The National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) is a membership organization that improves the inclusion of minorities such as people of color in the finance industry. The NASP’s annual conference offers learning opportunities and professional development tracks for financial services professionals.
Founded in 1985, the NASP serves more than 500 members across the United States. It advocates for policy reform to enhance equal representation. The NASP provides its members with various services, including networking events and educational courses. The organization holds an annual conference that brings together hundreds of finance specialists.
NASP held its 31st Annual Pension and Financial Services Conference on December 7, 2020. The 4-day event took place virtually as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Keynote speakers included CEOs, city mayors, and state treasurers such as Delaware’s Colleen C. Davis. The conference consisted of several sections, including the NASP Institute educational track, the Africa and Emerging Markets Summit, and the Professional Development Series.
The NASP Institute (TNI) educational track was comprised of four sessions covering different types of investing, asset evaluation, and fixed-income strategies. The TNI finance program was open to trustees, investment staff, and consultants only. Program participants qualified for a maximum of four continuing professional education (CPE) credit hours.
All TNI sessions were conducted on the conference’s first day. PAAMCO Prisma’s head of strategic advisory Von Hughes moderated an interactive primer session outlining pension fiduciary and asset allocation. Session attendees also investigated trustee concerns regarding the COVID-19 crisis.
Titled Bond-nanza: A Review of Old and Burgeoning Fixed-Income Sectors, the program’s second session highlighted traditional and alternative fixed-income strategies. Dr. Kristin Johnson Ceva, institutional portfolio manager Kevin Dockrell, and Invesco’s CIO Scott Baskind discussed the risks and benefits of current market opportunities for institutional investors.
The third TNI session addressed the importance of portfolio analytics, and the final session presented attendees with defensive portfolio solutions to minimize the impact of market volatility on their long-term investments.
The Africa and Emerging Markets Summit (AEMS) featured breakout sessions and panels tackling financial initiatives in Africa. For example, panelists Debra Erb and Cameron Khosrowshahi discussed collaborative commerce efforts between Africa and the United States. Moderated by Nadine Mentor, the panel provided insight into the Prosper Africa initiative, which connects African and US businesses.
The Professional Development Series focused on emerging topics in the financial industry, such as the integration of artificial intelligence in business and COVID-based changes in the US economy. Additionally, the conference recognized the work of four leading figures in the financial services industry.
Renaye Manley received the Pacesetter Award for her advocacy efforts to boost racial and gender equity in the field of finance. The NASP also honored Gilbert Andrew Garcia with the Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. Award in recognition of his successful career and philanthropic work.
The Southern Company’s CIO Dekia Scott took home the Joyce Johnson Award, which celebrates finance professionals whose work creates a better work environment for minorities and women. Finally, the NASP’s Travers J. Bell, Jr. Award recognizes business success and leadership in the finance industry. President of Northern Trust Shundrawn Thomas received the 2020 award for his high-impact leadership throughout his 25-year executive career.
