re asking whether or not you should write your CFA, just do it. Otherwise, you’ll be asking the same question in three years, and you could have finished it by then!”

You’re currently the chair of Women in Capital Markets (WCM). Why did you get involved with the group?

I got involved about eight years ago because I wanted to give back to the investment community. I really enjoy mentoring. I was just starting out on the trade floor at the time, so I felt the area I could best contribute to was the High School Liaison Program. It had the added benefit of helping me to develop my public speaking skills. (I once spoke to an audience of 400 high school girls!) I volunteered for a few years, doing presentations on capital markets at high schools, and eventually chaired the committee and joined the board in 2011. Volunteer work is a parallel career, where you can be developing new skills and progressing into roles with greater responsibility. I feel very privileged to be chair. It’s a position I worked very hard to attain, and I learn so much from my fellow directors every day.

When it comes to the degree of gender diversity in our industry, what are we getting right and what could be done differently?

In the past few years, we’ve witnessed a big gain in momentum for gender diversity in finance, with many senior leaders putting their weight behind the cause. This is critical, and this is what we’re doing well. What we need to work on is eliminating any systemic barriers to people—both women and men—attaining their potential. Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet, so this involves tremendous institutional will. For example, right now there’s a big focus on cognitive bias, and many leaders are taking courses on the subject. This is a great start. Of course, taking a course will not eliminate bias in decision-making. We have to ensure there are processes to review critical decisions—such as promotions—to ensure they’re being made optimally and without bias.

You were a single parent when you finished your MBA and CFA. In an issue focused on gender diversity, this is an accomplishment that shouldn’t be overlooked.

You don’t get any extra points for finishing your degree without accepting any help. I was extremely fortunate as I was finishing both programs to have very supportive classmates, colleagues, friends, and family who offered their help.

Any final words of advice?

If you’re asking whether or not you should write your CFA, just do it. Otherwise, you’ll be asking the same question in three years, and you could have finished it by then!