Bridging Global Expertise with Local Insight: Laura Liu’s IMC Journey
Laura Liu is a CFA charterholder and currently serves as a Wealth Manager at Oakcean Capital, bringing practical experience to her role. Laura won Unit 1 of the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) as part of the CFA UK’s IMC Christmas competition. Laura has extensive global experience, but she was seeking a UK-specific qualification that gave her the regulatory rounding she needed to continue to grow in her career.
We spoke with Laura about her experiences taking the IMC and throughout our conversation, one theme emerged again and again: the IMC is so much more than a simple qualification. It's a catalyst for professional growth, a tool for empowerment, and a mark of credibility in the UK investment landscape.
"The biggest positive change was gaining a more structured understanding of the UK regulatory and investment landscape," she says. "Even with my CFA background, the IMC helped contextualise things like MiFID II, the FCA framework, and product governance specifically from a UK perspective."
This clarity has had a tangible impact on her day-to-day work. With a firmer grasp of local regulations, Laura feels better equipped to engage in meaningful conversations with clients and colleagues.
"It's made me more confident when engaging with clients and colleagues on UK-specific matters," she adds.
The IMC didn’t just fill knowledge gaps—it gave her the confidence to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing both her credibility and effectiveness.
She sees the IMC as a strategic complement to global qualifications like the CFA—one that adds depth and relevance for professionals working in the UK.
Rather than viewing it as a checkbox, Laura suggests approaching the IMC as a chance to build a more nuanced and practical understanding of the market.
"Completing the IMC level 1 with my CFA charter enabled me to do just that," she says. "It's also added immediate credibility when speaking with clients and regulators."
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, the IMC has helped Laura shape a more comprehensive professional identity—one that blends international expertise with local insight.
"Over the long term, I see it as a key building block that strengthens my profile as a well-rounded investment professional with both global depth and local regulatory fluency," she explains.
This dual perspective is increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected financial world. With the IMC under her belt, Laura is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the UK market while maintaining a broad, strategic outlook.
For anyone looking to build a career in UK investment management, Laura’s journey is a compelling case study. The IMC isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a foundation for long-term success.
If you're looking to take your investment career to the next level, follow Laura's lead. Study the IMC, the qualification designed for everyone in investing.
We spoke with Laura about her experiences taking the IMC and throughout our conversation, one theme emerged again and again: the IMC is so much more than a simple qualification. It's a catalyst for professional growth, a tool for empowerment, and a mark of credibility in the UK investment landscape.
What was the biggest positive change for you from taking the IMC?
For Laura, the IMC served as a bridge between her global finance background and the specific demands of the UK market."The biggest positive change was gaining a more structured understanding of the UK regulatory and investment landscape," she says. "Even with my CFA background, the IMC helped contextualise things like MiFID II, the FCA framework, and product governance specifically from a UK perspective."
This clarity has had a tangible impact on her day-to-day work. With a firmer grasp of local regulations, Laura feels better equipped to engage in meaningful conversations with clients and colleagues.
"It's made me more confident when engaging with clients and colleagues on UK-specific matters," she adds.
The IMC didn’t just fill knowledge gaps—it gave her the confidence to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing both her credibility and effectiveness.
What advice would you give to someone considering the IMC?
"I'd say go for it," she encourages. "Even if you have a finance background, the IMC offers valuable UK-specific context. My advice would be to treat it not just as a requirement, but as a real opportunity to strengthen your understanding of the regulatory framework you'll be working in."She sees the IMC as a strategic complement to global qualifications like the CFA—one that adds depth and relevance for professionals working in the UK.
Rather than viewing it as a checkbox, Laura suggests approaching the IMC as a chance to build a more nuanced and practical understanding of the market.
How has it benefitted you in your career?
The IMC has played a pivotal role in Laura’s career progression, particularly as she moved into a more client-facing role."Completing the IMC level 1 with my CFA charter enabled me to do just that," she says. "It's also added immediate credibility when speaking with clients and regulators."
Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, the IMC has helped Laura shape a more comprehensive professional identity—one that blends international expertise with local insight.
"Over the long term, I see it as a key building block that strengthens my profile as a well-rounded investment professional with both global depth and local regulatory fluency," she explains.
This dual perspective is increasingly valuable in today’s interconnected financial world. With the IMC under her belt, Laura is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the UK market while maintaining a broad, strategic outlook.
For anyone looking to build a career in UK investment management, Laura’s journey is a compelling case study. The IMC isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a foundation for long-term success.
If you're looking to take your investment career to the next level, follow Laura's lead. Study the IMC, the qualification designed for everyone in investing.
WHAT IS THE IMC?
The CFA UK Level 4 Certificate in Investment Management (IMC) transforms your career and turns your potential into progression – and it’s open to everyone. Developed, delivered and awarded by CFA UK, we combine essential investment knowledge and theory with practical, day-to-day application.
The IMC tests your knowledge – and takes it further. The syllabus is designed by the IMC panel and investment practitioners, for investment practitioners. Recognised by firms as a stamp of excellence, the IMC has created opportunities and transformed careers for thirty years - and counting. So, will yours be next?
