At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to analyse market trends and generate innovative trade ideas.
- Company: Fast-paced trading firm with a focus on client engagement and macroeconomic insights.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and exposure to high-profile clients.
- Other info: Engage with senior management and gain valuable experience in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in finance while making an impact on global markets.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in macroeconomics and financial markets; creativity in analytics is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join us as an Associate Rates Desk Strategist. You’ll be joining a high performing team in a fast-paced trading floor, with high levels of client engagement. Your focus will be on UK and Euro area rates as well as inputting into the global macro view. It’s an opportunity to gain exposure to a wide variety of corporate and financial institutional clients from an early stage of your career.
What you’ll do:
- As an Associate Rates Desk Strategist, you’ll be part of the thought leadership of our sales and trading business, formulating trade ideas and outlook pieces relevant to the current macro environment and our broad range of clients.
- Engaging with internal and external risk takers, along with senior management within a high-profile markets business.
- Analysing market-related data, trends, and events, and generating ideas about market risks and opportunities to engage our clients.
- Providing modelling, analysis, forecasting outlooks for UK and European rates and publishing regular and ad-hoc strategy notes.
- Continuously updating internal and external clients through formal publications, chats, calls, podcasts and media appearances to promote insights, capabilities and products.
- Taking all reasonable steps to make sure that strategy activities are fully in line with policies covering conduct, operational and regulatory risks.
The skills you’ll need:
- To take on this role, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong interest and background in macroeconomics and global financial markets, preferably with a few years relevant work experience.
- The ability to be creative with analytics to support ideas with data, frameworks and visualisations.
- Good verbal and written communication skills to interact with internal and external clients and the media, and to present at various multi-client events.
- A strong work ethic and an active awareness of operational and regulatory risks.
Hours: 35
Job Posting Closing Date: 25/08/2026
Ways of Working: Office First
Associate Rates Desk Strategist employer: RBS
At NatWest Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and innovation. Our Engineering Insights Experience for Women in London offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tech landscape of banking, while benefiting from a supportive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. With hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and the potential to progress into our internship programme, you'll be empowered to turn your ambition into action in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Rates Desk Strategist
✨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 RBS. 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 Associate Rates Desk Strategist
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 RBS.
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 RBS'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 RBS
✨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 RBS.
✨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 RBS 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 RBS 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.
