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Introduction

• Introduction from the CISI - by Mr. Alan Yarrow Chartered FCSI (Hon)
  The financial services industry has been in the public spotlight over the past 12 to 18 months. There have been excesses over the past few years, which may take time to be corrected, but there is little doubt that the industry and its products will, on recovery, prove to be critical to the

The Profession

• Insurance - by Andrew Hall
  Go back to Career options Insurance companies take on the risk of financial loss to individuals and organisations, issuing an insurance policy in return for the
• Retail, Private and Institutional Banking - by Andrew Hall
  Go back to Career options Retail banking Retail banks provide banking services, loan facilities and financial advice to businesses and members of the public
• Asset Management/Fund Management - by Andrew Hall
  Go back to Career options Fund managers invest the money held by pension funds, insurance funds, collective schemes such as investment trusts and unit trusts,
• Specialist, Operational and Administrative Roles - by Andrew Hall
  Go back to Career options

  
  There are many other careers in services and areas that underpin the main business activities in banking, investment and

• The City and its institutions - by Sian Lloyd
  The City of London has evolved within a climate of relative political stability into one of the most prominent international trading cities of the world. It continues to advance its reputation for financial innovation, openness, versatility, efficiency and professionalism. The UK is both the
• Career options - by Andrew Hall
  A close look at the industry reveals a world that is more diverse than might be imagined. The range of graduate employment opportunities is large, with challenging career paths open to those with the ambition and flair to succeed both in easier and more difficult times. The UK’s banking industry
• The global finance industry - by Kevin Moore MCSI
  “Join the army and see the world” was a popular recruiting slogan a century ago. “Join the investors and see the world” is more apt for the 21st century – greater variety, better pay, more control over your life and less chance of losing it in an abrupt and messy manner. Opportunities abroad
• Financial centres beyond London - by Sian Lloyd
  If you thought that opportunities outside of London didn’t exist, you would be wrong. With large volumes of employees based out of Scotland, the North West and many more, these regions can offer any graduate a satisfying array of options. [
• The future of banking - by Alice Chapple
  Financial institutions had to turn to the tax-payer for bail-out, and key commercial banks are now majority-owned by the public sector. Many of the banks’ activities – deemed acceptable when apparently a part of a successful growth industry – are now perceived to have been self-serving and
• Changes in the finance industry - by Sian Lloyd
  Much of the recent focus within the sector has been on post credit crunch regulatory changes. The regulation of financial services is about balance between protecting client assets and enabling businesses to operate in highly competitive and constantly developing global markets. We take a closer
• What salary can I expect? - by Tara Ricks
  Traditionally, the financial services sector has been one of the most lucrative entry points for graduates, with premium salaries, great perks and high-flying careers. So has the picture changed and what can you expect to earn? Five years ago, university leavers were able to command over £35,000
• FAQs
  Working with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, we look to answer some of your more pressing questions about the banking industry. Do I need a degree and, if so, in which subject area? A degree is the [

Recent Graduates

• Trade Support Analyst - Morgan Stanley - by Andrew Moeller
  Why I chose a career in investment banking I like the global scope and fast paced environment of investment banking. Studying History at university, I was not entirely sure what industry I wanted to work in after I graduated. I tried banking and have never looked back. The industry is
• Operations Analyst - Rathbone Investment Management - by Victoria Yung
  What attracted you to a career in investment management? I have always had an interest in business and finance, which was developed through studying business studies at A level and at university. I excelled in statistical and financial modules which confirmed my desire for a career where I could
• Research - Barclays Capital - by Toni Dang
  Why I chose a career in investment banking I was drawn towards investment banking due to the fast-paced environment and potential to work alongside intelligent and entrepreneurial people. The atmosphere in an investment bank is dynamic and motivated. I’ve always enjoyed working on longer
• Investment Analyst - Nomura - by Toni Osibodu
  What do investment bankers do? Primarily we advise and facilitate two different, but often interlinked transaction types; mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital raisings. Most people are immediately aware of what M&A entails, however capital raising sometimes needs a little more
• Corporate Finance – KPMG - by Trevor Stokes
  Throughout school and university I had always been science orientated, graduating in natural sciences from Cambridge, specialising in genetics. Science required problem solving which I enjoyed and this became one of the key criteria I wanted in a future career. However, it was also important for
• Compliance – Deutsche Bank - by Nisha Dhawan
  Why compliance? After completing my Master’s degree at the London School of Economics, I considered three career paths: banking, [consulting and academia. When I heard that select
• Investment Manager - Redmayne-Bentley - by Denis Oppong
  Why choose a career in broking? When I was about 13, I had a friend whose father was interested in investing on the stock exchange and I remember him reading the financial press and regaling us with stories of his recent successes. I still recall us walking through Bournville village with the
• Investment Manager – Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management - by David Littler
  What aspects of your job do you enjoy most? The necessity to maintain a good knowledge of current affairs and an understanding of how the policies of governments, the operations of central banks and spirit of our society at large will impact upon the prices of the assets we invest in. Thanks to
• HSBC International Management - by Sophie Biagoli
  My interest in an international banking career started when I was still at university, while I was completing a year abroad on the ERASMUS programme in Milan. I am now one of approximately 400 globally mobile International Managers (IM) in the HSBC Group, which is key to our talent management and
• Broker – RBC Capital Markets - by Olivia Burwood-Taylor
  Deciding on the right career On meeting RBC Capital Markets employees at a graduate fair, I was struck by how friendly and enthusiastic everyone
• Economist – Bank of England - by Tomas Hellebrandt
  When I was finishing school I was deciding between a career in economics and one as an architect. I was keen to use my creative streak, but in the end I felt I could have more impact and do more for society by becoming involved in economic policymaking.

