Research Analyst

We are looking for a motivated and analytically driven Investment Research Analyst to join our funds research team in London. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong foundation in investment analysis who is passionate about evaluating fund managers, understanding investment processes, and contributing to asset allocation decisions. You will play a key role in supporting the team's research output across a range of active fund asset classes and strategies.

What you'll do:

• Conduct thorough quantitative and qualitative research on active funds across multiple asset classes, including manager due diligence, performance attribution, and peer group analysis.

• Assess fund manager investment processes, philosophy, team structure, and risk management frameworks to form well-rounded views on fund quality.

• Maintain and develop internal fund databases, scorecards, and monitoring tools to track performance, flows, and portfolio positioning.

• Produce clear, well-structured research reports and recommendations for internal stakeholders and, where relevant, clients.

• Support the team in building and maintaining relationships with fund managers and third-party data providers.

• Monitor rated funds on an ongoing basis, flagging material changes in performance, personnel, process, or portfolio construction.

• Assist in the preparation of investment committee materials, presentations, and fund selection rationale documentation.

• Keep up to date with industry trends, regulatory developments, and the competitive fund landscape.

• Collaborate with portfolio managers, advisers, and other internal teams to ensure research insights are effectively communicated and applied.

What you'll bring:

• Experience in investment research, fund analysis, or a related role within asset management, wealth management, or a fund rating agency.

• Strong understanding of fund structures, investment strategies, and performance metrics across equities, fixed income, or alternative funds (experience across multiple asset classes is a plus).

• High proficiency in quantitative analysis with strong Excel skills; and experience with tools such as Morningstar Direct, Bloomberg, or FactSet.

• IMC at a minimum required. CFA (Level I or above), or equivalent qualification preferred - or commitment to pursuing a relevant professional qualification.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to present complex information in a clear and accessible way.

• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

• A genuine interest in markets, fund management, and the broader investment landscape.

• Collaborative team player who can also work independently and take ownership of their coverage responsibilities.

About Us:

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 644,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £103.3 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.

Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For' for six consecutive years and in 2025 named a Great Place to Work.

At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.

Our perks and benefits:

• Starting holiday entitlement of 26 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• Holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 7%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan - provided by Medicash
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Dedicated time for proof-of-concepts and assessing new tech
• Support to attend conferences, events, and meet-ups
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent management programmes
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

Hybrid working:

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you'll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.

If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we'd love to speak to you.