What is an investment manager and what do they do?
Investment managers (also sometimes known as fund managers or asset managers) help to advise clients on the use of their funds, generally to ensure their value rises. They may also assist in the minimisation of risk or the identification of opportunities that fit with the preferences or ethos of the client.
They will either recommend to the client what investments they should make, or they may take full responsibility for managing a portfolio for the client.
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Discover our business coursesWhat qualifications are needed to become an investment manager?
For graduates, there is no specific requirement in terms of courses. However, the nature of the work means that degrees in business, management, statistics, finance, mathematics, accounting or economics can particularly well suited for these roles.
Graduates normally enter the industry in investment analyst roles and move over to fund manager roles with experience. Those with an MBA or professional qualification may be able to accelerate their progression or start above entry level.
At the University of Law, we offer these courses to help you to become an Investment Manager:
What skills do you need?
A broad range of skills are needed in a role where you are responsible for advising clients about investing their money. Key among these are:
- Ability to establish rapport and trust with the client
- High levels of numeracy to understand financial data
- Analytical ability to make sense of a wide range of information relevant to investments
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- Teamworking skills as you will need to work closely with others
- Excellent communication skills to explain complex information.
How do you become an investment manager in the UK?
There is increasing regulation and many employers insist upon relevant qualifications. This is not a barrier to initial entry though as they can be undertaken on-the-job as part of continuing professional development.
The most likely recruiters are in the private sector and include banks, investment banks, asset management companies, stockbrokers, insurance and life assurance companies.
There are also some individuals who seek the services of an investment manager, where they have sizeable assets and require professional support to oversee their portfolio.
How much do investment managers get paid?
Entry level positions can be quite well paid – often starting around £30,000 or more. Performance-based bonus schemes are also quite common. With experience, salaries will be considerable as you move up to more senior positions.
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