Vaikunthan, a graduate from the University of Toronto, is a Chartered Professional Accountant by trade and has over eight years of professional experience across audit, private company valuations, M&A and more recently, public company investment analysis. His current role as a Research Associate with Desjardins Capital Markets involves analyzing and assessing companies relevant to the asset management industry. Outside of professional duties, Vaikunthan actively pursues his passion for investing through his real estate and other investment ventures.

Being a Tamil in finance is a privilege and an opportunity. I strongly believe, the grassroot movements being taken by Tamil professionals will set the stage for the growth of our community and the generations that follow.

My mentor has been a great help and continues to be of help. He has served as a sounding board, while making introductions to his network, which aided in my professional development and career aspirations.

The importance of this program (while early stages) is evident in its potential to have a positive impact to up and coming Tamil professionals. The collective efforts of the members will, in my view, change the landscape of our community and enable a path forward for young Tamils to embark on their professional journey – finance or not. Simply put, I believe the organization is predicated on a philosophy to pay-it-forward – to provide the necessary tools and resources to help level the playing field. “Each one, Teach One”.