The Fei Ming

Can you tell us about your professional journey so far?

Since the beginning of my career, I’ve been destined to be involved in various important initiatives and landmark deals. I played an instrumental role in establishing a US$ 400 million infrastructure fund at the World Bank.

I am now managing US$ 10 billion of global alternative investments, from private equities to real estates.

Aside from your main work, in what other ways do you pursue your passion for finance?

In 2001, I authored a book on foreign exchange day trading, which discusses the implementation of fundamental and technical analysis in the global currency market. I am also a visiting scholar, columnist and speaker in several media and forums. I actively communicate various investment ideas through my official YouTube channel.

How was your experience with the Master in Finance?

The Master in Finance at IE University was super. Distinguished faculty members and relevant materials deliver complete and immersive experiences to students from all disciplines and backgrounds. For me, the program completed my prior credentials as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) charterholder.

In addition, the program gave me international exposure and access to global networks. Our trips to London and New York were mind openers.

What subjects did you particularly enjoy?

All the Master in Finance courses, from Advanced Economics to Private Equity, were first class. They were delivered at the highest level by skilled and experienced professors. I was especially impressed by IE University’s case method. It stimulated my thinking and triggered class discussion. Lastly, I will not forget the six-hour Financial Modeling exam. It successfully stretched me to the limit, but was worth it.

Can you tell us about any hands-on experiences or projects you worked on?

From day one, my classmates and I were given plenty of individual assignments, team projects and exams. However, I found the Portfolio Management Practicum to be the most interesting group project. This assignment exposed us to real investing experiences and gave students direct opportunities to apply different fund management techniques, including portfolio optimization, stock selection and factor investing.

How was your experience of living in Spain and of student life at IE University?

Spain is a very beautiful country with lovely people. I enjoyed paella at Plaza de Santa Ana and Las Meninas at Museo Nacional del Prado. They were worth the experience. And my interactions with classmates from different countries and nationalities during the program were dynamic, vibrant and fun. Our bonds of friendship will last a lifetime.

What do you feel makes the Master in Finance unique?

Practicality is the program’s competitive edge. All the theories I learned in class are relevant today and will continue to be in the years to come. I will always remember the key concepts of M&A synergies, value investing and cognitive biases. They guide me in everyday business and investment decision-making. Thank you to my professors!

Looking back, how do you feel about your decision to pursue the Master in Finance at IE University? Would you recommend it to others?

Participating in the Master in Finance program was one of the best decisions of my life. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone currently working or planning to enter the financial industry, either as a buy-side or a sell-side.

For instance, I not only gained new knowledge in corporate finance, but also learned about recent practice in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This gave me a fresh perspective on my career as a director in global investment banking advisory at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).

I look forward to meeting more and more Master in Finance alumni in Asia.

"Our trips to London and New York were mind openers. They opened perspectives on cultural diversity and richness."