In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, I sit down with Oktay Kavrak, Director of Communications and Strategy at Leverage Shares, a leading provider of exchange-traded products (ETPs). With over a decade in the financial industry and a CFA charter under his belt, Oktay shares a wealth of insights into the evolving world of ETPs, including how they’re reshaping modern investing.
We explore everything from the rise of active ETPs to the misunderstood role of leverage in trading strategies. Oktay also talks about his personal journey, why he left the comfort of traditional finance roles, and how he’s found fulfillment in a fast-paced, multifaceted position.
Here’s what we cover in the episode:
📊 The evolution of ETPs and how they differ from ETFs
🧠 Why active ETPs are gaining traction despite passive investing’s dominance
📉 The role of leverage in ETPs and the education gap around complex products
💸 Fee compression in the ETF/ETP space and what it means for product sustainability
🔍 The most overlooked trend in finance today: derivatives-based income strategies
🎓 Oktay’s honest take on the value of the CFA designation
🔥 Career advice for young finance professionals (and why mistakes matter more than wins)
🤖 The future of AI in finance and how it could reshape day-to-day roles
🧠 The real skills that matter in finance today (hint: it’s not advanced math)
🏈 Finding balance: how Oktay recharges outside of the financial world
Oktay also shares how he stumbled into his current role, why job titles don’t always reflect day-to-day work, and what people often get wrong about the finance industry.
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Enjoy the episode!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.
