“Innovative, comprehensive, transformative.”
These three words come to mind for Zuriel Naiker when reflecting on his recent experience in Stern’s MFST program, which he was drawn to for its technical nature and blend of “Wall Street” and “Silicon Valley” programming and
curriculum.
Zuriel leads the Risk Management Segment in Africa for the world’s leading risk advisor, Marsh McLennan, which provides industry specific support to the continents largest and most complex enterprises in the areas of risk, people, and strategy. In this role he advises multinational businesses on a range of critical matters relating to risk exposure.
Zuriel recently caught up with Stern to discuss why he felt now was the moment to invest in the program, what excites him about the field of fintech, and how he thinks the program has produced an immediate value-add for his career.
Where were you in your career when you decided to pursue this MSFT program? Why did you choose Stern over other avenues?
Having pursued an MBA earlier in my career, the more technical nature of the MSFT as a science masters, and the practicality and applicability of the modules in my industry excited me. The program had a balance between “Wall Street” and “Silicon Valley” in content and experiences. The fact that the school is in the heart of one of the world’s global financial centers was also impactful, and you feel it through the strength and experience of academic team, the companies, and people they work with, the guest speakers, and the company engagements—all of which were critical components of the program.
Why was now the moment to make a big investment in yourself?
There are two key reasons; a global perspective, network and understanding in the fields of finance and fintech, and a deeper understanding and improved skill set in fintech given the metamorphic impact is has and will have in the financial services industry. Now was the perfect moment to make the investment because the industry is at a pivotal point in its transformation with rapid advancements in technology and increasing demand for innovative financial solutions that will positively impact society. The comprehensive program and hands-on-experience gained at Stern have prepared me to amplify my contribution to financial services and I believe they will help me navigate future challenges too.
What excites you about the field of fintech at the moment, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field? How will your experience at Stern help you make that contribution?
Currently, the most exciting aspect of fintech is the rapid evolution and integration of cutting- edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and decentralized finance (DeFi) into traditional financial systems. This transformation is not only revolutionizing how financial services are delivered but also making them more accessible, transparent, and efficient.
I see myself contributing to the fintech field by leveraging my expertise to develop innovative financial solutions that address real-world challenges. My goal is to create and implement technologies that enhance client experience, improve financial inclusion, streamline operations, and provide robust security against emerging threats.
My experience at NYU Stern has equipped me with a strong foundation in both the technical and strategic aspects of fintech. The program's rigorous curriculum, combined with hands-on projects and exposure to industry leaders, has sharpened my analytical, technical, and interpersonal skills. This comprehensive training enables me to approach problems holistically, devise creative solutions, collaborate effectively with diverse teams, and contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem.
What immediate value-add have you seen from the program for your career?
The people you meet and practical learnings were significant, quick value-adds of the program. The immediate value was an expanded network of a phenomenal cohort of students from across the world and the academic team at Stern. They represent a broad cross section of people from diverse industries across the world who I feel I can call upon or consult with on a range of issues relevant to my personal and professional life.
The nature and structure of the program allows you to compound the learnings from each block and take them back to test them in your business from strategy development to general problem solving. Stern also gives you access to variety of leading tech platforms, and you can use and test in your environment.
What are some specific skills you gained in the program?
I personally enjoyed the learnings around the US and global financial markets and the more technical learnings around AI, machine learning, and block chain. The Capstone provides a unique opportunity to home in on your collaboration, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. I enjoyed the opportunity to combine the various skills of our group, develop a fintech idea and leverage the resources at NYU to challenge and improve our final outcome.