Career in Investment Research and Trading

Jobs & Careers
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This is a sub-category in Finance which is much regarded because of its high payouts, flexibility at work and independence. These days Financial Markets are developing at very fast rate, new instruments for trading structured each day and hence th…

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This is a sub-category in Finance which is much regarded because of its high payouts, flexibility at work and independence. These days Financial Markets are developing at very fast rate, new instruments for trading structured each day and hence the growing opportunities. Proprietary trading with firms like Goldman and JPM is a highly respected career in US but relatively less known in India. An inspiring example may be Rashesh Shah of Edelweiss Capital, from the book Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.
I will try putting links from useful threads of PG at one place, answer some basic queries while myself interacting with experts

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To all of you guys at Pagalguy, Please answer my queries regarding CFP program, India

I would like to pursue CFP (FPSB).
Before posting my queries, I would like to introduce myself.

I have pursued BBA (Finance)
Pursued Diploma in Banking & Finance
NSE Certification (Capital Markets)
Presently working at Research Company at Kolkata
Will be pursuing MBA from Sydenham Institute of Management, Mumbai (SIMSREE) in 2010-2012.
Interested in the area of Finance
Please answer my following queries:
1. How much does this certification add value to my career ?
2. The course fees ?
3. Can I be able to complete the program successfully ?
4. Is it easy, given you are interste in Finance field ?
5. Will it affect my MBA studies ?
Waiting for your reply...???
"Self Belief is the biggest strength one possesses"
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I would like to pursue CFP (FPSB).
Before posting my queries, I would like to introduce myself.

I have pursued BBA (Finance)
Pursued Diploma in Banking & Finance
NSE Certification (Capital Markets)
Presently working at Research Company at Kolkata
Will be pursuing MBA from Sydenham Institute of Management, Mumbai (SIMSREE) in 2010-2012.
Interested in the area of Finance
Please answer my following queries:
1. How much does this certification add value to my career ?

Almost similar to CFA IMHO, since there a lot of CFAs around
FPSB India is a proper affiliate of FPSB US, just go through their site.

2. The course fees ?
quite little- 10K Rs registration, 2k for each module, mentioned on their site. Also check
National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. -> NCFM -> NCFM Modules -> Modules of Financial Planning Standards Board India (Certified Financial Planner Certification)


3. Can I be able to complete the program successfully ?
5. Will it affect my MBA studies ?
Dude just give a goddamn try

4. Is it easy, given you are interste in Finance field ?
Easier than CFA (US)... Form a group of candidates, exchange notes, questions, answers in each weekend

Let's wait for someone who is actually taking the program to give a ground-zero insight.
.............................................................
BTW

"Self Belief is the biggest strength one possesses"
What you believe should be clear in your head and not in huge font.
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Introductory Certifications:

NCFM - introductory program mainly for compliance awareness
National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.
http://www.pagalguy.com/discussions/ncfm-certification-exam-nse-india-25029642

AMFI- for mutual funds
Welcome to AMFI !

Programs from BSE Institue (BTI)
BSEIndia

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Punit,
How easy or how difficult is it for one to enter this field?How manys such jobs are available in India? My experiences after cold calling and interacting with numerous HR are that these companies are very close minded about the kind of educational qualification/ experience they require.
The global wealth mgmt firms are even more rigid about their hiring policies.


Could you also very briefly inform me of the kind of alternative investments, the indian markets are into?
Thanks.

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Sorry about the late reply...

My experiences after cold calling and interacting with numerous HR are that these companies are very close minded about the kind of educational qualification/ experience they require.
The global wealth mgmt firms are even more rigid about their hiring policies.


Yes... I guess that's why so many international certs are available. Precisely what type of companies did you call?

Could you also very briefly inform me of the kind of alternative investments, the indian markets are into?
Thanks.
There are more that 1200 ETFs in US... the trend is expected to catch here soon... NSE has launched several new instruments in last 5 years and new exchanges like MCX-SX keep propping up. Alternative investments are the 'new' thing because the myth of perpetual bull market shattered by recent global crisis.
But yes ofcourse the opportunities are very limited in India for alternative investments as of now.
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How to get into equity research?
My perception is similar to that mentioned in this article, hence quoting to avoid re-inventing the wheel. It lists what MBAs and CFAs must do preparing for their first job.


  1. Engage in writing intensive coursework
  2. Take a research-intensive course or sign up for a research project
  3. Seek finance related work that will require the development and analysis of corporate financial forecasts and statements
  4. Take a course to build understanding of key business calculations
  5. Take an additional corporate finance course such as investment management, valuation techniques, financial management or real estate financing
  6. Join toastmasters or the debate team to build and exercise your powers of persuasion
  7. Take a course or workshop on public speaking to build your powers of persuasion and presentation skills
  8. Check with career services to identify an individual or group locally that does strategic planning and offer to work for free
  9. Ask professors you have if they are working on any projects you can help with requring collecting and analyzing data, particularly if it is around a business issue
  10. Get a summer experience doing strategy consulting, equity research or strategic planning

How to get into equity research | Equity-Research.com
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Hi,

I am currenntly working in mfg industry as CA since last 3 months.

I would like to pursue career in market analysis and M&A; activites.Which course will be good for me and were to search for such jobs.

