Research Analysts are responsible for researching and evaluating possible risks and potential returns on investments and other financial transactions, enabling financial organizations to effectively invest their own or their clients’ financial assets. Research Analysts are highly valued across a broad range of financial institutions for their analytical ability and understanding of financial markets.
Demand for Research Analysts is expected to be stable.
Undergraduate degree typically required.
Office, some travel required; long hours are common
Demand for Research Analysts is expected to be stable.
Undergraduate degree typically required.
Office, some travel required; long hours are common
Monitoring market trends and political, economic and regulatory developments: Process large amounts of quantitative and qualitative information to identify possible external influences on investment return.
Presenting findings and recommendations to key decision makers: Inform the work of Portfolio Managers, Investment Bankers, stock and bond traders/salespeople, etc.
May work as part of a larger research team: May be assigned specific research tasks and required to assimilate findings with those of colleagues.
Research Analysts usually focus on one primary area such as an industry, geographical area or type of financial product. Consequently, the broad title ‘Research Analyst’ may refer to a variety of more specific roles, such as Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Securities Analyst or Equity Analyst.
Research Analysts tend to align to one of two sides of a financial transaction:
Research Analysts generally:
Conduct research and analysis:
Create reports and present findings:
Must-haves:
Nice-to-haves:
Entry-level positions typically require:
In the fields of:
More senior positions require:
In the fields of:
Employers in different segments may require candidates to possess one or more of these designations:
Additional training may include courses such as:
Professional associations may include:
There are a number of pathways open to Research Analysts through:
There are several external factors and environmental trends that can influence the demand and qualifications for this role: