The world of investment can seem daunting to those looking from the outside in.
One entrepreneur aiming to increase access to financial markets is Geoff Robinson, who left UBS after eight years’ service – latterly as managing director, global head of fundamental analytics – to found TheInvestmentAnalyst.com.
“I didn’t see it as a risk leaving UBS – I mean, if you can’t back yourself, who can you back? – but rather as returning to my true calling – education,” he tells BusinessCloud.
“Investing is often misunderstood, especially in today’s digital age. True investing isn’t about following trends or making quick trades based on social media hype. It’s a disciplined process that involves analysing an asset’s intrinsic value and comparing it to its market price.
“When there’s a significant gap between these two, that’s where real investment opportunities arise.”
He adds: “It’s crucial to differentiate between investing and speculation: investing is about recognising and capitalising on price-value dislocations in the market, while speculation is more akin to gambling – buying assets simply because of hype or price momentum.”
This raises an important question: how do you educate yourself to become a better investor?
“With the abundance of information available online, including AI-generated content and social media videos, it’s critical to be discerning about your sources. You need to consider the credibility and qualifications of those giving advice,” says Robinson.
“This is precisely why we created TheInvestmentAnalyst.com. Our goal is to build a trusted platform for people who want to learn more about investing.”
Robinson built UBS’s EdTech platform, the Research Academy. Before UBS, he was a material equity investor and leveraged buyout co-investor in two market-exited training consultancies.
He says his ability to break down complex subject matter and distil it to an audience in a digestible and engaging manner led him to create a digital platform which provides resources for the training and development of aspiring analysts and investors.
“I felt I had a unique proposition to offer: combining my experience as a top-ranked analyst and managing director with the ability to speak the language of modern markets. There was no one else bringing this specific skill set and perspective to financial education,” he says.
“We’ve set out to create a genuine EdTech platform, not just another product masquerading as something innovative. We’re at the forefront, working with cutting-edge technologies like digital avatars, AI transcriptions, and beta versions of emerging programs.
“This pioneering approach means we sometimes face setbacks, but that’s part of being an industry leader. We’re not just following trends; we’re shaping the future of investment education technology.”
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The worlds of finance and technology are fast-moving and constantly evolving, and Robinson says staying attuned to market nuances is part of the daily routine for analysts.
“The real challenge lies in keeping up with the lightning-fast evolution of technology,” he continues.
“Take digital avatars, for instance: I’ve been closely involved with this field for nearly five years, working with a company that transformed from a small Shoreditch startup into a billion-dollar unicorn. They’re making significant technological leaps almost every few weeks. It’s exhilarating to witness and be part of this rapid progress.”
His vision for InvestmentAnalyst is to “create the world’s premier investment EdTech platform”.
“But it’s not just about the end goal – we’re committed to enjoying the journey every step of the way,” he adds.
“My passion for technology is more than just a professional interest; it’s a personal obsession. I’m always eager to explore the latest innovations, from new iPads to VR headsets and the Apple Vision Pro.
“Each time I interact with these technologies, I’m thinking ahead: how will content delivery evolve in the next 6, 12, or 18 months? This forward-thinking approach is crucial in our fast-paced industry.”