I have a bachelor’s degree in molecular science and a master’s degree in mathematical informatics (applied math) from the University of Tokyo. I started my career as a Financial Engineer and Model Quant at the MUFG bank, where I was involved with model development and numerous quantitative projects. I then moved to the XVA desk within the same bank and am now working as an XVA Management Senior Expert, where knowledge about derivatives and quantitative finance was essential.
 

I had wanted to join the CQF program from the moment I first started my career. A few years ago, my company started supporting XVA desk members who wanted to acquire the CQF, so I decided to enroll. I wanted to catch up with the latest thinking in quantitative finance and also to brush up on my quantitative skillset. Since I already had an FRM (Financial Risk Manager) designation, the CQF was a great complement to my professional development. 
 

I completed the CQF alongside a full-time job. I watched the lectures online on demand, so the time zone difference with Asia was not a problem (the lectures are done live online on London timings). The program was very intensive, and I spent almost every weekend studying and completing assignments. The final project was tough, even for a person with quant experience, but it was great to work on problems that actually exist in the financial world. As my role covers credit risk, the lecture about credit derivatives was my favorite, as it gave me deeper insight into the credit area.
 

Since completing the CQF program, I have continued my work on the XVA desk. Overall, the CQF gave me a better understanding of derivative evaluation, as well as exposure to newer topics like data science, which was not as popular in quant finance when I first started my career.
 

Looking ahead, I would like to continue working as a professional in the XVA area. I have stayed in touch with the CQF through the Lifelong Learning lectures, which includes lectures and talks on topics that are very close to my field and always useful. Considering the complexity of derivatives and quantitative finance today, I have already recommended the CQF to another XVA desk member recently and would encourage people interested in various areas of quant finance to look into it as a rigorous and globally respected professional designation.