Investment Analyst and Dealer at Absa Bank Limited

Job Summary

The Investment Analyst and Dealer role is a technical role which entails performing research and preparing analysis of economic, financial markets and financial instruments and products to support decision making by the investment management team. In addition, the incumbent will monitor and implement portfolio tactical decisions as agreed on various portfolios, by ensuring timely, accurate and competitive processing and execution of investment instructions while ensuring compliance with risk management guidelines with regard to counterparties, placement limits, asset allocation, asset classes, portfolio Investment Policy Statements, Regulatory Guidelines etc.

Job Description

Main accountabilities and approximate time split

Research Analysis, time split 50%

• Develop financial models and generate financial valuations/updates for listed and unlisted companies.
• Generate investment recommendation reports/updates for internal and external clients to shape investment decision-making.
• Analyze and make recommendations for private debt offerings to the investment committee.
• Analyze and make recommendations for offshore investment opportunities for use in developing alternative investment products.
• Forecast macroeconomic variables such as interest rates, inflation, and GDP growth.
• Analyze sovereign and non-sovereign fixed-income assets on behalf of the investment team and make recommendations.
• Conducting weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings with the investment team to review investment actions and guide future investment strategies.
• Maintain all research databases updated at all times
• Provide market intelligence
• Coordinate meetings with potential investment issuers

Execution, time split 35%

• Prepare dealing tickets to the intermediaries and ensure they are logged into the fund management system accurately and timeously
• Timely, accurate, and competitive dealing with placement counterparties with a view to maximizing returns to the organization while managing risk and tax efficiency.
• Ensuring timely settlement of the trades with custody and in the Investment system.
• Negotiating and closing investment opportunities with potential counterparties.
• Implementation of investment decisions made by the Investment Committee in liaison with the investment manager
• Ensuring complete documentation/recording of trades/deals in compliance with internal procedures.
• Monitor upcoming investment maturities/Roll-overs and inform investment managers/private wealth clients on a timely manner

Stakeholder Management, time split 10%

• Organize continuous and periodic review meetings with listed and unlisted institutions to facilitate investment management decision-making.
• Develop counterparty review models and spearhead the reviews as per the business policy
• Initiating and sustaining good relationships with investment brokers and issuers to ensure access to management and relevant decision-making information.
• Supporting the investment managers in constructing, reviewing, and rebalancing clients’ multi-asset class portfolios.
• Compliance with Service providers and counterparty SLA’s.
• Initiating and sustaining good relationships with investment counterparties and brokers to ensure efficient exaction of deals.
• Ensure smooth interaction between dealing, front office, middle office, and back office operations
• Take charge of own growth and development needs through seeking on the Job training and enrolling in relevant in-house and external courses.

Rigour Compliance, time split 5%

Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework, and internal Absa Policies and Policy Standards. Understand and manage risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role.

Other Duties

• Data steward
• Investment Committee coordination

Knowledge, Technical Skills / Competencies

Skills and experience required:

• A first degree in a relevant subject preferably Business Management, Commerce, Actuarial science etc.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in Investment Analysis and Dealing or other relevant areas.
• Must be a Chartered Investment & Financial Analyst  (CIFA) certified or actively pursuing CIFA qualifications and registration
• Professional qualifications which may include CFA, CPA, CISI, CAIA, and/or other relevant professional qualifications in fund management will be an added advantage
• Knowledge of the Kenya financial services industry, Capital Markets Authority (CMA) & Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) Guidelines.

Knowledge, Expertise, and Experience

Specification

• Experience in the use of Investment Management and Research Systems.
• Knowledge of good practice in financial analysis and dealing and related activities including risk and governance frameworks.
• Adaptability to change, proactive and responsive to challenges in a changing environment.
• An enthusiastic, pragmatic, and energetic hands-on individual with an entrepreneurial spirit and a bias towards action and resolving issues quickly
• Good communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence, motivate and encourage consensus amongst peers, managers, and partners at all levels and of different cultures and capacities