From Numbers to Deals: The CA Advantage in Investment Banking | Aditya Roy

What does it really take to build a successful career in investment banking? In Episode 7 of Risk and Reality, host Deepika Santdasani sits down with *Aditya Roy*, a seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 13 years of experience across audit, investment banking and strategic consulting. Aditya currently serves as Vice President at Upwisery, working with mid-market enterprises, family offices and ultra-HNIs. The conversation goes beyond financial knowledge and explores the skills that can truly differentiate finance professionals — from communication and storytelling to networking, structured thinking, sector expertise and the mindset required to make a career transition. Aditya shares insights from his own journey from audit into investment banking, including why technical skills can get you into the room, but communication keeps you there. In this episode: • Why communication is critical in investment banking • How storytelling can change the way financial information is understood • Why a financial model is useless if you can't explain the story behind the numbers • The importance of networking and making an impression quickly • What finance professionals can carry from audit into investment banking • The three things aspiring investment bankers need: technical skills, sector fluency and the right mindset • Why young CAs and CFAs should focus on understanding rather than simply passing exams • How to build deep expertise in specific sectors • Why professionals often wait too long before making a career move • The importance of mentors, confidence and taking the plunge • How AI and automation are changing finance and investment banking • Why AI should be treated as leverage rather than a threat • The importance of human relationships in finance • Why the human touch remains critical when working with promoters and investors Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Why Communication Matters in Investment Banking 02:25 Technical Skills vs Communication 03:22 The Power of Storytelling in Finance 04:37 Why Networking Matters 05:12 How to Capture an Investor's Attention 05:39 From Audit to Investment Banking 06:18 Skills That Transfer From Audit 08:08 How to Build an Investment Banking Career 08:38 The 3 Things You Need to Succeed 09:02 Why Understanding Beats Just Passing Exams 09:31 Building Sector Expertise 10:38 The Mindset Required for Investment Banking 11:41 The Power of the Five Whys 12:24 Common Career Mistakes Finance Professionals Make 12:29 Why You Shouldn't Wait to Feel Ready 13:45 Why Early Career Depth Matters 14:08 AI and the Future of Finance 14:40 Will AI Replace Finance Professionals? 15:48 The Importance of Human Connection 16:06 AI as Leverage, Not a Threat 16:28 Key Takeaways 17:23 Final Thoughts One of the key takeaways from the conversation is simple: “Technical skills gets you into the room, but communication keeps you there.” Whether you're a CA, CFA, finance graduate, auditor, investment banking professional or someone considering a career transition, this episode offers practical perspectives on building a career that goes beyond technical expertise. Risk and Reality brings thoughtful conversations with professionals who have built remarkable careers, challenged conventional paths and continue to evolve personally and professionally. 🎙️ Hosted by Deepika Santdasani If you found this conversation useful, *like, comment and subscribe* to Risk and Reality for more conversations on careers, finance, leadership, risk and professional growth. Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/risk_and_re... For guest enquiries, partnerships and collaborations: riskandreality26@gmail.com #investmentbanking #financecareers #RiskAndReality #charteredaccountant #cfa #financeprofessionals #careergrowth #financialmodelling #InvestmentBanking #finance