Research Specialist Ops Due Diligence

Job description

Role Title: Research Specialist Ops Due Diligence

Business: Global Private Banking

New or Existing Role? New

Grade: GCB4

Role Purpose

·  The Operational Due Diligence Analyst will have responsibility for performing operational due diligence reviews for investments in hedge fund, private equity and real estate managers .Such responsibilities will include conducting due diligence reviews, drafting assessment reports of managers, and making presentations to the regional research committees. Knowledge of operations and/or audit in the asset management business or hedge fund operations is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. It is anticipated that the position will include about 20% travel.
·  Conduct on-site operational due diligence meetings of external asset managers as part of the ODD program. These meetings discuss all areas of operations to assess the strength of the organization and its ability to mitigate operational risk.
·  Document due diligence meetings conducted in the specified report template and present findings to the regional research committee.
·  Perform regulatory research and reviews for managers.
·  Analyze underlying manager financial statements.
·  Research foreign markets to assess regulatory and tax issues involving trading/establishing a local presence in those markets.
·  Assist team members on special projects.
·  Perform due diligence reviews on administrators that support underlying hedge fund managers.
·  Meet with prime brokers and other industry participants.

Key Accountabilities

Impact on the Business

·  The addition of this role will increase our due diligence capability, ensuring that we cover all aspects of our current and prospective hedge fund investments to the highest level.

Customers / Stakeholders

·  HSBC's Alternative Investment Group

Leadership & Teamwork

·  To work with the hedge fund research team, private equity team and real estate team with regard to funds/managers that need to be covered.

Major Challenges

·  Coverage of a continually changing investment universe.
·  Keeping up to date with all industry level changes and their potential effects.
·  Ensuring that our operational due diligence process remains best in class and timely.

Role Context

·  Work closely with the global research teams.
·  Work will primarily be Europe based, but there is some travel across USA.

Management of Risk

· Is aware of the Operational Risk scenario associated with the role and acts in a manner that takes account of operational risk considerations.

Observation of Internal Controls

· Maintains HSBC internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators.

· Understands, follows and demonstrates compliance with all relevant internal and external rules, regulations and procedures that apply to the conduct of the business in which the jobholder is involved, specifically Internal Controls and any Compliance policy including, inter alia, the Group Compliance policy.

·  The position outlined by this job description constitutes a “controlled function” requiring specific FSA approval under section 59 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This particular position is defined as a “Customer Function” controlled function and, as such, the holder must ensure that their personal conduct complies in all respects with the first four Statements of Principle for Approved Persons and related Code of Practice for Approved Persons.

Desired profile

·  3-5 years working in within an audit firm auditing investment products (hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity or venture capital) or the operations and/or audit departments of an asset management firm or; operational due diligence preferred.
·  Bachelors degree required; other advanced degree or industry certifications a plus.
·  Working knowledge of industry standards for the asset management industry, specifically hedge fund, including familiarity with policies, procedures and “best practices”.
·  Knowledge of hedge funds and pooled investment products.
·  Strong written and verbal communication skills.
·  Strong audit and/or operations experience required.
·  Works well in team environment.
·  Good analytical skills.
·  Strong organizational skills.
·  Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office products.
·  Self-starter, able to demonstrate initiative, well-developed time management skills.



Within HSBC certain roles are designated as Enhanced Vetting Roles. For these roles, all internal and external applicants are required (subject to local laws), to pass satisfactorily a series of additional checks both as part of the application process and, if successfully recruited into the Enhanced Vetting role, on an on-going basis. The Group reserves its position with regard to any steps which it may take in relation to any material adverse findings which arise either when the checks are first carried out as part of this recruitment exercise, and/or if relevant, on an ongoing basis.

This role has been designated as an Enhanced Vetting Role.

For more information about the relevant additional checks for this role please contact the hiring manager.

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