Associate - Economics Research & Strategy

Key Responsibilities:

1. Economic Research and Strategy

1. Support the HOD in the preparation of KWAP’s Annual Strategy and semi-annual strategy reviews through research and analysis of global macroeconomic and geopolitical developments.
2. Support the investment team in achieving investment objectives by providing research-based insights and recommendations on positions across various asset classes.
3. Collaborate with stakeholders in developing research findings and recommendations to support the enhancement of Fund-Level Investment Strategy.
4. Provide timely views and recommendations on global macroeconomic developments and assigned countries/regions, including their implications on KWAP’s investment portfolio.
5. Identify emerging investment themes, opportunities and evolving risks, and provide timely research insights to support decision-making.
6. Conduct research on new markets, countries and investment themes as assigned.
7. Contribute to the development of research initiatives on macroeconomics, asset classes and investment strategy, and provide analytical support to the team.
8. Analyze global investment, political and policy developments, as well as market asset classes, to support the formulation of strategy recommendations for portfolio positioning across asset classes and regions.
9. Support the team in identifying key investment risks and recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
10. Conduct periodic scenario analysis and stress testing based on macroeconomic assumptions.
11. Monitor, analyse, forecast and provide commentary on financial and capital market developments.
12. Interpret and assess high-frequency and market-moving economic data.
13. Prepare reports, investment notes and presentation materials on a regular basis.

B. Modelling & Tools

Maintain and continuously improve the team’s country models and analytical frameworks to support periodic investment assessments and strategy recommendations.

C. Market Intelligence

1. Establish and maintain professional relationships with economists, strategists, analysts and external research providers, including think tanks and academic institutions, to facilitate market intelligence gathering and support the adoption of relevant research methodologies and best practices.
2. Share relevant market intelligence and research findings with stakeholders on a timely basis.

D. Administrative & Team Support Responsibilities

1. Support the HOD in coordinating team workflows, processes and administrative matters, including budget-related activities where required.
2. Assist in the preparation of the unit’s business plan, budget and utilization of relevant research tools and investment platforms.
3. Support the department in managing counterparty relationships and monitoring relevant documentation and changes thereto.
4. Assist in departmental projects and initiatives to ensure timely completion of assigned deliverables.
5. Perform other duties and ad-hoc assignments as directed by the HOD.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, Finance, Investment, Business, Statistics or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree, CFA, FRM or equivalent professional qualification would be an added advantage.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant working experience in economic research, investment research, strategy, asset allocation, portfolio management support, consulting or related fields.
• Experience in conducting economic, market and investment research and translating findings into actionable insights.
• Familiarity with multi-asset investment strategies and institutional investment management.
• Experience presenting research findings and investment views to senior management or investment stakeholders.