Research Associate, Global Financials

William Blair; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

William Blair in London is seeking a Research Associate to support our Financials investment team in conducting fundamental equity research across banks, insurers, asset managers, specialty finance, and fintech. You will work with Analysts and Portfolio Managers to identify opportunities, build detailed financial models, and translate research into actionable investment ideas.

The role requires strong financial statement analysis, valuation skills, and a passion for investing.

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 or related analytical financial services roles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundamental research and analysis on publicly listed financial institutions and other financial services businesses.
• Develop knowledge of sub-sectors, business models, and drivers.
• Build and enhance financial models including forecasts and valuations.
• Analyse financial statements and regulatory filings to form investment views.
• Generate research reports and present investment ideas to the team.
• Attend meetings with management and external research providers.

Skills

Financial statement analysis

Valuation modelling

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Investment research

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or related

CFA Charter holder desired

Tools

Bloomberg

Visible Alpha

PowerPoint

Job description

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 investment team environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience using Bloomberg, Visible Alpha or other institutional research platforms.
• Familiarity with financial databases, regulatory filings and market data sources would be beneficial.
• Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities with the ability to evaluate large datasets and identify key investment insights.

About Our Firm

William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities.

Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries.

What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect.

We invite you to learn more about us by visiting williamblair.com.

William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee's ability to perform the duties of the job applied for.

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