Research Analyst

Summary

The Research Analyst role at First Trust Alternative Investment Research (“FT AIR”) is focused on supporting all aspects of the investment due diligence efforts with respect to the firm’s hedge fund, private equity, venture capital, real estate, private credit, and liquid alternatives investments. The Research Analyst will be involved in all aspects of the firm’s investment process including sourcing, diligence, and monitoring and will be responsible for overseeing a subset of the firm’s fund and direct investments. The Research Analyst will engage in detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of a range of alternative investments and is responsible for conveying their findings effectively to the firm’s broader investment team as well as other audiences. The Research Analyst will additionally be responsible for assisting in team and workflow management across the team. This role requires analytical and technical skills as well as verbal and written communication skills. The Research Analyst role sits within the twelve-person investment research team of FT AIR.

Principal Responsibilities

Perform qualitative and quantitative assessments of alternative investment managers and strategies

Manage and function as a main point of contact for the investment team with prospective and existing investment managers

Assist in the management and improvement of the day-to-day team workflows and processes

Attend industry conferences and oversee intermediary relationships to source new fund and direct investments

Aid in the development of junior analysts on the team through formal and informal meetings

Lead and participate in calls and meetings with existing and prospective alternative asset managers

Lead the effort in the creation of broader investment committee recommendations

Compile and distribute formal written notes related to existing and potential investment meetings

Perform ad hoc statistical analyses of fund risk exposures

Manage various ad hoc research projects related to new product development

Qualifications

2-5 years of relevant work experience in alternative investments, investment banking, asset management, or related field

Pre-existing understanding of hedge fund, private equity, private credit, and real estate strategies

Interest in or progress toward the CFA designation a plus

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to support and work closely with other team members

Effective communicator, both written and verbal

Strong grasp of statistics used in financial analysis

A demonstrated high level of analytical/quantitative skill

Passion for the alternative asset management industry

Ability to manage simultaneous projects, often with time constraints

Self-motivated and highly curious

A willingness to travel both domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time

Technical/Systems Skills

Highly proficient in: Microsoft Excel, Power Point, and Word

Experience with: Bloomberg, Preqin, Pitchbook, Morningstar a plus

First Trust Capital Solutions (“FTCS”) is a privately-owned alternative investment research and asset management firm that advises investment advisors, family offices, and high net worth individuals. FTCS was created on the belief that an independent firm was the best way to ensure our clients were served with their greatest interests in mind – both in terms of customized alternative investment solutions and a streamlined operational experience when investing in private and liquid alternatives.

FTCS houses a specialized business unit called FT Alternative Investment Research. This dedicated investment research team operates as a supportive unit to our advisory clients as well as a resource for a select group of institutional clients and family offices. The sole purpose of this dedicated team is to find investment solutions to enhance client portfolios. In 2023, FT AIR:

Participated in over 350 portfolio manager meetings

Performed initial review of 600 investment strategies

Participated in over 30 capital introduction events

Attended 14 top-tier investment conferences

Investment due diligence covers all asset classes and strategies, wherein the Research Team maintains a proprietary database of portfolio managers and all related correspondence. Importantly, the Research Team does not perform database screens to identify prospective portfolio managers. The vast majority of currently sourced funds and strategies have come through our extensive network and reach within the investment community as opposed to any screening process. Prior to making any allocations, the Research Team sets the expectation with the fund manager and their team that we require a certain level of transparency and access. We perform ongoing due diligence on our approved managers to ensure that are adhering to their style, process and investment mandate.