Finance Insights from Alaavo Founder & CFA Expert Nilay Arun

Masters’ Union recently hosted an insightful session featuring Nilay Arun, Founder of Alaavo, where students explored the evolving landscape of global finance, career pathways in investment banking, and the value of the CFA programme. The discussion centred on how finance professionals can combine technical expertise, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial vision to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. 

The session also shed light on identifying market gaps, leveraging financial education for real-world decision-making, and applying analytical skills to build impactful ventures. For aspiring finance and business students, this blog unpacks the key insights to help readers understand how industry knowledge, global exposure, and continuous learning can together build a future-ready career in finance and entrepreneurship.

Nilay Arun’s Professional Journey and Global Finance Experience

Nilay Arun, Founder of Alaavo, is a seasoned finance professional with nearly two decades of experience spanning investment banking, risk management, and finance education. Having led analytics and financial risk teams across Asia, Europe, and the US, Nilay brings a rare combination of global exposure and technical depth. His journey reflects a strong commitment to bridging complex financial concepts with real-world application and mentorship.

At Alaavo, Nilay channels his international experience to identify high-value market gaps and build ventures rooted in innovation and operational excellence. Beyond entrepreneurship, his passion for education and community development helps aspiring professionals gain clarity in finance, investment strategy, and leadership. With expertise shaped by global networks and a focus on practical learning, Nilay exemplifies how strategic thinking and continuous upskilling can redefine success in today’s evolving global finance ecosystem.

Professional Experience and Global Exposure

1. Nearly 20 years in finance across investment banking, risk management, and education

2. Led analytics and risk teams internationally (Asia, Europe, US)

3. Combines technical expertise with finance education and community building
   
   

CFA Exam Overview and Career Relevance

Nilay explains that the CFA exam is more than a certification; it is a structured pathway to financial expertise. The exam is computer-based and divided into three levels, each with different formats and subject focus. Level one and two are primarily multiple-choice and case-study based, while level three incorporates subjective questions and electives. The CFA curriculum covers equities, fixed income, alternative investments, derivatives, corporate finance, portfolio management, economics, and quantitative methods.

CFA Structure and Subjects

1. Three levels with increasing complexity: Level 1 & 2 (multiple choice, vignettes), Level 3 (subjective + electives)

2. Covers 10 subjects including equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and portfolio management

3. Provides exposure to diverse finance areas to help determine career focus
   
   

Preparation Timeline and Dedication

Completing all three CFA levels varies based on individual dedication. Some candidates finish within a year, typically studying full-time, while others may spread the levels over several years alongside work or undergrad studies. Nilay notes that full-time dedication accelerates completion but requires higher effort.

CFA Preparation Insights

• Completion timeline is flexible; full-time study can shorten it to ~1 year

• Most candidates balance CFA with undergrad or job responsibilities

• Requires significant dedication and consistent effort
  
  

Real-World Applications of CFA Knowledge

The CFA equips professionals with technical knowledge applicable in real-world finance roles. Exposing candidates to a variety of subjects allows them to identify interests in equities, research, portfolio management, or investment banking. For undergraduates unsure about career paths, it provides clarity on areas of focus.

Real-World Career Insights

1. CFA introduces multiple finance areas to help identify interests

2. Equips candidates with skills for research, portfolio management, and investment banking

3. Valuable for undergraduates exploring finance career paths
   
   

Entrepreneurship and Identifying Market Gaps

Nilay discusses his venture Alaavo and experiences spotting service gaps, particularly in elite, operationally-heavy markets like nanny services in India. By analysing international processes and local market behaviour, he and his co-founders identified opportunities to deliver high-value, experience-based solutions in niche segments.

Entrepreneurship and Market Opportunity

1. Alaavo focuses on operationally-heavy, high-value service gaps

2. Analyses global practices to localise solutions (e.g., elite nanny services)

3. Leverages experience and networks to identify viable market opportunities
   
   

Global Exposure and Networking Insights

Nilay emphasises the importance of networking and problem-solving workshops to understand industry nuances. He shares anecdotes of collaborating with global partners, highlighting how language barriers, international protocols, and regional knowledge influence business execution and strategy.

Networking and Problem-Solving

1. Engages in workshops and collaborations to gain global insights

2. Addresses operational challenges like international protocols and cultural nuances

3. Uses networking to identify and validate business opportunities
   
   

Finance as a Force Beyond Transactions

Nilay frames finance as a strategic enabler, shaping personal and organisational decision-making. Every transaction, funding, or market adaptation is an example of finance at work. His vision emphasises using financial knowledge to influence savings, investments, organisational growth, and innovation.

H3: Finance for Strategic Decision-Making

1. Finance drives both personal and organisational decisions

2. Each transaction or funding instance demonstrates finance in action

3. Knowledge in finance enables informed planning, innovation, and growth
   
   

Combining Education and Community Building

Through Alaavo and his teaching experience, Nilay bridges technical finance expertise with mentorship and community development. He strives to empower the next generation of finance professionals by sharing knowledge and practical insights, ensuring students and young professionals can translate theory into real-world impact.

Mentorship and Community Focus

1. Merges finance expertise with education initiatives

2. Empowers young professionals to apply theory practically

3. Builds community through shared learning and mentorship

Insights from Nilay Arun on Finance and Entrepreneurship

Nilay Arun’s journey demonstrates how technical expertise, global exposure, and a focus on practical problem-solving can shape impactful careers in finance and entrepreneurship. From understanding the depth of the CFA curriculum to identifying niche market opportunities through Alaavo, his experiences highlight the importance of dedication, strategic thinking, and continuous learning. Aspiring finance professionals can draw inspiration from his approach to combining knowledge, real-world application, and community building to create meaningful change.