The Times of India · 14 Oct, 20:29 · Finance briefing

Watsa's Prem-ium play in finance sector

Wealth management pioneer Prem Watsa has significantly increased his portfolio’s exposure to the financial services sector.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

28%average pay gap between certified and uncertified finance staff

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Wealth management pioneer Prem Watsa has significantly increased his portfolio’s exposure to the financial services sector. This strategic accumulation signals strong confidence in the resilience and future profitability of banks and insurance firms amidst current market volatility. The move highlights a contrarian investment approach, focusing on undervalued assets within established financial institutions. For industry observers, this shift underscores the enduring relevance of traditional finance sectors despite the broader technological disruption. It serves as a notable indicator for market sentiment, suggesting that seasoned investors view the current pricing of financial equities as attractive for long-term capital appreciation and stability.

Employer demand for Finance and Accounting skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This strategic pivot demands that you reassess your skill set within the financial landscape. Traditional valuation techniques and deep fundamental analysis are regaining prominence alongside digital literacy. You should prioritise mastering financial modelling and risk assessment, as these skills are critical for evaluating the intrinsic value of established institutions. Professionals in banking and insurance must now demonstrate how they integrate data analytics with core financial principles. Do not neglect regulatory compliance, as it remains a cornerstone of trust in this sector. Update your portfolio to highlight projects involving asset valuation or risk mitigation. Engage with mentors who specialise in value investing to understand the nuances of sector-specific opportunities. This is your cue to bridge the gap between legacy finance expertise and modern analytical tools, ensuring you remain indispensable in a market that values both stability and insight.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Finance and Accounting, Financial Modeling, Risk Management Strategies and AI in Banking — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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