BA4 - QPS Analyst

Join us as an "BA4- QPS Analyst" at Barclays, where the main focus the development of quantitative portfolio strategies across major asset classes for large global institutional investors, including central banks and sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, pension funds, endowments, insurance companies, and hedge funds. Our areas of research include optimal allocation of portfolio risk budget, diversification requirements, studies of investment style and cost of investment constraints, alpha generation, “smart beta” strategies, and benchmark replication and customization in addition to bespoke projects for fixed income investors. Several research findings by the QPS Group have been adopted as standard practices by institutional investors. QPS also pioneered several analytical measures that became widely accepted by the industry, such as DTS (Duration Times Spread) and LCS (Liquidity Cost Scores).

You may be assessed on the key critical skills relevant for success in role, such as experience with BA4- QPS Analyst, as well as job-specific skillsets.

To be successful as an BA4- QPS Analyst, you should have experience to:

#1- Take ownership of Barclays QPS quantitative models.

#2- Assist senior quant analysts to maintain model datasets used in monthly production process.

#3- Work on custom projects across multiple asset classes involving time-series analysis, statistical inferences analyzing large datasets.

#4- Monitor the automation of quant models, handle exceptions and act as a point of contact for Technology teams.

#5- Improve and maintain existing quantitative models, conduct quantitative analysis, empirical research on model related issues.

#6- Take initiatives to improve quant libraries as maintaining high data quality is essential for research and smooth production of quantitative models.

#7- Work closely with senior QPS Analysts in building research datasets for new projects.

#8- Present analysis to senior stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.

#9- Own and drive timely production of quantitative scorecards, signals etc by  handling model production, monitoring automation jobs investigating and escalate to Tech support in case of job failures.

#10- Conduct rigorous checks as publishing erroneous data creates reputational risk for Barclays.

Some other highly valued skills include:

#1- Provide guidance to developers and internal stakeholders on data related issues.

#2- The candidate will be expected to have a critical eye on the established process/systems in order to question them in a positive, productive and efficient way.

#3- Academic or on the job experience in quantitative research or statistical model development.

#4- Skills in statistics, econometrics including time-series analysis, cross-sectional techniques.

#5- Solid programming skills in at least one coding languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB.

#6- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Good creativity and ability to work independently or in a team.

#7- Strong interest in learning about financial markets. No prior knowledge required.

#8- This position sits within the Global Research function providing support to QPS US research and production activities.

#9- This hands-on role requires strong analytic skills to be able to understand and support model implementation and tools.  The role requires good judgement in dealing both with short-term and longer-term projects with direct impact on the QPS data products and a strong drive to develop an in-depth understanding of QPS processes.

#10- Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with regulatory requirements, Enterprise Wide Risk Management Framework and internal Barclays Policies and Policy Standards.

This role will be based out of Mumbai.

Purpose of the role

To produce and deliver Research with differentiated market insights and actionable ideas to Barclays Clients. 

Accountabilities

• Analysis of market, sector, corporate and/or economic data to help develop investment theses for your coverage universe to produce best in class Research.
• Research may range from individual company or sector notes, through to long dated thematic reports.
• Presentation of Research views to Barclays Clients; this can be through direct, face to face and virtual interactions, Research hosted events and written communications.
• Engagement with Markets, Client Strategy and other stakeholders, to raise awareness of your Research both to Clients and internally. Prioritise interaction with the most relevant and valuable Clients for your Research.
• Provision of insights and Research views to internal Clients to help them navigate financial markets and risks.
• Collaboration with the Supervisory Analyst, Compliance and other stakeholders to ensure Research is produced and delivered to Clients and internal stakeholders in a compliant manner.

Analyst Expectations

• To perform prescribed activities in a timely manner and to a high standard consistently driving continuous improvement.
• Requires in-depth technical knowledge and experience in their assigned area of expertise
• Thorough understanding of the underlying principles and concepts within the area of expertise
• They lead and supervise a team, guiding and supporting professional development, allocating work requirements and coordinating team resources.
• If the position has leadership responsibilities, People Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.
• OR for an individual contributor, they develop technical expertise in work area, acting as an advisor where appropriate.
• Will have an impact on the work of related teams within the area.
• Partner with other functions and business areas.
• Takes responsibility for end results of a team’s operational processing and activities.
• Escalate breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
• Take responsibility for embedding new policies/ procedures adopted due to risk mitigation.
• Advise and influence decision making within own area of expertise.
• Take ownership for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation to the work you own or contribute to. Deliver your work and areas of responsibility in line with relevant rules, regulation and codes of conduct.
• Maintain and continually build an understanding of how own sub-function integrates with function, alongside knowledge of the organisations products, services and processes within the function.
• Demonstrate understanding of how areas coordinate and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the organisation sub-function.
• Make evaluative judgements based on the analysis of factual information, paying attention to detail.
• Resolve problems by identifying and selecting solutions through the application of acquired technical experience and will be guided by precedents.
• Guide and persuade team members and communicate complex / sensitive information.
• Act as contact point for stakeholders outside of the immediate function, while building a network of contacts outside team and external to the organisation.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.