subject: In What Way Or Manner to encounter a job in Switzerland as a Portfolio Manager [print this page] In What Way Or Manner to encounter a job in Switzerland as a Portfolio Manager
Inside any sort of hedge fund the Investment manager is tasked with the top down strategic and tactical asset allocation of the investments each fund makes. They tend to be involved in the handling and the execution of these assets and acting in accordance with the overall investment method of the company. For example in the instance of a Swiss fund of hedge funds practice the asset management department is responsible for the selection and monitoring of hedge funds, this includes the ongoing assessment and analysis of the positions in terms of performance and risks and the operational support of the portfolio Indeed very often in this high pressure switzerland based job they will be asked to help set the overall asset allocation philosophy.
The Portfolio management team is measured upon the consistency, quality and performance of each portfolio they manage. Department members are often asked to support the relationship sales management team (s) in delivering the more technical information on the investments the fund makes. This could take the form of creating model portfolios and internal commentary on important events in financial assets of your class.
In most Swiss asset management firms there is an overall body - made up of senior directors, normally referred to as the Investment Committee, set the guiding investment strategy. The Portfolio manager must ensure that the assets they invest in meet the requirements set by this strategy. Regularly members of the asset management department will be asked to present how they are doing this in meetings of this committee.
Swiss Portfolio managers come from a very specialized background. Whilst the special skills and expertise required is largely dependent on the type of asset classes the fund invest in, there a number of "shared" characteristics which we can specify.
Nearly all are university educated, holding a degree in a highly numerate subject. As this is a business critical Swiss fund job most ask for considerable experience in portfolio management / investment management. More often than not you will see that at least three years solid experience in the type of investments that particular fund makes. So a hedge fund will look for someone with Hedge fund experience whilst a securities fund will look for a proven track record in making security investments..
On occasion the Swiss Hedge fund will ask for a technical qualification (at least CFA / AZEK and / or CAIA). Above all they prize an excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of financial products, strong analytical skills and the ability to work well under pressure and a first rate understanding of fund investment strategies. As you would expect for a Swiss senior financial services job fluent French or German (dependent of the funds location and type of client base) and fluent English are required. Given the continued focus upon the new investment regions of the world - additional languages specific to emerging markets in Asia and South America are a bonus.
Should you not be put off by the rigorous requirements of the Portfolio Manager job the best way to move forward would be to contact your Swiss Fund recruitment agency.
