Portfolio Managers structure and manage collections of investments (portfolios) to maximize returns while minimizing risks of loss. Each portfolio will have its own particular investment strategy to be followed, and might consist of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, derivative products and/or other investments.
Demand is stable, but Portfolio Managers are often trained from within.
Office, some travel possible; long working hours to shadow global markets
Demand is stable, but Portfolio Managers are often trained from within.
Office, some travel possible; long working hours to shadow global markets
Managing investment portfolios for a specific set of clients: Manage the portfolios of single investors, pools of investors (e.g. mutual funds, pension funds) or institutions (e.g. insurance companies).
Developing the right mix of investments to maximize investors’ gains: Consider an investor’s risk tolerance, the risk and return potential of the investments and the investor’s short- and long-term goals.
May work alongside a team of Analysts and researchers: Research on individual companies, investments and market trends is key to making decisions for clients’ portfolios.
Portfolio Managers deal with different types of products depending on the type of financial institution they work for:
Portfolio Managers generally:
Build and maintain portfolios following agreed investment strategies:
Evaluate portfolio performance against strategy and regulatory requirements:
Engage in relationship management:
Must-haves:
Nice-to-haves:
Entry-level positions typically require:
In the fields of:
Senior positions may require:
In the fields of:
Employers in different segments may require candidates to possess one or more of these designations:
Professional associations may include:
There are a number of pathways open to Portfolio Managers through:
There are several external factors and environmental trends that can influence the demand and qualifications for this role: