Vietnamese Trailblazer Becomes First Partner at $6 Billion Hedge Fund on Wall Street

Do Hong Anh has made history as the first Vietnamese Partner at Indus Capital, a hedge fund managing over $6 billion in assets. Her journey began in 2012 when she delivered nearly 100% returns on her portfolio, yet felt her contributions were undervalued, prompting her to consider a career change. However, she soon realized that in the hedge fund industry, one exceptional year is not enough to secure long-term success.

She noted that a common saying on Wall Street reflects the relentless pressure to consistently generate profits, stating that one is only as good as their last trade. Understanding this, Hong Anh decided to stay and prove her worth repeatedly, striving to become a 'rainmaker'—a term for those who generate substantial profits for their funds.

Her journey to Wall Street began unexpectedly when she received a full scholarship to study A-levels in the UK. During her time at Cambridge Tutors College, she became fascinated by the financial world after reading about Wall Street in the Financial Times. This ignited her ambition to work in finance.

“You're only as good as your last trade.”Common saying on Wall Street

After completing her A-levels, she secured another scholarship to Bowdoin College in the U.S., a liberal arts institution known for its critical thinking approach. Despite its lack of a strong financial network, Hong Anh proactively sought opportunities, interning at KPMG in Vietnam and later at Citi Group and Merrill Lynch in London. Her persistence paid off when she landed an internship at Goldman Sachs, where she made a bold prediction about the mortgage market's collapse, which later came true.

After graduating, she faced a challenging job market but eventually connected with a Partner at Indus Capital during a job fair. Her impressive resume and recommendations led to her hiring, a rare achievement for a newcomer in the hedge fund sector. However, the financial crisis of 2008 posed significant challenges, with many colleagues losing their jobs while Hong Anh was retained due to her keen investment instincts.

The crisis instilled a sense of caution in her, leading her to adopt a defensive mindset. However, becoming a mother in 2011 shifted her perspective on risk-taking. Realizing that survival in the hedge fund world requires more than just caution, she returned to Indus Capital in 2012 with renewed determination.

“If I don't demand, I won't get.”Do Hong Anh, Partner at Indus Capital

In 2012, Hong Anh achieved remarkable results, generating 100% returns for her portfolio. Yet, her year-end bonus did not meet her expectations, prompting her to advocate for herself more assertively. She learned that consistent, exceptional performance over years is essential for advancement.

In 2013, her investments in Japan capitalized on the economic reforms under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, yielding significant profits and solidifying her position within the firm. By 2015, she was promoted to Managing Director, and in 2019, she became Partner at Indus Capital, a role that signifies her as a co-owner and key decision-maker.

Do Hong Anh's achievements not only represent a personal victory but also serve as an inspiration for Vietnamese professionals in the global finance landscape. Her story underscores the importance of resilience and strategic risk-taking in achieving success in a highly competitive industry.