Mergers and Inquisitions

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

I’ve now been writing about finance careers for almost 20 years, and the topic of the CFA for investment banking never seems to die. I first criticized the CFA in a 2009 article , which generated a lot of angry comments. But earlier in 2023, the CFA Institute announced the biggest changes to the program since it started.

CFA 59

CFA Investment Banking Bank Banking 59

OfficeHours

JULY 11, 2023

On that note though — if diversity events are starting though… You know On-Cycle is around the corner here… Questions I would ask if I was an Analyst in an in-person diversity session: I just saw X deal happen, new portfolio company — were you involved with that? Where can I learn more about these exams?

Investment Banking 130

Investment Banking Bank Banking Middle Market 130

Mergers and Inquisitions

DECEMBER 6, 2023

Beta-Neutral Portfolios: For example, if the S&P 500 goes up or down by 5%, your team’s portfolio should move by ~0%. Factor Requirements: Some teams also structure their portfolios based on “ factors ,” such as quality, momentum, value, etc., These funds are usually multi-strategy as well.

Funds 104

Funds Management Recruitment Portfolio 104

Mergers and Inquisitions

JANUARY 31, 2024

Portfolio Structure: Unlike MM portfolios, SM portfolios do not have to be market–neutral or based on pair trades; many SM funds also tend to run much more concentrated portfolios (e.g., 10 – 15 positions rather than 100+). Some of these funds have 100+ employees; Viking has 275+ with 45+ investment professionals.

Funds 59

Funds Management S&P Recruitment 59

FineMark

JANUARY 20, 2023

The two-front assault faced by traditional 60% equity and 40% fixed income (60/40) portfolios in 2022 was one of the most severe on record, and the worst seen in many years. As a result, this normally stabilizing counterbalance, instead contributed to additional portfolio losses.

Economics 52

Economics Portfolio Equities Investors 52

Peak Frameworks

MAY 17, 2023

In a 2020 survey by CFA Institute, VBA was ranked as one of the top skills desired by employers in the finance industry. For example, a portfolio manager can use VBA to generate a real-time performance dashboard that highlights key portfolio metrics and trends.

Financial Modeling 52

Financial Modeling Financial Models Finance Finance 52

Mergers and Inquisitions

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

As with equity research and hedge fund roles, there are two main options for breaking in: Complete the CFA , get fixed income-related internships, and start working directly in FI research, either at a bank or a buy-side firm. Rate Changes: If interest rates are set to rise over the next year, how would you structure your portfolio?

Equities 59

Equities Asset Management Debt Recruitment 59