At a Glance
My professional journey commenced in the mid-1990s within the realm of investment banking. Beginning as a trainee stock broker, I ascended through the ranks into wealth management and financial planning, handling a diverse array of financial instruments including stocks, bonds, and commodities.
In 1998, the seismic collapse of Long Term Capital Management, a prominent hedge fund, sent shockwaves through the financial markets, necessitating a $3.5 billion Federal Reserve bailout. Despite employing algorithmic trading strategies devised by some of Wall Street's purportedly finest quantitative analysts, the fund faltered.
Recognizing the unfolding crisis, I made the pivotal decision to step away from Wall Street. I established an international platform focused on the medical transcription process. This involved adhering to the stringent guidelines of the HIPAA Act, which entails transcribing voice-recorded medical reports dictated by healthcare practitioners.
While my company gained traction, another crisis loomed on the horizon. The immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks inflicted a 0.5% reduction in real GDP growth in 2001, coupled with a 0.11% increase in the unemployment rate, resulting in the loss of an additional 600,000 jobs. This reverberated through global financial markets, with airlines and insurance companies bearing the brunt and U.S. stock markets experiencing an initial drop of over 10%.
A Financial Evolution
In response, I had to undertake a strategic reevaluation and identified real estate as a viable opportunity, given the diminished property values post-9/11. My trajectory began as a Processor, subsequently accruing experience as an Underwriter, Funder, Loan Officer, and Realtor, and ultimately transitioning to Mortgage Banking, engaging in the trading of mortgage-backed securities on the secondary market.
The U.S. subprime mortgage crisis, spanning from 2007 to 2010, was a multifaceted financial calamity that contributed to the broader global financial crisis of 2007-2008. Its genesis lay in the substantial decline of U.S. home prices following the collapse of a housing bubble, precipitating mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures, and the devaluation of housing-related securities.
A New Beginning in Canada
Owing to uncertainties surrounding U.S. immigration policies during the Trump administration, I faced a momentous decision to leave behind my established life and relocate to Canada. Upon arrival, I sought refuge status, a process characterized by protracted waiting periods, ultimately obtaining protected status in 2019.
During this interval, I engaged in a diverse array of occupations, discovering the substantial regulatory framework governing British Columbia. It was evident that my prior expertise would require a fresh start. This allowed me to acquire proficiency in Medical Spa, Paralegal, Social Service Work, Psychology, Counselling, and a continual pursuit of new trades. It became apparent that the private sector within the educational industry presented a notable gap in providing candidates with accurate information and securing funding.
I then transitioned into the educational sector, commencing with a post-secondary institution in January 2021. Through my dedicated efforts, I was blessed to advance to the position of Director of Admission for the Downtown Vancouver campus, facilitating over 800 students in embarking on new careers while securing funding from various sources in less than two years.
In March 2021, I was fortunate to encounter two students with a shared aspiration for the non-profit sector and providing meals to those in need in the Downtown Eastside. Aligned in vision, we collectively registered the non-profit entity "Heart Tattoo Society" in Vancouver, BC in November 2021. Presently, the organization serves over 15,000 meals monthly to the underserved through food recovery efforts and is committed to expanding its range of resources.
A Lifelong Learner & Influencer
Drawing from firsthand experience of past upheavals, I am currently engaged in a process of diversification across multiple fields. Diversification is a strategic approach that mitigates risk by spreading investments across a spectrum of financial instruments, industries, and categories. I firmly believes that diversification is an imperative technique for minimizing exposure to losses. By allocating resources across diverse assets and industries, one is less susceptible to the impact of a singular adverse event on a single holding. This preserves capital and enhances risk-adjusted returns.
I continue to be an indefatigable learner and enthusiast of life, committed to personal growth and cultivating an appreciation for life's finer nuances. I am resolute in learning from past experiences and endeavours to positively impact the lives of those I encounter.
Roman considers himself privileged to have gained substantial experience across various domains within a relatively brief timeframe. I envision the opportunity to share these life experiences with a wider audience, guided by the belief that, "When you have more food on your table, you do not build a wall, you extend your table."
With an open invitation to explore my ongoing endeavours, I am happy to welcome those who perceive synergies in their aspirations to collaborate. Please feel free to reach out to me.
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