An Investment Performance Analyst is a professional who specializes in evaluating and analyzing the performance of investment portfolios and strategies. They play a crucial role in providing valuable insights to investors, asset managers, and financial institutions by assessing the returns, risks, and overall effectiveness of investments. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Investment Performance Analysts.

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Main Responsibilities of an Investment Performance Analyst

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Investment Performance Analyst:

Analyze

• Analyze investment strategies and identify areas for improvement.

• Analyze the impact of fees and expenses on investment returns.

Assess

• Assess risk-adjusted returns and analyze risk factors.

• Assess the effectiveness of investment decision-making processes.

Assist in

• Assist in the evaluation and selection of investment managers and strategies.

• Assist where necessary to produce ad-hoc Performance data for other Departments.

Calculate

Calculate and evaluate investment returns and performance metrics.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with data and research teams to gather and analyze investment data.

• Collaborate with portfolio managers to optimize investment strategies.

• Collaborate with risk management teams to assess investment performance against risk parameters.

• Collaborate with team members to develop, create and validate new performance analytical reports.

Compare

Compare investment performance against benchmarks and industry standards.

Conduct

• Conduct first line of technical interview if needed during the recruitment drive.

• Conduct historical performance analysis to assess long-term trends.

• Conduct peer group analysis to evaluate competitive positioning.

• Conduct performance analysis of investment portfolios.

• Conduct performance attribution analysis to assess the contribution of different factors to portfolio returns.

• Conduct regular huddles and meetings.

• Conduct scenario analysis and stress testing of investment portfolios.

Contribute to

Contribute to driving any new client onboarding Projects forward and maintain oversight.

Develop

Develop and implement performance measurement methodologies.

Direct

Direct ownership or shared responsibility for servicing of clients of varying sizes and complexities.

Drive

Drive projects at the group level.

Engage

Engage in the Change Management Process for the Investment Analytics team.

Ensure

Ensure that the Daily / Weekly / Monthly reports have been delivered.

Evaluate

• Evaluate the impact of market conditions on investment performance.

• Evaluate the performance of specific asset classes or investment vehicles.

Follow-up

Follow-up on issues until closure.

Generate

Generate performance reports and presentations for clients and stakeholders.

Handle

Handle inbound and outbound escalations and keep the next level manager informed about the same.

Help

Help drive team forward and promote team-working.

Identify

• Identify and analyze investment trends and market dynamics.

• Identify anomalies or outliers in investment performance data.

Improve

Improve upon and report actual results.

Keep

• Keep the Assistant Manager informed on any conflicts and issues within the team.

• Keep the Manager informed on any conflicts and issues within the team.

• Keep the Senior Manager informed on any conflicts and issues within the team.

Lead

Lead virtual teams through client onboarding and project initiatives.

Maintain

• Maintain and review leave applications of the team.

• Maintain strong internal / external relations.

Manage

• Manage and maintain the Performance Measurement Services within IMS Investment Analytics.

• Manage the Performance Measurement Data team.

Monitor

Monitor and report on portfolio performance to stakeholders.

Participate in

• Participate in inclusion activities.

• Participate in investment committee meetings and provide performance insights.

Perform

Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of investment portfolios.

Prepare

Prepare analytics, performance reports and risk on a recurring and ad hoc basis.

Produce

• Produce accurate and timely data.

• Produce accurate and timely Performance data.

Provide

• Provide ad-hoc analysis and support for investment-related projects.

• Provide daily support to the Operations team.

• Provide daily support to the Performance Measurement team.

• Provide feedback to the Investment Decision Process.

• Provide in-depth value add investment analysis and technical support to clients.

• Provide Operation / Oversight Services within IMS Investment Analytics.

• Provide performance attribution analysis to identify sources of portfolio returns.

• Provide Performance Measurement Services within IMS Investment Analytics.

• Provide recommendations for portfolio rebalancing and asset allocation adjustments.

• Provide standard and non-standard attribution.

• Provide technical expertise on Performance & Attribution to clients and other departments.

Raise

Raise access for systems and applications for the team.

Report

Report to Fund Managers, Client Reporting & Institutional Marketing in a timely manner.

Respond to

Respond to any fund specific queries allocated to the analyst and the team.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Support

• Support and provide valuable inputs to our business partners with special projects.

• Support the Client relationship team in ensuring streamlined Investor communications.

• Support the development and maintenance of performance reporting systems.

Understand

Understand client reporting needs and make recommendations on best use of technology.

Utilize

Utilize performance analysis tools and software for data analysis.

Validate

Validate completeness and accuracy of data in department's performance, risk, and analytics tools.

Work with

• Work closely with our data collection team to research and resolve issues in a timely manner.

• Work with our clients' investment managers to collect outstanding financial information.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Investment Performance Analyst:

1. Strong quantitative and analytical skills.

2. Proficiency in performance measurement methodologies and calculations.

3. Knowledge of investment analysis techniques and models.

4. Familiarity with financial markets and investment products.

5. Experience with performance attribution methodologies and tools.

6. Proficient in statistical analysis and data modeling.

7. Understanding of risk-adjusted performance metrics.

8. Knowledge of investment accounting principles and methodologies.

9. Experience with performance reporting software and tools.

10. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools like Excel, Python, or Tableau.

11. Familiarity with investment data sources and databases.

12. Understanding of investment performance standards and industry guidelines.

13. Knowledge of portfolio management software and systems.

14. Experience with performance benchmarking and index construction.

15. Understanding of investment performance regulations and compliance requirements.

16. Proficient in financial analysis and forecasting techniques.

17. Knowledge of asset pricing models and valuation methodologies.

18. Experience with investment performance attribution software and models.

19. Understanding of investment risk measurement techniques.

20. Proficiency in using investment research and data platforms.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Investment Performance Analyst:

1. Excellent communication and presentation skills.

2. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

3. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

4. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

5. Strong time management and organizational skills.

6. Adaptability and flexibility to changing priorities.

7. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

8. Ethical and professional conduct.

9. Continuous learning mindset and staying updated with industry trends.

10. Collaboration and client-focused mindset.

Conclusion

Investment Performance Analysts play a vital role in evaluating and optimizing investment performance, providing valuable insights to investors and financial institutions. By possessing a combination of hard and soft skills, they enable informed investment decisions and contribute to the overall success and growth of investment portfolios.