Investing in Your Future – The CFA Charter and Your Future Employment - March 2025

MAR 15

Saturday, 10:00 am - 11:30 am Location: Zoom Meeting Speakers: MODERATOR James Lewis, CFA, CIPM — Managing Director, TCW PANELISTS Shane Foley, CFA — Investment Analyst, Whitter Trust Ashok Kumar, CFA — Portfolio Manager, Cathay Bank Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am PST Add to Calendar

MODERATOR

James Lewis, CFA, CIPM | James is a Managing Director at TCW Group. Prior to joining TCW in 1999, Mr. Lewis was a Quantitative Analyst for Loomis, Sayles & Company. Mr. Lewis received a BS in Mathematics from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He is a CFA® charterholder, CIPM® certificant, and member of the CFA Institute. He is a past President of CFA Society of Los Angeles.
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SPEAKERS

Shane Foley, CFA |  Shane Foley is an investment analyst at Whittier Trust, specializing in the U.S. large-cap financial services sector and international companies across both developed and emerging markets. With an economics degree from UC Berkeley, he brings a strong analytical approach to portfolio management, helping clients navigate diverse asset classes and market conditions. His research and insights support the development of tailored investment strategies designed to meet both short- and long-term financial goals while preserving wealth across generations. Outside of work, Shane enjoys studying history, running, and volunteering with Junior Achievement, where he teaches financial literacy and money management to young students in an effort to promote a more equitable world.

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Ashok Kumar, CFA | Ashok Kumar is a seasoned financial professional with over 20 years of experience in leverage finance, middle market lending, structured finance, and commercial real estate (CRE). He currently serves as a Portfolio Manager at Cathay Bank, where he has been making significant contributions since joining the institution in 2015. In his role at Cathay Bank, Ashok is deeply involved in the origination, underwriting, execution, and monitoring of floating rate loan investments in leverage and structured finance. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the bank's growth and success in these areas.

Before his tenure at Cathay Bank, Ashok honed his skills as a Credit Analyst and Portfolio Manager in various commercial banks. His focus was on leverage finance, middle market direct lending, and CRE end markets, where he developed a robust understanding of the financial landscape and built a reputation for his analytical acumen and strategic insight. Ashok's academic background is equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from BIT, India and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. His commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated by his credentials as a CFA charter holder, Enrolled Agent (EA), and a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Ashok Kumar's extensive experience, comprehensive education, and professional certifications make him a distinguished figure in the world of finance, particularly in the realms of leverage finance and structured finance. His journey reflects a blend of technical knowledge, practical expertise, and an unwavering dedication to the field.

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