Research Analyst Fixed Income and FX Strategies at RMB - Rand Merchant Bank

Job Description

• To analyse government fixed-income securities (e.g., fixed-rate bonds, inflation-linked bonds), interest rate derivatives and FX markets and develop a holistic view on the fixed income market by performing independent, high-quality research, including fundamental thematic research of developments that pertain to FI and FX markets in South Africa, its peers, and Emerging Markets in general  To make trade recommendations regarding possible investment strategies within this asset class to institutional investors and build, develop and maintain quantitative models and strategies across FI and the FX markets to quantify risk/return profiles within the asset classGenerate FI and FX short-term and long-term forecasts for the business, the FirstRand Macro Forum and clients for specified markets as required
• Develop a strong understanding and quantitative framework of how the local fixed income market’s risk /return profiles compare with other local and global asset classes such as equities and listed property
• Develop approaches and partner with frontline/front office client engagement roles/stakeholders to market the research to internal and external stakeholders at all levels, with a strong focus on institutional investors
• Assess the value and analyse the risks involved in fixed-income securities including bonds and other financial products and give insights
• Research and evaluate market conditions and analyse trends to guide investors on the most significant risk factors, including interest rate risk and produce insights
• Review existing procedures and processes, build computer functions, and write macros to increase and enhance report effectiveness, ensuring accurate, reliable, and with minimum risk or human data error
• Provide insights to institutional clients and senior management as appropriate
• Act as FI and FX spokesperson for the research function in client update meetings and internal committees
• Maintain broad knowledge of financial markets, current events, and applicable economies and analyze their impact on industry/sector fundamentals
• Responsible for conducting research and analysis on the impact of FI and FX markets on economies/industries/sectors
• Provide detailed recommendations to buy, sell and hold through written and verbal investment opinions to support institutional investors in making informed investment decisions
• Collaborate closely with a team of portfolio managers, trader and others to provide timely updates and communicate investments recommendations on your coverage
• Evaluate and validate lesser experienced analyst recommendations for quality and completeness, ensuring alignment with client investment objectives
• Monitor industry and competitive environment through research of market intelligence and insights to proactively identify new opportunities, trends, emerging issues or threats
• Undertake regular roadshows to both local and off show clients