Divesh Gihwala

Experience

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  University of Cape Town

  Aug 2023 - Nov 2023

  Banking and Treasury Management (FTX4087S) Class Representative
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  Constellation Capital

  Sept 2023 - Sept 2023

  Constellation Capital Derivatives Internship

  I received the opportunity to spend a few days working closely with the team at Constellation Capital - a boutique financial services company that specialises in derivatives. The team at Constellation Capital works with asset managers to aid them in understanding how to trade derivatives. I was given exposure to how the team formulate derivative strategies to help their clients earn returns, while also hedging their positions as much as possible.I was also provided the opportunity to see how the team at Constellation Capital goes about collecting the relevant data on Bloomberg, communicating with clients and then getting pricing from banks and based on which bank quotes the best price, make an appropriate decision.The tasks given to me helped me learn a lot: the team showed me how to go about pricing options. This then helped me develop the competence to construct, in Excel, option pay-off profiles and option pricing models based on different derivative strategies, such as a short collar strategy as well as a short fence strategy, for example. These models were required to be versatile enough to reflect hypothetical changes in the stock price, strike price and option premiums. This was an exceptionally valuable learning activity as it helped me gain better insight into visually being able to see the changes that occur in a strategy's pay-off when inputs change.I then got the chance to simulate models in Excel that illustrated changes in option premium values based on changes in the risk-free rate, volatility and a company's dividend payout value.The trade of derivatives is an exceptionally challenging skill that requires competence and responsible use, because while derivatives can bring potential upside when used correctly, however, when used irresponsibly, derivatives easily have the ability to completely sink a company or portfolio.Overall, this experience taught me a lot and really increased my appreciation for the use of derivatives. Show less

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  WaterBorne Capital

  Feb 2024 - Jul 2024

  - Built and maintained financial close and operational project finance models (junior) - Audited financial close and operational models- Updated operational models with actuals data- Conducted variance analysis on and reconciled operational models- Built and prepared investment decks going out to clients- Part of the team that created a Green Bonds Framework according to relevant principles - Part of the team that developed a funding tracker to raise capital from different institutional investors- Built documents including board reports and investment memorandums- Built and prepared an investment proposal on pumped storage hydropower in abandoned mine shafts Show less

  • Financial Management

    Jun 2024 - Jul 2024

  • Capital Advisory

    Feb 2024 - May 2024
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  Old Georgian Union

  Jun 2024 - Nov 2024

  Committee Member
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  South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA)

  Sept 2024 - Sept 2024

  South Africa BRICS Summer School

  Received the opportunity to attend the 3rd BRICS Summer School, South Africa. The theme was Education for Sustainable Development. The school was a coming together of various individuals from the BRICS and BRICS+ member states. The experience allowed for in-depth discussions and a live BRICS simulation where each member state could present their stance on the use of local currencies among BRICS nations to promote financial independence and strengthen intra-BRICS trade.Various workshops were also conducted that provided insights into prevalent issues amongst BRICS members such as different education systems for example. Show less