Finance and Faith Forum at The King’s College

On Thursday, October 24, The King’s College hosted Christian Union, Gordon College, and five distinguished speakers for a panel discussion on faith and finance. The panel shared and discussed their views, answering questions like, “What does it mean to be a Christian in the financial services industry?” and, “What opportunities exist within the industry to glorify God?”

The event began with a cocktail reception in the lobby of The King’s College, with the discussion panel taking place in the City Room. Michael Hrynuik, adjunct professor of finance and economics at King’s and director of The King’s College Meraki Honors Program in Finance, welcomed the panelists. He first introduced the Meraki Program and showed a short video about the program. Hrynuik then introduced the moderator of the panel, Dr. Chip Roper, president of the VOCA Center.

Roper started by introducing the speakers on the panel. On the panel sat Catherine Flax, Managing Director at CRA, Inc.; Torry Berntsen, CEO at Standard Chartered in the Americas; Tom Cole, head of Leveraged Finance at Citigroup Inc.; Michael Luciano, Managing Director and COO at DWS Alternatives; and Scott Amyx, Chair and Managing Partner at Amyx Ventures. Kim Mustin, Managing Director at AllianceBernstein, was also slated to be on the panel, but could not make it due to a family matter.

The panelists took a few moments to introduce themselves and explain their journey to and walk with God, and Roper asked an introductory question about what attracted each of the panelists to the field of finance. Questions were then texted in from audience members for the remainder of the panel discussion.

Panelists were asked what important practices Christian students pursuing a career in finance should adopt. Cole first responded, “Do an excellent job, don’t be afraid to ask questions, be curious, build strong relationships, and don’t complain.”

Berntsen followed, saying that “You want to observe, and you want to listen well… Listen to where the institution is going, where the economy is going, and where the marketplace is going… and finally, live and work with ultimate integrity.”

Roper then asked about the technological advancements in the industry and how the panelists respond to the quickly-changing world of finance. The overwhelming advice of the panel was to be adaptable and agile. Amyx answered that “Although we don’t know exactly what the future holds, students in particular must not be domain-centric. They should be agile in mind.” Flax echoed this: “Hold on tightly to your identity in Christ. All the rest of it doesn’t really matter. If an industry is in decline and you have to retrain yourself and learn something new, that’s great… retool yourself well by being flexible.”

Roper then asked the panel, “From a faith frame, what is something you would love to change about the financial industry?” Luciano answered, “People in the finance industry are extremely driven, they’re very goal-oriented, very talented, can think through complex problems quickly, and they make a ton of money. What are we doing with the talents and treasures that God has given us?” Luciano went on to say, “The gifts that God has given you are not meant to be hoarded for your benefit, they are meant for us to share.” Luciano would love to see this attitude represented more in the financial industry.

Cole, in response to a question about business ethics, said, “This is a business of trust. The worst thing you can do is lose the trust of your colleagues, your peers, your clients, and have your institution damaged in the process.” He went on, “You should assume that all of your conversations can be heard, and your emails read, and you should be able to be proud of what’s in those conversations and emails because this is a trust business at the end of the day.”

To end the discussion, panelists were asked how they stay grounded in their faith. They insisted on praying and reading the Bible every day, actually scheduling time with God, and constantly reminding themselves why, and for whom, they are doing this work.

Scott Crosby, ministry director of Christian Union New York, offered closing remarks about the work Christian Union is doing in the City before inviting attendees back down to the lobby for further fellowship and refreshments.