Thinking about Systems

“CFA curriculum material should become more future-oriented and address awkward topics”

Effective ‘futures thinking’ means integrative ‘systems thinking’. For example, a new book by Kate Raworth argues we must discard today’s reigning macro and micro economic models. Markets still play an important role in setting prices and allocating resources in her new model. However, ‘systems thinking’ brings a new dimension to the price setting and resources allocation process. If economic activity produces too much carbon, environmental degradation, income and wealth inequality and financial instability, we have an increasingly unsustainable ‘system’. Should the CFA curriculum not expose candidates to this kind of thinking?

Having substantial wealth certainly makes your finances more complicated, but it can also magnify already complex family relationships and dynamics.

One strategy Enterprising Families use to help them navigate decisions concerning the knowledge, use, management, investment and stewardship of their assets — and the impact of their wealth on their family — is “systems thinking.”