Investment analyst

The role

Investment anlysts perform a key role in helping to provide all aspects of investment advice to a range of clients. You will assist in the determination of appropriate investment strategies and manager structures for clients by producing monitoring reports and assisting with fund manager selection exercises.

The professional qualifications

All investment analysts complete the Investment Management Certificate and then elect to study towards becoming either an actuary or a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.

To become an actuary you need to complete a total of 15 exams and a paper. Core topics include statistical modelling, economics, financial and actuarial mathematics, together with the established areas of actuarial work in investment, finance and asset management, life assurance, general insurance, pensions and employee benefits. Exemptions from some examinations are possible depending on your degree course. It usually takes between three and six years to become qualified.

To become a charterholder of the CFA you’ll need to complete three exams covering topic areas including; cconomics, financial reporting, equity Investments and more. It takes approximately three years to become a CFA charterholder.

The requirements

You’ll need a minimum of 320 UCAS obtained in three subjects including mathematics at a B grade or above and a 2.1 honours degree expected or obtained in a numerical or semi numerical degree discipline. Equivalent qualifications are accepted.