Research Associate, Global Financials

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About the role

Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities. Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership. We are seeking a Research Associate to support our Financials investment team in conducting fundamental equity research across the global financial services sector, including banks, insurance companies, asset managers, specialty finance businesses and financial technology companies. The successful candidate will work closely with Research Analysts and Portfolio Managers to identify and evaluate investment opportunities, develop differentiated investment insights, and contribute to security selection decisions. The role requires strong analytical capabilities, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for investing. Candidates should possess a solid foundation in financial statement analysis and valuation, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable investment recommendations. Responsibilities include but may not be limited to: • Conduct fundamental research and analysis on publicly listed financial institutions, including banks, insurers, asset managers, exchanges, specialty finance companies and other financial services businesses. • Develop deep knowledge of assigned sub-sectors, business models, competitive dynamics, regulatory environments and key industry drivers. • Build, maintain and enhance detailed financial models, including earnings forecasts, balance sheet projections, capital adequacy analysis, return on equity frameworks and valuation models. • Analyse company financial statements, management commentary, regulatory filings and industry data to develop investment views and identify potential risks and opportunities. • Generate investment research reports, company updates and industry reviews for discussion with Research Analysts and Portfolio Managers. • Attend and participate in meetings with company management teams, industry experts, sell-side research analysts and other external research providers. • Monitor sector developments, earnings releases, macroeconomic trends, regulatory changes and capital markets activity relevant to the financial services sector. • Assist in the sourcing, evaluation and presentation of investment ideas, including the formulation of investment theses, valuation analysis and risk assessments. • Collaborate closely with Portfolio Managers and Research Analysts to support portfolio construction and ongoing investment monitoring. • Maintain high standards of research quality and ensure adherence to all applicable regulatory, compliance and risk management requirements. • Additional responsibilities as required. Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics or a related discipline. • CFA Charter holder or CFA Program desired but not essential. • Previous relevant experience in equity research, investment research, asset management, investment banking, consulting or other analytical financial services roles. • Demonstrated interest in public market investing and fundamental security analysis. • Strong understanding of accounting, financial statement analysis and valuation methodologies. • Experience analysing financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, asset managers or specialty finance businesses is highly desirable. • Advanced financial modelling and forecasting skills. • Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise and actionable investment recommendations. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence presenting investment views to senior investment professionals. • Strong intellectual curiosity, commercial awareness and attention to detail. • Proven ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative i

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