Alternative Investment Research Analyst

Job Description

What is the opportunity?

RBC Wealth Management’s Alternative Investment team includes analysts who provide private alternative investment manager research and due diligence in support of RBC’s US and global businesses and distribution platforms. This position will:

• Conduct thorough initial and on-going research, analysis and due diligence of private market offerings, applying expertise as needed across asset classes such as private credit, private equity, real assets (real estate and infrastructure), hedge funds and other alternative investment firms in support of the Private Alternatives platform in RBC Wealth Management’s business in the United States  
• Build, monitor and support a list of alternative investments for the Private Alternatives platform in the United States and collaborate with global colleagues to help support alternatives initiatives across RBC’s Canada, British Isles, and Asia businesses
• Assume an active role on investment committees, including providing ideas and investment recommendations, in support of the build out of a global alternatives platform in RBC’s global businesses
• Assist in the launch of a support model for RBC WM Advisors including educational and training materials, asset allocation, performance updates, benchmark guidance, and timely market insights
• Assist Advisors in business development efforts with advisors and clients through alternative investment opinions, ratings, and other written and verbal communication channels.

What will you do?

Investment and Operational Due Diligence

• Initial and ongoing due diligence and analysis related to the firm and product structure, portfolio management, investment approach, performance, as well as assisting in the completion of periodic operational due diligence reviews on alternative investment funds
• Provide clear and timely insight, information, and opinions on alternative investment managers though published reports and internal audio/visual communication channels
• Deliver meaningful and timely insight, information, and recommendations for action to appropriate investment committees for all assigned investment managers and products
• Foster strong cross-border collaboration amongst the firm’s business lines and teams in CAN and EUR/Asia
• Problem solve and resolve issues that arise in the day-to-day oversight of alternative investment managers, recommendations, and projects
• Seek to continually enhance skills and build knowledge in all aspects of the organization, the business, and analytical systems
• Provide diligence and guidance in the launch efforts for new product initiatives
• Provide education and insights regarding alternatives to other team members across the firm with proactive outreach, while demonstrating intellectual curiosity.
• Assist Advisors in business development efforts with their clients who are seeking to build an alternatives allocation
• Responsible for the accuracy and timely delivery of reports and recommendations, as well as ad-hoc requests to advisors and investment committees
• Provide extemporary written and verbal communications, with the ability to synthesize complex financial concepts into clear communications

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of work experience, including 2-4 years of experience in roles related to alternative investment due diligence.
• Experience in the due diligence, selection and ongoing diligence of alternative/private market solutions in a wealth management channel or sophisticated institutional setting (endowment, foundation, UHNW family office, etc.)
• A sincere passion for private market alternatives
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and organizational skills
• Advanced interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Keen attention to detail, self-direction, and strong collaboration and organizational awareness within a team environment
• Adaptable to changing market and business conditions

Nice-to-have:

• Undergraduate degree in business (with a preferred concentration in finance, accounting, economics, math or statistics)
• Solid understanding of key investment products and concepts including alternative investments, operational due diligence, portfolio management, investment strategy (asset allocation), and investment structures
• Advanced use of investment analytical tools to source and monitor alternative investments (experience with Dynamo, Zephyr, Preqin, or Albourne is a plus)
• Strong background in legal, regulatory, and governance issues related to the private markets space
• CFA/CAIA designations and or advanced educational degrees

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