Parth Sethi: from M&A at KPMG to Avendus Capital

Tell us about your background before the MFin

Before the MFin, I worked in Deal Advisory at KPMG India for a little over four years, focusing on M&A and financial due diligence. I worked on both buy-side and sell-side mandates across sectors such as consumer, industrials, and financial services. My role involved analysing business performance, identifying key value drivers and risks, and supporting clients through valuation, modelling, and deal negotiations.

This experience gave me strong exposure to the full deal cycle and how transactions are executed in practice. At the same time, it highlighted areas where I wanted more structured, technical depth, particularly in valuation, capital markets, and the broader global finance landscape, which ultimately led me to the Cambridge MFin.

Tell us why you chose the MFin and what stood out for you

I chose to pursue an MFin because I wanted a rigorous, structured foundation in finance that goes beyond on-the-job learning. During my experience in M&A, I realised that while I understood deal processes and market dynamics, I wanted deeper expertise in areas like valuation, financial modelling and capital markets. The MFin bridges that gap between practical exposure and analytical depth.

One thing that stood out for me was the collaborative and diverse cohort.

What was your favourite memory from your time on the programme?

My favourite memories are tied to the unique Cambridge traditions and the people I experienced them with. The May Ball stands out: spending the night with classmates in a historic college setting felt like a celebration of everything we had gone through during the year.

Formal dinners were another highlight. Sharing meals in college halls, often after a full day of lectures and group work, created space for conversations that went beyond finance, from career choices to personal goals. These moments, both the big events and the everyday interactions around them, made the year feel very special.

How did the MFin impact you professionally?

MFin provided a stronger technical foundation, better decision-making and communication, expanded network and perspective, amongst others.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying to the MFin?

Take the leap. This year is your chance to stretch beyond your comfort zone and learn more about yourself. Cambridge provides incredible resources and opportunities, and Judge Business School’s tradition of hosting remarkable global leaders makes its network especially powerful.