MEET BINOD

BINOD SHANKAR
FCA, CFA
CEO, ELEVATION Fze

Speaker, trainer & (now) podcaster

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at the young age of 23, I started my career in an industrial bank in India where I cut my teeth on loan and project appraisal. Then, I spent six years executing audit, financial due diligence, financial feasibility and valuation assignments with KPMG, Arthur Andersen and Ernst & Young in Oman and Dubai.

I joined Nakheel, the leading UAE property developer, as Manager-Financial Analysis and rose rapidly to become the Finance Director of its largest project, helping along the way to raise the world’s largest Sukuk (Islamic Bond). My last position was as Executive Director-Finance at Gulf Finance House in Bahrain.

In 2009, after 17 years in corporate life, I saw the light and left a successful career to co-found Genesis, a financial training company.  As the Managing Director, I quickly established a reputation as a trainer, building Genesis into a regional training powerhouse. Genesis was sold to Kaplan Inc, a US based global training & publishing company with annual revenue of USD 2 billion and 15,000 employees around the world.

I am a keen financial analyst & appear frequently on CNBC Arabia as an expert on stock and bond markets. I’m also a platform speaker who has presented at several events. I’ve also written quite a few articles on finance & travel in national newspapers.

I am an elected board member of CFA  Society Emirates (“CFAE”). CFAE is the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) member society of CFA Institute, which is the preeminent global association of professionals in the field of investment analysis. CFA Institute administers the globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst® Program. CFAE is the largest member society in the Middle East and Africa.

My involvement as a volunteer board member is one way of giving back to the qualification that has given me so much. The mandate I picked is something I am quite concerned and passionate about i.e. Career Services. In this context I am actively engaged in: a) helping candidates and members in the UAE connect with potential employers and; b) Facilitating candidates and members in the UAE close the employability gap so that they are  work ready. 

I am an endurance athlete and a long distance runner, high altitude trekker, mountaineer and long distance/high altitude cyclist. I’ve completed five half marathons and two full marathons. I have summited 11 mountains around the world including Gokyo Ri (5,400m), Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Stok Kangri (6,153 m) and Mera Peak ( 6,476 m). In 2013, I cycled from Manali to Leh, a 550km adventure through five high mountain passes. My most recent adventures were summiting Mt Elbrus (5,642m), the highest peak in Europe and cycling 400 km around Ladakh. 

Endurance sports like long distance running, cycling and mountaineering teach you a lot. For example, extreme high altitude is a bleak and unforgiving landscape. Also, summit attempts are long, challenging and unpredictable with low probability of success. Mountaineering demands that you must be physically super fit – especially strength and stamina. But it’s also a mind game that’s a serious test of ambition, grit, teamwork, decision making/risk management skills, patience and resilience in the face of failure and although you should still target the summit, you must learn to enjoy the journey.

This unique background sets me apart as a Mentor because not only is this a rare mix, but these mental attributes are essential for success in another tough landscape - your Career.

TESTIMONIALS

as a trainer

“Binod is an excellent instructor who demonstrates a powerful grasp of the complex material covered in the level 3 curriculum. He is clear, concise and provided me with extremely helpful and valuable guidance in better understanding the material. Binod’s support for his students goes beyond the classroom as he is a great coach and mentor, full of motivation and insights. For those pursuing the CFA charter, hedge your bets and seek out Binod’s help.”

Ria Lobo

AS A PRESENTER

“Binod is an amazing speaker. Got to experience his charisma first hand at the 2nd Financial Talent Summit in Bangalore. His presentation on "Bridging the Skills Gap" was really insightful. I could relate to so many areas of his personal story. His experience in overcoming challenges thrown at him over so many years and his insights into mountaineering - how it teaches you to embrace failure and yet keep on moving forward, would have motivated many individuals. Luckily for most for us, Binod is going to start a PodCast on the same topic so that his thought process could reach a much wider audience. Looking forward to many more amazing times Binod!!”

Nikhil Bansal

AS A COLLEAGUE

“Binod was one of the best seniors I worked for. As a boss, he was very fair and just and always gave me credit for good work done in front of everyone. More than a boss he has been a guide to me and a close friend as well. Providing me with valuable suggestions in times of need. Binod believes in empowerment and is an excellent leader. He has an excellent ability to choose the right people for the job and groom them to assume leadership positions. A very detail-oriented person and at the same time a strategic thinker”

Shreyans Banthia