Graduate ETF Business Development Associate in London

Graduate ETF Business Development Associate in London

London Internship 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Working from home possible
TargetJobs UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the ETF Business Development team by handling client queries and creating marketing materials.
  • Company: Join Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a global leader in financial services.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, mentorship, and career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative office culture with flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team driving innovation in actively managed ETFs across Europe.
  • Qualifications: Open to students graduating in 2025 or 2026 with a keen interest in financial markets.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

You will join as part of the Investment20/20 programme.

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

Job Description

Please note that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Due to anticipated interest, the role may close earlier than the stated deadline. We recommend submitting your application promptly. The advertised closing date is 26 June 2026.

About The Team

The Active ETF Business Development team focuses on expanding the firm’s actively managed ETF offering across Europe by driving awareness, adoption, and client engagement. They act as a bridge between investment, product, sales, and trading teams to ensure ETFs are well‑positioned, clearly communicated, and aligned with investor needs. Ultimately, the team’s goal is to grow assets under management by combining market insights, client relationships, and effective product strategy.

About The Role

In this role, you will support the team’s day‑to‑day efforts by handling client queries, creating marketing and product materials, and helping coordinate ETF trading and operational processes. You will analyse market trends, competitor activity, and sales performance to generate insights that inform business development and growth strategies. Over time, you will build technical knowledge and confidence to engage directly with clients, contributing to meetings, events, and relationship‑building activities.

Your Responsibilities May Include:

  • Responding to client queries relating to ETFs and investment strategies, ensuring information is accurate, clear, and delivered in a timely manner.
  • Creating and updating content for our ETF range (both existing and new products), ensuring it is suitable for different audiences such as institutional, intermediary, and retail clients.
  • Supporting ETF trading activity, helping coordinate between clients, sales teams, and internal trading specialists to ensure trades are executed smoothly.
  • Monitoring market and industry trends, sharing insights with the team to support product development, marketing strategies, and client engagement.
  • Building your knowledge and experience so you can gradually start to engage with clients directly, including attending events, meetings, and calls.
  • Supporting business tracking and analysis, including reviewing sales activity, pipeline progress, competitor performance, and client investment trends to help drive growth of the ETF business.

Key Capabilities

To be successful in this role you will…

  • Eligibility: Open to students graduating in 2025 or 2026 with limited professional experience (such as internships or work placements).
  • Availability: Be available to start in August 2026 and commit fully to the programme.
  • Knowledge: Have a strong interest in financial markets.

Desirable Capabilities

  • Proven organization skills and ability to manage time effectively.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work and communicate collaboratively and constructively with others.
  • Proactive and self‑motivated, with a desire to learn and grow in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

In‑Office Collaboration

We are a client‑centric, relationship‑based business. Working together, in‑person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face‑to‑face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in‑office time or different in‑office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance‑based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.

We appreciate that work‑life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.

Graduate ETF Business Development Associate in London employer: TargetJobs UK

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and collaboration within a dynamic work culture. With a commitment to inclusivity and a strong focus on client relationships, employees benefit from diverse career opportunities and the chance to engage directly with clients in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant city, the firm offers a balance of in-office collaboration and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for recent graduates to launch their careers in finance.

TargetJobs UK

Contact Details:

TargetJobs UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate ETF Business Development Associate in London

Join Investment Clubs

Get involved in university investment clubs or finance societies. Not only will this boost your knowledge, but it’s a great way to network with like-minded peers, and sometimes they even bring in guest speakers from top firms. Plus, potential connections could keep you in the loop for internship openings!

Attend Financial Conferences

Keep an eye out for finance and investment conferences happening near you. These can be goldmines for internships, as many companies announce opportunities or give out networking leads at these events. Don’t forget to bring your A-game – dress smart and have your pitch ready!

Utilise Your University Resources

Most universities have career services specifically tailored to finance students. Take advantage of those workshops, CV reviews, and mock interviews they offer. They often have exclusive access to internship opportunities and can help you connect with alumni in asset management roles as well.

Dive into Relevant Projects

If you’ve got the chance, work on finance-related projects, even if they’re academic. Whether it's analysing stocks or creating mock portfolios, showcasing these on your LinkedIn or personal website can set you apart. It demonstrates initiative and gives you something to discuss during interviews!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate ETF Business Development Associate in London

Client Relationship Management
Market Analysis
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Presentation Skills
Organisational Skills
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the asset management game, analytical prowess is key. Make sure to showcase relevant coursework or projects where you've demonstrated skills in financial analysis or investment strategies. Numbers tell a story, so use metrics where possible to show your impact!

Tailor Your CV to the Investment Sector:Your CV should speak the language of investment. Use keywords related to asset management, such as portfolio analysis, performance measurement, and market research. If you’ve got any certifications or relevant coursework, pop them front and centre—it shows your commitment to learning!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:This is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about asset management and why you want to intern at TargetJobs UK specifically. We want to see your enthusiasm and your understanding of the industry, so don't be shy about expressing your learning goals.

Showcase Relevant Projects or Experience:If you've done any investment simulations, case studies, or even related internships, be sure to include these! Provide concrete examples of your roles and their outcomes, as they give us insight into how you think and approach problems in the field.

How to prepare for a job interview at TargetJobs UK

Know Your Numbers

Get comfy with financial metrics and concepts relevant to investment and asset management. Brush up on key ratios, portfolio theory, and market indicators, as interviewers might throw in some technical questions to see how you think on your feet and apply these concepts in real scenarios.

Show Your Passion for the Market

Make sure to stay updated on current market trends and news in the investment world. Bring specific examples of how recent events have impacted asset management strategies to the interview; this demonstrates not just your knowledge, but also your genuine interest in the field and your enthusiasm for investment analysis.

Prepare for Case Study Challenges

Be ready for case study exercises that simulate real-world investment scenarios. Practise analysing a given portfolio, identifying risks, and suggesting improvements. This practical experience will showcase your analytical skills and how you approach problem-solving in investment contexts.

Focus on Learning Potential

Since this is an internship, highlight your eagerness to learn and adapt. Talk about specific skills or knowledge areas you hope to develop during your time at TargetJobs UK. Showing that you're keen to grow will resonate well, as internships are often about fostering new talent for the future!