Nicholas graduated with his Bachelor of Business Science with Distinction from Rhodes University in 2013. He undertook a joint Honours in Economics and Mathematical Statistics and obtained distinctions in both courses. Furthermore, he was placed on the Dean’s List for Academic Merit and received his Academic Colours from the university. Nicholas was also placed on the Investec Rhodes Top 100 list in 2013.

Nicholas is currently studying towards a Masters in Financial Markets through the Department of Economics and Economic History at Rhodes University. The degree is designed to educate candidates in all aspects of financial markets, and the milieu in which the markets operate. Included in the course is the material required by local financial exchanges for qualification as trader and advisor. The degree is by coursework and dissertation

His specific area of research is regarding interest rates and investment spending in South Africa as well as the user cost of capital. Further research is needed to determine how responsive investment levels are to the interest rate (the user cost of capital) in South Africa and whether a decline in interest rates will in fact increase investment (and vice versa).  This will help in the formulation of monetary policy in South Africa as policymakers can understand the extent to which their decisions will affect investment choices made by firms and the economy as a whole.

Upon completion of his degree, Nicholas’ aim is to enter the South African financial sector and to utilize his vast understanding of financial markets to facilitate further improvement in them.