The Headhunter

Senior Fund Analyst - London

Our client, a leading global provider of investment research, is building their fund research business in Europe.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about investing and helping individuals and their advisers make better investment decisions. Our client expects analysts to develop clear opinions on funds based on research that goes beyond mere performance and risk evaluation.  To research funds thoroughly, our client's analysts interview portfolio managers, undertake quantitative analysis using databases and monitor regulatory and media information. Analysts build expertise on specific fund houses, the fund industry and various economic sectors. The Senior Fund Analyst will be expected to write investment opinions, help shape methodologies, conduct research studies, make media appearances and represent our client at speaking engagements.

Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary for this role. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of fund analysis or related experience in the UK market. Quantitative skills and additional professional certifications such as the CFA designation are a plus.

For more information, please call Aine Hall.

Sales - Risk Solutions - based London

Our US client is building its London sales operation. They sell complex products which allow their clients to analyse the risk in their portfolios.

We seek a sales executive with experience of new business sales in the risk solutions space. You will be managing sales cycles from 1 month to a year. Your first year target will be £1m.

You will have a strong sales track record. You will be a self-starter who understands buy-side risk solutions. You will have a credible network of contacts.

This role offers a competitive salary as well as equity participation.

Keywords: portfolio attribution, portfolio optimisation, portfolio rebalancing, asset allocation, risk modelling, risk monitoring, sales, business development.

Please contact Aine Hall on +44 (0)20 7392 2644 for more information.

Mixed Outcomes of Credit Crunch

The Guardian reports that the FTSE 100 will today see its biggest shake-up since the era of the dotcom boom and bust. The article states many of today's expected departures are losing their place as a result of the US sub-prime crisis and the subsequent credit crunch.

A report by PAC states it isn't all doom and gloom and forecasts that banks' IT spend is set to rise 7.7% between 2007 and 2011. A Forbes article says year-end Wall Street bonuses will generally be good and employment after the 2001 lay-offs has climbed steadily. They predict job losses in Wall Street next year.

London's Square Mile is expected to suffer job losses next year for the first time since 2001 according to The City of London's most recent City News Monitor.

Markit Agrees to Acquire Swapswire

Securities Industry News reports that Markit, has agreed to buy London-based SwapsWire, the OTC derivatives confirmation platform, for an undisclosed price. Thirteen of Markit’s broker-dealer owners are among SwapsWire’s owners. Here's the press release.

The FT reports "the deal highlights the trend towards consolidation between the platforms that offer processing for over-the-counter derivatives trades."

Swapswire's About Us states the system has grown rapidly since its introduction in 2002 and is now relied upon by derivatives professionals at hundreds of sites worldwide. Markit's  About Us says the firm, established in 2001, has close to 1000 clients.