Why do you enjoy your job?
In my team, we monitor rules and guidelines attached to funds. So I read Investment Management Agreements (IMA’s) and attach their rules in MIG21 (our system holding rules attached to funds). We review any potential breaches in BTFS and alert Fund Managers if the breaches are correct. They of course, have cure periods to get back into the green zone, typically 5 days. I enjoy most the FX overlay monitoring where we run Pre and Post-trade tests on LDI funds that rebalance and rollover forward contracts. I like viewing data such as fund valuations and trade positions and also reviewing amendments to funds and analysing why they may have changed their strategies depending on the economic climate. For instance some funds were tightening their hedge ratios as the UK came nearer to exiting the EU. It’s also very interesting to go to daily or weekly meetings in the investment teams in which they describe the current state of the economy and daily affairs which may impact decisions.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
When we come across a potential breach in a template but realise it may not be entirely accurate, we are then tasked with updating and adding in the relevant data to match currently what we cannot monitor in our systems. Although it’s not extremely difficult, it can be challenging to read IMA’s and understand exactly what we’re monitoring and why. Once knowing the rules to add, I then look at current formulas in the template and look to update them by using functions such as Match and Index when reformatting a spreadsheet to pull through the figures I need. It’s good to improve templates and add in some VBA to speed up the check.
How did you get into your job?
I studied Business, Economics and Accounting in my A-levels and favoured Economics so decided to study Economics and Finance at the University of Portsmouth. I have always wanted to get into the Investment Management industry since a young age and currently want to develop my knowledge on Derivatives. I would say to get into the industry you need to write down goals often and read investment related articles and books daily. You need to be highly motivated, consistent and always put a focus on developing yourself. Whilst improving knowledge, I wanted to also improve my soft skills and Investment20/20 do a great job of this by allowing me the opportunity to attend networking events and meet other likeminded people. Investment20/20 also provide you the chance to be able to go to other schools/Universities to give to talks on how to get on-board with a job in the city which is useful to educate students unaware of these types of opportunities.
What are your future aspirations?
Future aspirations would be to continue the path that I am on and build my network and knowledge of the investment industry. To also equip myself with understanding in Python, a programming language which enables you to build tools and improve Spreadsheets.
How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?
It has been amazing to be given this opportunity. Having my first year in the city with networking events and listening to senior professionals in the industry has broadened my perspectives and given me a better vision of where I want to be. I would encourage anyone to apply for their first job through the Investment20/20 programme to kick start their career. I’m happy to be part of this community and give back too by promoting my experience by being an ambassador for Investment20/20.
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