John Carlo A. Lacerna, a Certified Technical Analyst (CTA), is a master strategist who blends technical precision with market psychology to guide investment decisions that balance risk and opportunity. As Portfolio Officer and Trader Analyst at CLIMBS Investment Management and Advisory Corporation (CIMAC), he manages the CLIMBS Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. (CSCEIFC), a mutual fund that fuels cooperative and stakeholder growth nationwide. In this role, he leads portfolio strategy, conducts valuation analysis, and tracks market signals—from foreign fund flows to insider trading and technical indicators—to optimize trades. His career in finance began in 2012 with stock market investing and expanded to Forex trading in 2015, where he honed a data-driven yet psychology-aware approach. Prior to CIMAC, he gained leadership and client advisory experience as Unit Sales Manager at Insular Life and Financial Advisor at AXA Philippines. A graduate of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, he also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Cooperative Management from the Asian Institute of Management. With expertise in portfolio management, financial statement analysis, and sentiment-based trading, John Carlo continues to demonstrate that exceptional financial leadership lies in the balance of technical skill and strategic insight.
Discovering STA – When asked, “How did you discover the Society of Technical Analysts of the Philippines (STA)?” “I discovered the Society of Technical Analysts through an email and saw the potential opportunities and credibility that come with earning a certification,” John Carlo shared , immediately recognizing the credibility and opportunities that come with earning a certification.
Commitment to Professional Growth – On “What motivated you to join STA, and what made you stay?” “I am motivated to join and remain a member because of my profession as a trader analyst at an asset management company, CLIMBS Investment Management and Advisory Corporation, where I am overall in charge of the CLIMBS Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corporation. Staying updated with market trends is essential, and events like the Trader Summit also inspire me to stay engaged “ he explained that his role as a trader analyst at an asset management company demands staying ahead of market trends. Events like the Trader Summit, along with the organization’s learning resources, continue to inspire his active engagement.
Pursuing the CTA for Credibility and Expertise – Regarding “What inspired you to pursue the CTA Certification?” he said his goal was to deepen his technical analysis expertise, gain global recognition, and strengthen his analytical skills. “It inspired me to pursue the CTA Certification was my commitment to deepening my expertise in technical analysis and gaining recognition in the field. As a trader analyst working in an asset management company, I saw the value of having a globally recognized certification that not only enhances my credibility but also strengthens my analytical skills. I was also inspired by the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and stay updated with evolving market strategies, which I believe are essential for making informed decisions and managing risks effectively.” The certification also offered the chance to learn directly from industry professionals and stay aligned with evolving market strategies.
Professional and Personal Advancement – In response to “In what ways has being a member of STA helped your professional or personal growth?” John Carlo noted that STA expanded his knowledge base, provided access to expert insights, and kept him updated on market trends—critical for his decision-making and risk management responsibilities. “Being a member of the STA has significantly contributed to both my professional and personal growth. Professionally, it has expanded my knowledge of technical analysis through access to high-quality learning materials, expert insights, and certification pathways. It has also helped me stay updated with current market trends and strategies, which is essential in my role as a trader analyst.”
Impact of the CTA Credential – On “How has earning your CTA Certification helped you?” he emphasized that it has enhanced his analytical structure, deepened his understanding of market behavior, and boosted his professional credibility. The designation has built greater trust with clients and colleagues while opening opportunities for career growth and industry collaboration. he ended his interview about earning a CTA certification as he added, “Earning my CTA Certification has greatly enhanced both my understanding and application of technical analysis. It deepened my knowledge of key concepts, charting techniques, and market behavior, allowing me to approach analysis with greater structure and confidence. Professionally, the certification has added significant credibility to my role as a trader analyst in an asset management firm. It has helped build trust with clients and colleagues and has opened up new opportunities for growth and collaboration within the industry.”