Thanks in advance

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Almost similar to CFA IMHO, since there a lot of CFAs around
FPSB India is a proper affiliate of FPSB US, just go through their site.
quite little- 10K Rs registration, 2k for each module, mentioned on their site. Also check
National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. -> NCFM -> NCFM Modules -> Modules of Financial Planning Standards Board India (Certified Financial Planner Certification)

Dude just give a goddamn try
Easier than CFA (US)... Form a group of candidates, exchange notes, questions, answers in each weekend

Let's wait for someone who is actually taking the program to give a ground-zero insight.
.............................................................
BTW
What you believe should be clear in your head and not in huge font.


Just a slight aberration to what Punit mentioned (hope you dont mind me pointing it out Punit).

CFA and CFP are NOT SIMILAR.

CFP is more about knowledge of various investment products such as mutual funds, insurance, ULIPS, pension plans etc and more importantly preparing a financial plan for the lifetime of an individual keeping in mind his earnings capabilities and his financial goals.

On the other hand, CFA is more about the fund management, actively managing portfolios and related risk, researching companies based on top-down/bottom-up approaches or relative valuation/peer valuation frameworks or using the sector-specific DCF methodology.

While both of these courses are finance related, their focus areas within Finance are markedly different so I thought it to be useful to point out.

Thanks. This is a very good discussion started by Punit and I would be glad if even I can become a part of this and help fellow puys in whatever way possible.

Have a good day.
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Just a slight aberration to what Punit mentioned (hope you dont mind me pointing it out Punit).

Thank you, I really missed that part and started talking from recognition in job prospects... CFA is overrated IMHO.
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Puneet.

I dont think CFA is at all overrated. The kind of mental grind that it takes you through is intellectually stimulating and bodes well for getting the best knowledge in finance. The problem occurs when people blindly begin following a trend without understanding what they are getting into and whether it is the kind of work they want to do or not.

For instance equity research and i-banking are the most commonly used words by the people on this forum IMHO, but how many actually know what it actually means and what kind of work it actually entails doing? Today, every second guy irrespective of his background wants to become a CFA and end up as an analyst or portfolio manager, which is frankly ridiculous.

When such people pass out with MBA/CFA/CA or whatsoever, their lack of clarity of thoughts becomes apparent to the employers and hence the value of the qualification takes a hit. But this does not mean that the worth of the degree or program is questionable. Anyways, my 2 cents on the whole scenario !

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For instance equity research and i-banking are the most commonly used words by the people on this forum IMHO, but how many actually know what it actually means and what kind of work it actually entails doing? Today, every second guy irrespective of his background wants to become a CFA and end up as an analyst or portfolio manager, which is frankly ridiculous.

thats precisely why it has started to lose ground... being overrated among candidates as 'pass CFA and become portfolio manager'.
5 years back a CFA was a big thing, a CFA would seriously think about even pursuing MBA since it gave a solid ground. Now obviously employers dont take it that seriously.

People think only from a job prospective- in that way it is overrated now. Getting into equity research is a tough job as I quoted an article couple of posts back.

Yes the program itself is very good. But a candidate needs to look beyond passing it.
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I talked a bit about networking http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/12326-need-some-opinions-on-cfa-154.html#post2147434 and people think it is about getting a jack, connection etc. but actually its all about maintaining goodwill and visibility...

Cheers.

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Dear All,

Thanks for your valuable replies.

Would CFA degree help me in geeting into M&A; advisory services/market analysis.So far what i have observed,investment banking,credit rating agencies firms do not recurit fresh CA.I have searched sites like naukri.com and found that these companies take exp people.

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Dear All,

Thanks for your valuable replies.

Would CFA degree help me in geeting into M&A; advisory services/market analysis.So far what i have observed,investment banking,credit rating agencies firms do not recurit fresh CA.I have searched sites like naukri.com and found that these companies take exp people.


Yes you are correct, IB and Top CRA's don't take fresh Chartered Accountants in recruitment, they take either Chartered Accountants who
have prior experience or are Rank Holders or Passed in one go. I was working
with a leading CRA and so know the profile of people working there. See CFA
(AIMR)is a great qualification and for getting that they need 4 yrs of work ex, so all in all you get work ex and ur degree also...But it all depends upon your work ex and knowledge, even after CA/CFA or any other coveted degree if you are not upto their expectation...u will get a reject. The purpose of any degree is to give knowledge and recognition...dats it. After that how you make use of that creates your path. No degree in world can guarantee a job in your dream field but will definitely give you an opportunity to hit upon.
If it's possible for you, go for a top tier MBA, IB's and CRA's do recruit directly from their even if you don't have much or any experience...But Mind it, Your college should be of the Top League.....
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Hello,

I am preparing for MBA for next year.So will it be good idea to pursue CFA side by side.

I am working now in mfg industry.Can you guide me where to look for such jobs i mean sites etc.

Thanks

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i heard XIMB starting is starting a course named 'Program in financial planning & Wealth management' (FPWM) in delhi for 6 months ..it seems to be good ,i mean XIMB faculty !. Any one has any other review ?

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List of financial education providers in India
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List of ER firms, prop firms,hedge funds and PE funds from the same site: The Traders Forum ? Careers in trading, investment research and financial markets