Description
The Research Lead, Index Research & Design will be a key member of FTSE Russell's Index Research & Design team in APAC.
The Index Research & Design team is responsible for the research, development and design of indices and index-related analytics across asset classes.
The successful candidate will combine strong quantitative investment expertise with practical index research and development experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Index Research and Innovation
Lead and contribute to the research, design and quantitative testing of new index methodologies and investment solutions. Develop and refine investment metrics, portfolio construction frameworks and analytical methodologies used in index design and evaluation. Conduct in-depth quantitative investment research across Asia Pacific markets. Analyze the potential portfolio impact of new investment concepts, data sets and index methodologies. Develop research papers, analytical materials and presentations. Identify emerging market and investment trends.
- Quantitative Analytics and Research Tools
Develop investment analytics, research applications and tools. Build efficient and scalable analytical solutions using Python. Apply quantitative techniques including portfolio simulation, optimization and factor analysis. Work closely with Technology and other research teams. Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of research processes.
- Index Development and Governance
Support the development and implementation of index methodologies. Conduct detailed analysis to ensure proposed methodologies are robust and transparent. Provide analytical support for index methodology decisions. Work closely with Index Policy, Product Management and other stakeholders. Maintain high standards of analytical accuracy and documentation.
- Client and Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with Product Management, Sales and other client-facing teams. Participate in client meetings and present quantitative research and index methodologies. Develop trusted working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Support the creation of client presentations and research materials. Collaborate effectively with regional and global research colleagues.
- Team Contribution and Development
Take ownership of assigned research projects and deliver high-quality work. Provide technical guidance and support to junior researchers. Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across the team. Contribute actively to the team's research agenda and strategic priorities.
Qualifications and Experience The successful candidate should have:
- 5+ years of relevant experience in quantitative investment research, index research or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of quantitative investment techniques and index construction.
- Experience conducting quantitative investment research and translating research concepts into practical investment or index solutions.
- Strong programming and analytical capabilities, with substantial experience using Python and SQL.
- Experience using common Python analytical libraries and data visualization tools.
- Familiarity with large financial datasets and scalable research workflows.
- Understanding of global financial markets and investment products.
- Experience with factor, thematic and/or sustainability-related investment research would be advantageous.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively across functions and geographies.
- Bachelor's degree or above in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science or another relevant quantitative discipline.
- Fluency in English.
Key Behaviours
- Integrity
- Partnership
- Innovation
- Excellence
- Client Focus