Job description

Asset Managers work on behalf of their clients (or employers) to manage their investments. These investments may take the form of equities, bonds, property, currency, commodities or other financial products. The main aim of an Asset Manager is to maximise his or her clients' returns on investments.

Asset Managers also manage institutional funds, for example pension funds, where the service offered is largely the same as those offered to individuals, but on a much larger scale.

Typical tasks and responsibilities include:

• Face to face meetings with clients.
• Regular telephone liaison with clients to gain an understanding of clients' investment requirements and attitude to risk.
• Research: using a variety of contacts, media and financial reports to maintain an expert and up to date knowledge of financial products and markets.
• Advising clients on investments.
• Managing investments for clients and funds.

Qualifications

Asset Managers must demonstrate an expert understanding of financial products and markets. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA UK) Society of the UK offers recognised qualifications, starting with the entry level Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and culminating in the CFA charter, which is awarded to investment professionals who have passed three detailed examinations and have completed a minimum of four years of professional investment. The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment offers a comprehensive range of training and qualifications for financial services and investment professionals, including the Investment Administration Qualification (IAQ).

Salary Snapshot

Recent salaries advertised on TopFinancialJobs (February 2010) include:

• A negotiable salary for a Team Head of Investment Management working in Jersey.
• £80-100,000 for a qualified CFA) Senior Client Portfolio Manager (Private Banking) working in London. Applicants for this role must be registered with the FSA.
• £80-100,000 for a qualified (IMC or IAQ) Director - Portfolio Management (Infrastructure Investments) working in London.

Do you work in Asset Management? Would you like to contribute to our "Day in the Life of..." series? Email us at info@topfinancialjobs.co.uk for more details.