In today’s era of globalization reshaping financial markets, Dutch financial scholar and investment mentor Prof. Arend Jan Havenaar has taken a leading role in Europe’s investment education landscape. With over two decades of experience on Wall Street and within European investment banks, he founded the Capital Growth Club (CGC) in 2022 — a platform dedicated to bringing international banking expertise back to Europe and nurturing a new generation of investors. For Prof. Havenaar, CGC is not just a new chapter in his career, but also the embodiment of his vision for the future of European investing.
Academic Foundation
Prof. Havenaar’s career began in academia. From 1991 to 1996, he pursued his master’s degree in economics and finance at the University of Amsterdam, focusing on macroeconomic theory, financial market operations, and corporate finance. Between 1998 and 2002, he completed his PhD in Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, specializing in equity valuation, market efficiency, and cross-border capital flows. This strong academic background laid the groundwork for his future career in global finance.
Professional Journey
In 1996, Prof. Havenaar joined ING Group, marking the start of his professional career in the financial sector. In 2008, he moved to BlackRock’s New York headquarters, where he served as Managing Director – Global Equity Strategies. Yet, his ambitions went beyond the world of investment banking. In 2022, he founded CGC, turning his attention to the European market with the goal of sharing his international expertise and shaping a new generation of investors with global vision and rational investment thinking.
Core Philosophy and Mission
At the heart of CGC lies a guiding principle: “Connecting Europe with the world — building a future wealth community for investors through knowledge and vision.”
CGC focuses on:
- Global equity and ETF strategies
- Risk management and cross-border asset allocation
- Investment education and international investor networking
The platform was born out of Prof. Havenaar’s deep insights into the European investment landscape. While interest in global markets has grown among European investors, many still lack structured knowledge and international perspective. CGC seeks to fill this gap by providing high-quality educational resources and practical opportunities that empower investors to better navigate the global capital markets.
Education and Practical Experience
CGC offers a comprehensive curriculum, ranging from basic investment knowledge to advanced strategies, designed for both beginners and experienced investors. Through online courses, in-person seminars, and one-on-one coaching, its expert team equips investors with essential skills in global equity investing, asset allocation, ETF management, and active fund strategies.
Practical training is a core part of the CGC experience. The community regularly organizes simulation contests and real-world case studies, allowing investors to test their knowledge and build confidence in real market contexts. This blend of theory and practice enhances learning effectiveness and strengthens decision-making skills.
Looking Ahead
CGC has an ambitious roadmap. Prof. Havenaar aims to expand its educational resources and reach by bringing in internationally renowned investment experts and academics. The organization also plans to strengthen partnerships with leading financial institutions and universities worldwide, offering members broader learning and practice opportunities.
In addition, CGC will intensify international exchange by hosting global investment forums and networking events. These initiatives are designed to foster interaction between European investors and the global investment community, enabling participants to share insights on market dynamics and emerging trends. At the same time, CGC is committed to innovating investment education, leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to personalize learning experiences and improve teaching effectiveness.
A Bridge Between Europe and the World
More than just an educational platform, CGC represents Prof. Havenaar’s bold innovation and forward-looking vision for Europe’s investment future. By bringing international investment banking expertise back to Europe, CGC provides invaluable resources and practical opportunities to a new generation of investors.
Under Prof. Havenaar’s leadership, CGC remains committed to stability, risk management, and long-term value creation. As a result, it is poised to become a vital bridge connecting European investors with global capital markets — and to help build a shared wealth future for investors worldwide.
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