Fixed Income Analyst at Merchant West

About the role:

• Merchant West Investments is a multi-strategy asset management business that places the highest priority on the stewardship of clients’ assets. We carefully select the areas of investment that provide a competitive advantage, delivering excellent outcomes for our clients across a variety of investment strategies.
• The Fixed Income Analyst plays a key role in supporting Merchant West investment strategy through rigorous economic research, portfolio analysis, and credit evaluation. The role requires staying up to date with both local and global economic developments that influence fixed income markets and using this insight to guide investment decisions.

Main Accountabilities:

Economic Research & Market Monitoring

• Continuously monitor and interpret local and global macroeconomic indicators, including interest rates, inflation trends, GDP growth, employment data, fiscal policy developments, and central bank communications.
• Evaluate how evolving macroeconomic conditions may impact fixed income markets, asset valuations, and portfolio strategy.

 Portfolio Analysis & Investment Recommendations

• Maintain and update fixed income portfolio models, dashboards, trackers, and valuation spreadsheets to ensure real‑time accuracy and decision‑readiness.
• Analyse the structure, duration, yield, convexity, and risk characteristics of the fixed income portfolios and assess alignment with strategic investment objectives.

Credit Analysis & Issuer Monitoring

• Assess the creditworthiness, using both quantitative financial metrics and qualitative risk factors.
• Review and interpret financial statements, cash‑flow forecasts, liquidity positions, debt structures, and credit ratios.
• Develop internal credit opinions and contribute to credit committee discussions, ensuring decisions are grounded in strong analytical judgement.

Reporting, Insights & Communication

• Compile periodic reports on macroeconomic developments, credit trends, yield curve movements, and portfolio performance.
• Participate in team discussions, lending analytical perspectives that help shape broader investment strategy.

Compliance, Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure all analysis, recommendations, and portfolio updates comply with internal risk frameworks, mandate guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and escalate potential breaches, emerging risks, and unusual market conditions that may impact portfolios.

 Team Collaboration & Cultural Contribution

• Collaborate closely with portfolio managers, fellow analysts, and cross‑functional investment teams to ensure alignment on strategy and research outputs.
• Share knowledge, insights, and research tools to build collective team capability and foster a collaborative environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in financial economics, or similar discipline (Master’s degree strongly preferable).
• Exceptional academic track record (distinction or equivalent grade a minimum necessity for consideration).

Experience:

• 5+ years’ work experience

Skills:

• Strong ability to analyse fixed income instruments, including government and corporate bonds
• Proficient in conducting detailed credit analysis to assess issuer risk and creditworthiness
• Skilled in writing investment optimisations and developing data‑driven recommendations
• Solid understanding of yield curves, duration, convexity, and fixed income valuation methodologies

Competencies:

• Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to distil complex economic and market data into clear investment insights.
• Ability to form well‑reasoned and defendable views on fixed income market trends and issuer risk.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to identify opportunities and risks within fixed income markets.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and numerical proficiency.
• Ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to portfolio managers and senior stakeholders.