Portfolio Construction Advisory & Research, Senior Analyst

Department Description

The Portfolio Construction & Risk team is part of the wider cross asset investment team at FIL. The main areas of focus include leading the Investment Risk Management Process across all asset classes and supporting Portfolio Managers in Equity, Fixed Income and Multi Asset to build more efficient portfolios. In particular the team act as the 'eyes and ears' of the Chief Investment Officers to help facilitate better Client Outcome and takes a leading role in Quarterly Fund Reviews (QFRs) and Investment Risk Committees (IRCs).

Purpose of the Role

• Support the growing responsibilities of the Portfolio Construction & Risk team as part of a significant upgrade to FIL's investment risk management processes. This upgrade will materially enhance FIL's risk management culture and to ensure it is at the heart of every decision that we make
• Act as part of the Portfolio Construction Advisory and Research Group and contribute to the team's work in portfolio analytics, risk management and portfolio construction projects including the development of new strategies
• Undertake targeted portfolio construction research to help guide FIL's strategic decision making and innovate continuously to help FIL better serve our clients' needs
• Work closely with the Asset Class CIOs including the provision of specialist support and analytics
• Help the team to build stronger relationships outside the investment team to foster ongoing collaboration

Key Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in Quarterly Fund Reviews with portfolio managers and ensure that key risks are understood and discussed
• Lead on specific responsibilities as required as part of the work of the Investment Risk Committee and FIL's wider investment risk management framework
• Respond to analytical requests from Portfolio Managers, CIOs and clients across all asset classes with creative solutions and sound judgement in terms of interpretation and communication of the results
• Play a leading role in FIL's use of 3rd-party risk modelling tools to ensure that we are making full use of their capabilities and remain in line with industry best practice
• Undertake quantitative research using Python and a variety of financial datasets in line with business needs and working with FIL's Technology teams to build innovative solutions to specific challenges
• Take on specific responsibilities as required as part of the work of the Investment Risk Committee and FIL's wider investment risk management framework

Experience and Qualifications Required

• Ideally University educated, with a degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Finance or Economics preferred
• CFA Charter holder or desire to study towards or an equivalent qualification
• Experience in a similar role in a buy-side institution
• Deep understanding of global Equity and Fixed Income markets, and the investment management industry's role within them
• Understanding of Multi-Asset portfolio construction techniques and Private Asset classes is an advantage
• Self-confident, with good communication and influencing skills, and able to establish a solid rapport with colleagues across FIL
• Dynamic "can do" attitude with a strong desire to think creatively and innovate to make things happen
• Familiarity with MSCI Barra risk models is an advantage
• Strong practical experience working with Python for quantitative analysis is an advantage
• Attention to detail and committed to accuracy and efficiency
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills