Index Analyst

Job description

Role Title: Index Analyst

Business: Retail Banking and Wealth Mgmt

New or Existing Role? New

Role Purpose

· A strong Excel VBA developer to support the Passive Equity investment team on day to today fund modelling, trade initiation, back testing, POC analysis, trading strategy requirements. To perform software support on HSBC ETF/Index/Enhanced/Smart Beta/Factor Beta trading, and structuring the risk platforms. This role will require providing first level application support existing VBA tools, debugging, testing new functionality and evolving the system in a constantly changing business environment. Primary areas of focus will be related to Trade initiation, Trade Processing, Risk Management, Reporting, and Market & Reference Data requirements.
· Support the Fund Managers with designated equity funds (as appropriate) including monitoring investment performance and supporting investment decisions. Achieving target performance in respect of all supported managed index funds
· To support the strategic Passive equity tool project, through research and implementation, providing support and solutions to building out capability to be ‘best in class'
· A core focus on building long term ‘tactical' investment decision solutions/technology outside of the core strategic HSBC fund management system, according to business and fund management requirements
· Long term aim is for the individual to acquire an exceptional investment knowledge for Passive investment management both in terms of theoretically understanding and practical knowledge and application
· To be part of the HSBC Passive strategic systems working group, which bridges the on desk fund management requirements with technology solutions
· Develop and enhance existing index data research requirements for trading strategies, external marketing and client acquisition and proposition requirements outside of fund management

Key Accountabilities

Impact on the Business

· Analysis of index changes & corporate actions Identifying opportunities for added value to the investment process
· Preparing trading lists according to agreed trading strategies and market characteristics
· Working with support areas to provide a high level of service to clients
· Conducting ad-hoc research, and preparing material for investment reports, as required
· Participating in research and product development activities, including assisting in the development of quantitative investment products
· Helping to maintain the integrity and increase the efficiency of equity indexation systems (as appropriate)

· Working with the team to manage transition mandates

· Assists fund managers to implement Asset Management's investment philosophy and processes

Customers / Stakeholders

· Support the global equity research team and the global investment teams with external and internal channels
· Frequent interactions with local investment team; frequent interactions with Asset Management Operations and IT; frequent interactions with third-party infrastructure providers.
· Deliver fair outcomes for our customers and ensure own conduct maintains the orderly and transparent operation of financial markets

Leadership & Teamwork

· Support achievement of the HSBC vision, values, goals and culture in personal behaviour, actions and decision making.
· Take personal responsibility for understanding and agreeing performance expectations, completing the necessary mandatory training and developing the levels of capability and competence needed to be effective in the role.
· Contribute to team development, effectiveness and success by sharing knowledge and good practice, working collaboratively with others to create a productive, diverse and supportive working environment.
· Be an excellent team player
· Individuals is responsible for their own effectiveness, development and results. Specialist or Subject Matter Experts, where matrix management and understanding of Group strategy is expected. Their contribution is often as a technical/professional specialist in their field
· Provide technical leadership and support technical excellence by searching out external best practice, monitoring technical and professional developments, sharing knowledge and encouraging others to do the same in the best interests of HSBC and its customers
· Encourage and enable constructive cross-country and cross-business teamwork by demonstrating collaboration and matrix management in action and challenging actions and behaviours that are not consistent with HSBC"s diversity policy and/or the best interests of the business and its customers

Operational Effectiveness & Control

· Be able to work independently and to take initiative
· Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
· Support Fund Managers and the head of the team to develop and maintain a research, analytics and risk framework for the team
· Adhere to HSBC policy, procedures and control requirements applicable to day-to-day working, exceptional and project activities, and raise any concerns about actual or potential issues promptly, in line with reporting and escalation procedures.
· Continuously monitor and gather information to assess potential impacts and identify possible risks and opportunities for the business.
· Apply policies, procedures, practices and standards to their allocated tasks, taking responsibility for their own actions, to ensure the achievement of high levels of quality, effective risk management and regulatory compliance
· Develop and recommend changes and improvements to operating models, procedures and practices based on subject matter expertise and understanding of HSBC and market best practice
· Communicate and adhere to HSBC policy and procedures in order to ensure good operational, financial and project management, policy and procedural compliance and early identification and effective resolution or escalation of issues that arise
· Contribute to the development, implementation and maintenance of a management information, analysis and reporting framework that supports and informs timely and effective business management and decision making at all levels
· Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of the application of policies, governance frameworks, procedures, practices and standards to ensure quality, effective risk management and regulatory compliance

Management of Risk

· The jobholder will ensure the fair treatment of our customers is at the heart of everything we do, both personally and as an organisation.
· This will be achieved by consistently displaying the behaviours that form part of the HSBC Values and culture and adhering to HSBC risk policies and procedures, including notification and escalation of any concerns and taking required action in relation to points raised by audit and/or external regulators.
· The jobholder is responsible for managing and mitigating operational risks in their day to day operations. In executing these responsibilities, the Group has adopted risk management and internal control structure referred to as the ‘Three Lines of Defence'. The jobholder should ensure they understand their position within the Three Lines of Defence, and act accordingly in line with operational risk policy, escalating in a timely manner where they are unsure of actions required.
· Through the implementation the Global AML, Sanctions and ABC Policies, supporting Guidance, and Line of Business Procedures the jobholder will make informed decisions in accordance with the core principles of HSBC"s Financial Crime Risk Appetite.

Observation of Internal Controls

· The jobholder will adhere to, and be able to demonstrate adherence to, internal controls and will implement the Group compliance policy by adhering to all relevant processes/procedures.
· The term ‘compliance' embraces all relevant financial services laws, rules and codes with which the business has to comply. This will be achieved by adherence to all relevant procedures, keeping appropriate records and, where appropriate, by the timely implementation of internal and external audit points, including issues raised by external regulators

Desired profile

Knowledge & Experience / Qualifications

· 1+ years' experience in a Fund Manager position – Quantitative background
· 3+ years Excel VBA programming experience
· Strong Database SQL skills (desirable)

· CFA or equivalent an advantage

· Experience of researching and building portfolio optimization applications with deep knowledge of the underlying algorithms

· Proficient in spoken and written English
· Positive and proactive attitude with flexibility to accommodate changing environment and willingness to take on new responsibilities

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating a diverse environment.