Alejandro Cardona joins Victor Hugo Rodriguez on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange for a conversation focused on financial education, entrepreneurship, and the growing participation of the Hispanic community in capital markets. Cardona reflects on his personal journey, explaining that from a young age he dreamed of building significant wealth, although no one initially taught him how investing and capital markets could make that possible. His curiosity eventually led him to explore finance in Colombia, where he first approached the stock market and began studying trading and investment strategies.
He recounts how early experiences in the markets were shaped by trial and error, including his first investment in Ecopetrol and the lessons learned during the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Those challenges reinforced his conviction that the capital markets offer opportunities unlike any other industry, where disciplined investors can build wealth over time. Eventually, Cardona moved to the United States to continue studying finance and developing his trading models while building a life in Miami.
A central theme of the discussion is the transformation taking place within the Hispanic community. Cardona explains that years ago very few Hispanics participated in financial markets, but today that is changing rapidly as financial education spreads. He emphasizes that investing is not gambling but a discipline that requires training, patience, and emotional control.
Cardona also highlights the importance of mindset, discipline, and long-term thinking, encouraging Hispanics—especially women and young people—to see investing as a path toward financial independence and generational wealth. The conversation concludes with a broader message: the capital markets are open to everyone, and with education and persistence, Hispanics can play an increasingly important role in the global financial ecosystem.
