2026 Defined Contribution Pensions Investment Advisory Graduate Analyst Programme - London

Isio; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial consultancy in London is seeking a Graduate Analyst for their Defined Contribution Pensions Investment Advisory Programme. The successful candidate will deliver investment performance reports, assist in fund manager selection, and study for a professional qualification while gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. This role offers training support, competitive salary, and employee benefits like flexible working and annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Defined contribution pension scheme

Life insurance and healthcare benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Comprehensive study support package

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Completed undergraduate degree or higher by 1 September 2026 with a 2.1 or higher.
• Strong mathematical skills and interest in financial concepts.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and present DC pensions investment performance reports to clients.
• Draft DC pension investment reports on fund selection and strategy reviews.
• Research DC pension providers and investment managers.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Self-discipline

Good time management

Education

Undergraduate degree or higher

Job description

Overview

2026 Defined Contribution Pensions Investment Advisory Graduate Analyst Programme – London. Length of programme: Around 3 years to achieve your relevant professional qualification; however you are employed on a permanent basis from the start of your graduate role. Location: London. Entry requirements: completed undergraduate degree or higher by 1 September 2026 with a 2.1 or higher, or in final year on track to achieve this. Applications are open to graduates from any subject; studying towards CFA or equivalent exams requires strong mathematical skills and a keen interest in financial concepts. Visa sponsorship is not available, so you will need to be able to work in the UK without visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Qualifications you’ll work for: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification or equivalent.

Role context

Working as a Defined Contribution (DC) Pensions Investment Advisory Graduate Analyst at Isio

Our DC team is a rapidly growing area within our Pensions Practice, focusing on DC Investment Advisory. We provide investment consulting services to trustees and sponsors of Defined Contribution pension schemes, supporting governance alongside our broader Employee Benefits services.

What is Isio?

Isio is a people business offering a range of services around Pensions, Investment, Benefits and Wealth. We aim to help clients deliver strong employee outcomes and develop our colleagues through varied experience, development opportunities and progression.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and present DC pensions investment performance reports to clients.
• Draft DC pension investment reports on fund selection, default strategy reviews and other client reports.
• Research DC pension providers, investment managers and products.
• Support DC pension provider reviews, analysing tender responses and drafting summaries and reports.
• Handle queries from DC pension providers and clients, escalating where appropriate and applying judgement in response times.
• Share knowledge with colleagues across the department.

You’ll study for a professional qualification while on the job, building knowledge on DC markets and investments through client work and product/provider research.

What you’ll learn and do

• Financial Modelling – understanding risks and returns of different investment strategies.
• Investment Performance Analysis – monitoring how DC investments perform against objectives and markets.
• Capital Markets Views – assessing opportunities for client portfolios.
• Fund Manager Selection – assisting in selecting high-quality fund managers.
• Implementation and Transition Management – delivering advice efficiently.
• DC Provider Selection – advising on selecting, implementing and monitoring a provider from an investment perspective.

Training and Development

As an Isio DC Pensions Investment Advisory graduate analyst, you’ll study for the CFA exams or equivalent. We provide a study day allowance and tutorials, plus:

• Graduate induction event with peers and senior leaders.
• Support in developing key personal and professional behaviours.
• Regular technical training and broader market knowledge development.
• A buddy from day one and a Study Mentor to guide your study and exams.
• A Performance Manager to support your progress and performance.

What we are looking for

We value an entrepreneurial atmosphere and seek graduates who are articulate, with strong communication skills, self-discipline and good time management to balance work and study. We are looking for individuals excited to develop client-facing and consulting skills and who are motivated to achieve commercial targets. Applicants should align with our core beliefs: Power in Partnership, Future Focus, Strength in Difference and People First. Isio is committed to inclusivity and diversity, offering a wide range of experiences and development opportunities.

Benefits and next steps

• Competitive salary
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Life insurance, healthcare benefits, income protection
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and two company days; option to purchase extra holidays
• CSR allowance and flexible working; flexible benefits package
• Comprehensive study support package

You can learn more about Isio and its benefits in the Careers & Benefits section (Isio Careers & Benefits).

About Isio

Isio was established in 2020 from the sale of KPMG UK’s Pension Practice. We are an industry-leading challenger offering diverse expertise across Pensions, Investment, Benefits and Wealth to provide an integrated experience. We value curiosity, bold thinking and the freedom to outperform, with a focus on agility and delivering impact for clients of all sizes.

Equality, inclusion and accessibility

Isio is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace. We uphold respect, fairness and inclusion in our actions and decisions. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email [e-mail].

What’s next?

Click on ‘apply’ below and follow the application process online.