At a Glance
- Tasks: Evaluate investment opportunities and support strategic transactions in the financial services sector.
- Company: Expanding firm focused on advisory and principal investments in financial services and insurance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Join a team making impactful decisions in M&A and investment strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in investment banking or M&A advisory with strong financial modelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
An expanding firm with advisory and principal investment capabilities centred on the financial services sector and with a strong focus on insurance. The firm operates as a principal investor, partner, and advisor to insurers, banks, investment managers, and other institutional investors. You will contribute to the provision of advisory and investment in strategic opportunities across the global financial services sector, providing M&A, capital formation and broader strategic advisory services to insurers, banks, asset managers and institutional investors. The business approaches transactions from both an advisory and principal investment perspective, with a focus on long-term value creation.
The Role
- Evaluate investment opportunities and strategic transactions; develop financial and valuation analyses, investment cases and transaction recommendations, and support execution across M&A and principal investment activities.
- Due diligence and process management – coordinate due diligence, advisers and counterparties across active mandates and investments; support interactions with management teams, investors and strategic partners.
- Principal investments and portfolio management – support the assessment, execution and monitoring of proprietary investments; contribute to investment committee materials, portfolio reviews, value creation initiatives and investor reporting.
- Capital raising and investor materials – prepare investor presentations, information memoranda (IMs/CIMs), fundraising materials and other documentation used in transaction, capital formation and investment processes.
- Research and origination – conduct sector research, market mapping and target screening; identify investment opportunities and contribute to business development and origination activities across the firm's focus sectors.
Team members are expected to approach assignments as both advisers and principal investors, considering not only transaction execution but also capital allocation, risk-adjusted returns and long-term value creation.
Candidate Profile
- Analyst and Associate levels, with title and compensation calibrated to the candidate’s pre-hire full-time experience and potential.
- Investment banking or principal investing professional with FIG and/or insurance sector focus, with demonstrable real-deal execution experience on live M&A; OR Big 4 transaction services/M&A advisory professional with FIG or insurance sector exposure.
- Insurance sector experience is preferred; exceptional FIG candidates with transaction depth will also be considered.
- Strong financial modelling and valuation skills, ideally including insurance-specific techniques.
- c. 1–6 years of pre-hire full-time experience.
- Top-tier Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a leading research-intensive university; strong academic record.
- Demonstrable deal ownership in a prior role — execution, modelling, and direct counterparty engagement on closed or live transactions (pure research, coverage, or equity research roles without execution exposure will not be considered).
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Thoughtful and proactive use of AI productivity tools alongside independent analytical judgment.
- Collegiate, reliable, commercially astute, and able to operate with limited supervision in a small-team environment.
- Professional fluency in English; an additional European language (German, French, Dutch) is a plus.
Analyst & Associate - FIG/Insurance Advisory & Principal Investments in Slough employer: Merchant bank
Join a dynamic and expanding firm that prioritises long-term value creation in the financial services sector, particularly within insurance. With a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth, employees benefit from hands-on experience in M&A and principal investments while being supported by a team of seasoned professionals. Located in a vibrant financial hub, this role offers unique opportunities for networking and career advancement in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Analyst & Associate - FIG/Insurance Advisory & Principal Investments in Slough
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Merchant bank. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Analyst & Associate - FIG/Insurance Advisory & Principal Investments in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Merchant bank.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Merchant bank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merchant bank
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Merchant bank.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Merchant bank will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Merchant bank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
