Kimberly Chao is a passionate investment professional with over 15 years of industry experience.  She is committed to increasing financial literacy and enabling investors to achieve their financial goals.

She is the founder of Zebra Crossing Asset Management, managing investments, providing financial planning, and increasing financial awareness.  Her financial acumen and ability to earn the trust of her clients generated demand for her services and led to the launch of Zebra Crossing.

Over the decade prior to launch, Kimberly built expertise through her diverse work experience.  Her expertise includes investment strategy, portfolio management, and trading.  In 2004, she began her career on a currency trading desk at Wachovia and then transitioned to commodities with Standard Bank of South Africa.  During the financial crisis, she relocated to Hong Kong where she managed a bond portfolio for ING.  Upon returning to America in 2011, she joined the global-macro hedge fund Bridgewater.

Originally born in upstate New York, she was raised in Georgia.  At age 21, she graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a double degree in Finance and Chemical Engineering.  She currently resides in the Upper West Side in New York from where she enjoys running in Central Park.

Education:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Jun 2004 | Cambridge, MA

  • B.S. Chemical Engineering
  • B.S. Management Science/Finance
  • Minor in Economics

Experience:

Zebra Crossing Asset Management LLC
Founding Principal
Oct 2014 to Present | New York, NY

Start-up for Zebra Crossing Asset Management LLC
Entrepreneur
Jun 2013 to Oct 2014 | New York, NY

Bridgewater Associates – Global Trading
Trading Analytics Associate
May 2011 to Jul 2013 | Westport, CT

ING Investment Management – Fixed Income
Assistant Portfolio Manager
Dec 2008 to May 2011 | Hong Kong

Fortis Bank – Global Markets Sales and Structuring Asia
Business Development Manager
Jul 2008 to Dec 2008 | Hong Kong

Huabao (China) Co., Ltd.
Mandarin Language Student
Jan 2008 to Jul 2008 | Hong Kong

Standard Bank of South Africa – Structured Commodities Products
Associate
Jun 2007 to Dec 2007 | New York, NY

Wachovia Bank, N.A. – FX Institutional Sales
Analyst
Jun 2004 to May 2007 | London, UK and Charlotte, NC

Professional Certifications:

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Chartered Financial Analysts designation is awarded by the CFA Institute. CFA certification requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or have equivalent educational or work experience.
  • Successful completion of all three exam levels of the CFA Program
  • Have 48 months of acceptable professional work experience in the investment decision-making process.
  • Fulfill society requirements, which vary by society. Unless you are upgrading from affiliate membership, all societies require two sponsor statements as part of each application; these are submitted online by your sponsors.
  • Agree to adhere to and sign the Member's Agreement, a Professional Conduct Statement, and any additional documentation requested by CFA Institute.

Energy Risk Professional (ERP®): is awarded by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). ERP® certification requirements:

  • A passing score on the ERP exam.
  • Active Individual Membership in the Global Association of Risk Professionals.
  • A minimum of two years professional full-time work experience in the area of energy or financial risk management or another related field including, but not limited to, trading, portfolio management, academic or industry research, economics, auditing, risk consulting, risk technology, and/or physical energy fields like exploration, production, shipping, and processing.
  • GARP requires Certified ERPs to further their skills and knowledge through a mandatory Continuing Education (CPE) Program. This helps Certified ERPs develop their expertise and stay current in dynamic industry.