Matthew Thomas

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GAM Investments

Fund Development Trainee |

Graduate

Why do you enjoy your job?

The Fund development team builds, launches and manages the various funds that are marketed and sold to investors across all asset classes. We are involved in the initial setting up and coordinating of a fund lunch and managing the development of the fund post launch, to ensure that it is still functional, resolving any ad-hoc issues that may arise due to changes within the asset management industry

The product and fund development role is the heartbeat of GAM and without it there would be effectively no funds to sell.

My Job is enjoyable because it gives the broadest exposure anyone could possibly get to the different parts of the company.

Whether it is learning about what various share classes mean and who they are sold to, a new regulation, discovering what products are currently attractive to investors or liaising with the operations team to find out the status set-up of a fund or just speaking to Fund Managers, the role never gets dull as there is always work on something new and exciting every day.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

Given the central nature of my role and the vast resources of information in our possession, particularly related to the funds that are marketed and sold by the business, there is the need to be able to a keep abreast of, grasp, understand and apply concepts very quickly with an acute attention to detail. This can be quite challenging given the sheer volume of information and the fact that we are not actually experts in some of those fields. Luckily it means we can go on a fact find mission and discover what that thing is. The answer is always very interesting and usually an email or a phone call away.

How did you get into your job?

When I graduated I took a break due to some personal reasons. In 2016 I was directed to do the IMC qualification by a personal mentor, which I found thoroughly exciting and went on to search for entry level roles. It proved difficult until I found out about the Investment20/20 scheme. I found out about the role on the Investment20/20 website and applied.

The scheme has helped me get a foot into a great company and an excellent role that suits my skills incredibly well. More importantly, nothing beats the experience gained from working in the industry and the skills gained whilst on the Job. I have been able to take and pass the CFA level 1 while at GAM Investments, with the aim of completing all levels.

What are your future aspirations?

To remain in Fund Development, progress and develop my career in his incredible field.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

Through the Investment20/20 scheme, I have been able to explore the interesting world of asset management and especially Fund development. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is just beginning their journey in this exciting and dynamic industry.