Junior Investment Associate

Location: Edinburgh (hybrid working available after probation)

Salary: £30,000-£35,000

Junior Investment Associate - Client Dealing Department 

Purpose of the Role

This role provides investment management support to Investment Managers and the wider portfolio team, helping to deliver strong client outcomes. Working efficiently within a compliance-led framework, acting honestly, fairly and professionally in the best interests of clients at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside an Investment Manager to support client relationships, delivering excellent service and adapting approach appropriately for clients in vulnerable circumstances
• Draft client communications and meeting notes on behalf of the Investment Manager
• Prepare portfolio information and performance data ahead of client meetings and presentations
• Ensure client valuations and tax packs are accurate, complete, and issued in line with internal standards and regulatory requirements
• Provide administrative support for ongoing monitoring of client portfolios, flagging any portfolios outside tolerance for the Investment Manager's review and assisting with resulting actions
• Support suitability review processes to help the Investment Manager deliver good client outcomes
• Once certified, carry out research under the direction of the Investment Manager, in line with firm standards
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records covering telephone, face-to-face and email contact
• Support timely resolution of client queries or complaints, escalating to Compliance as needed
• Gather client information required for CDD/KYC purposes to support account opening and stock transfers; assist with account opening and day-to-day portfolio administration
• Support remedial actions arising from compliance monitoring or advice checks, within agreed timescales
• Place trades on the firm's dealing platform based on instructions received from Investment Managers, ensuring accurate execution and booking
• Take and place non-complex execution-only client orders in line with documented procedures
• Help build and grow client and intermediary relationships with professionalism and integrity; liaise with financial planners, intermediaries, product providers and IFAs as directed
• Maintain and update the new business pipeline report and related systems
• Prepare pitch documents and presentation materials for prospective clients, under the Investment Manager's direction
• Identify opportunities for internal referrals to other services within the wider group
• Support the team in achieving targets through efficient servicing of new and existing clients
• Carry out other duties reasonably requested by management

Additional Responsibilities

• Work towards and maintain Fitness & Propriety standards required for Certification, including passing annual assessments
• Proactively develop industry and market knowledge; complete and log relevant CPD
• Identify and report potential process improvements, contributing to best-practice initiatives
• Undertake ad hoc projects as directed by the Investment Manager or wider front office management
• Support the development of junior colleagues within the investment management team
• Support colleagues with client-facing workload while contributing to the investment process

Person Specification

Qualifications

• CISI Level 3 (or equivalent) – desirable
• Willingness to work towards CISI Level 4 Investment Advice Diploma (or equivalent) within an agreed timeframe – minimum requirement for Certification
• Must be assessed as Fit & Proper under the Certification Regime

Systems & Process Knowledge

• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong understanding of internal procedures and processes (training provided)
• Working knowledge of a core wealth management dealing platform (training provided)
• Exposure to market data/trading systems such as Bloomberg, Fidessa, Alpha or FactSet advantageous

Regulatory Awareness

• Sound understanding of relevant regulatory and compliance requirements, escalating concerns promptly

Core Skills

• Able to work unsupervised
• Excellent client service skills
• Strong communicator with good presentation skills
• Highly organised with strong time management; able to work under pressure to deadlines
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal, team-working and influencing skills
• Professional, flexible and proactive approach
• Good understanding of appropriate boundaries around client contact