What makes a good Investment Analyst?

Simon RoderickCareer management, Resources for candidates

investment analyst

What makes a good Investment Analyst?

August 9, 2020
 / 
Career management
, 
Resources for candidates
We’ve seen a real growth in roles in Investment Analysis of late. Here are some of the key things firms are looking for when hiring.
We’ve seen a real growth in roles in Investment Analysis of late. Perhaps on the wealth management side it’s because more investment decisions are being centralised, but there’s always strong demand in institutional asset management too for high quality Investment Analysts. Fund Managers and strockbrokers always need high quality information to ensure that their portfolios are positioned correctly, and this is a key role. It’s a tough part of the industry to get into and hiring firms are fairly predictable in that they want people with strong academics. In addition, depending on where you are in the your career, they will want individuals to be at least part way through the CFA or CFA qualified. Once in the industry, what else are firms looking for when hiring?

Team players who are independent thinkers

It sounds a contradiction, but firms really do want to hire team players who are independent thinkers. They want people who can work together to continuously improve a research department’s output, those who can attend an investment committee, but they want individuals who will speak up about their investment ideas.

In some firms you may be the only expert on a particular asset class, but in many firms they will have one asset class, or investment style, and the investment committee will gather to discuss the macro environment, sectors, and individual stocks. Good investment analysts need to be able defend their ideas against high levels of scrutiny.

Strong communicators

The stereotypical analyst is often portrayed like the stereotypical accountant, but this isn’t true. To take part in the investment debate effectively, you need to be a strong communicator. Also, research is a department in its own right and naturally senior analysts find themselves managing others – people skills are important.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive future insights & research

Sceptical and intellectually curious

Successful analysts are interested in the world around them, and question and evaluate things constantly. Not to be difficult, but to understand the drivers of a sector or asset class.

Specialist knowledge

At a certain level, firms hire based on candidates having very niche knowledge. They are paying for expertise and insight into a certain asset class, or more likely a sub-section of an asset class, which generalists can’t provide. Track record and reputation matters.

Performance

The results of an analyst’s recommendations are very visible.

About Fram Search

Established in 2010, Fram Search is a specialist financial services recruitment consultancy. We support firms across wealth management, asset management, venture capital, private markets and wider financial services, helping clients secure exceptional talent from specialist professionals through to senior leadership teams.

Our consultants combine deep sector expertise with extensive candidate networks developed across financial planning, investment management, venture capital, EIS & VCT, private markets, asset finance, fintech and corporate functions. We provide both contingent recruitment and executive search services, helping clients attract, assess and retain the talent required to drive growth and long-term success.

Please contact us on 01525 864 372 / [email protected] to learn more.

Wealth Management
Venture Capital & EIS
Asset Management
Contact Us

Related Articles:

Recruiting Intermediary Sales Professionals in Financial Services

AI Engineer Recruiters for Financial Services

Why CRM Projects Fail in Wealth Management

The Importance of a First Rate CFO and Finance Function in Specialist Lending

Bridging Finance Specialist Recruiters

What if the strategy is right but you’re not sure you have the right person to deliver it? Market Update Sept 26

More Articles

Share this Post