Senior Profiles

• Fund Monitoring Manager - Scottish Widows - by Jon Beckett
  When I started fund analysis it was still a relatively obscure discipline, but has since gained much deserved credo through the rise in governance and regulation. Firstly, through the FSA’s Retail Distribution Review, which will shake-up how investment providers work with advisers and how
• Head of Corporate Finance - CV Capital LLP - by Debbie Clark
  Who would have thought that a background in biochemistry would be useful in the fast paced world of corporate finance? I am always surprised when I look back and see many of the skills I learnt as a scientist were applied to further a career in finance. My early career After finishing my BSc in
• Head of Compliance - Arbuthnot Latham & Co - by David Moland
  Early thoughts My work experience prior to going to university was two weeks working for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Corporation in Hong Kong. The experience didn’t really teach me anything as few people in the branch spoke English, but this didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for a career in banking!
• Barclays Wealth - Senior Business Analyst - by Alastair Majury
  I am a Senior Business Analyst and have spent the last four years working with global heads, senior managers and all levels of organisations, delivering effective, lasting, communications led change. My job involves: Communicating changes in real-world language Helping business and team leaders
• Operations Manager - Morgan Stanley - by Kevin Gilfillan
  After finishing school I didn’t really have an idea of to study, or where. Following much searching, I was accepted at the University of Paisley (now part of the University of the West of Scotland) to study its Media:Theory and Production course, based on the Ayr campus. I enjoyed this course,
• Associate Investment Director - Rensburg Sheppards - by Marion Mulcahy
  Like many graduates will tell you, one of the best decisions I made while at university was to seek out some real work experience. I was in the second year of an Economics degree at Manchester Metropolitan University and, through a family friend, arranged to work alongside an analyst at
• Private Client Investment - Barclays Wealth - by Victoria Hoskins
  Starting out Throughout my working life, I’m happy to have been able to live up to the old CV staple of ‘liking a challenge’. Whether it is moving from private client relationship management to directing the investment process in the past few years, or embarking on a degree in Law and Economics
• Compliance Consultant - Compass - by Jane Walshe
  Exciting times My career path has been unconventional and has included stints working for HM Revenue & Customs, dealing with VAT frauds and drugs importation cases, as well as a period working as part of the UN Mission in Kosovo as a Human Rights Legal Adviser. I’ve always let my life choices
• Head of Regulatory Business Development – International Financial Data Services - by Chris Selden
  How I got started: Temping I got into the investment business in the mid-1990s through the Bank of Scotland (BoS) unit trust department. It was in Edinburgh I first learned about collective investment schemes – unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs) that enable many investors to
• Head of UK Funds – Valad Property Group - by Chris Carter Keall
  How I got started I became interested in property while in my last year at school and wanted to find a career that gave variety, ability to travel, flexibility and the opportunity to meet people. My parents knew a surveyor and, at the age of 17, I spent a week with him while he undertook

Finding the Right Job

• Top ten application questions - by Laura McFarlane
  Applying for jobs can be a daunting task. With [83 applicants for every graduate vacancy, you may well be applying to
• Key skills and minimum requirements - by John O'Keeffe
  Are you prepared for the economic upturn? If you are undertaking the first year of your degree, or even if you are in your last, you need to know what to do to secure a position in the banking, securities and investment sector after your studies. Obtaining that all important role is not just
• Getting the job - by Martyn Drage
  The City of London is hugely attractive to many talented graduates, despite the ups and downs of the past few years. Leading investment banks continue to recruit the top graduates, rewarding their successful professionals with bonuses that only Premier League footballers can aspire to. While
• Internships: the only way into the industry? - by Jane Clark
  Recent events have fundamentally altered the competitive landscape for investment banking as an industry, but post-crisis, the banking sector is still recruiting in earnest and understands the importance of keeping its doors open to bright students. However, competition is tough and graduate
• What to expect from graduate training schemes
  Bank of America and Merrill Lynch have joined forces, creating a combined organisation that brings together two companies that complement each other in the investment banking, global markets, research and wealth management businesses. Summer interns and graduates who join our organisation gain a

The Institute and Qualifications

• Making the most of your CISI Membership - by Richard Bennett
  Becoming a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) opens up a wealth of resources and opportunities for anybody interested in banking. Here we discuss some of the benefits that CISI membership can offer. Many firms actively look for and recruit employees who have
• Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment - by Ruth Martin
  The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is a leading professional body which ensures and promotes the highest level of competence within the securities and
• Institute Qualifications - by Yvonne Dineen
  To ensure the integrity of the banking industry and its staff, professional qualifications are vital, not to mention demanded by the industry regulator. These qualifications cover a range of specialist financial areas from foundation to advanced level. Many of these are provided by the Chartered

Glossary

• A Description of Terms
  A Advising Giving advice to investors on specific investments with a view to it being acted upon. Advisory Service A firm advises the client but the investment decision is made by the client. Agency Bargain A trade that involves a client buying or selling stock through a broker acting as

Company profiles

 
• Baillie Gifford & Co.
  Baillie Gifford is one of the leading privately owned investment management firms in the UK, with over £70 billion under management. The firm has a unique partnership structure, being wholly owned and managed
• Bank of America Merrill Lynch
  Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset
• Barclays Capital
  About us Barclays Capital is the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, offering strategic advisory, financing and risk management solutions to large corporate, government and institutional
• BNP Paribas
  BNP Paribas Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) is a leading European investment bank with global leadership in many of our businesses. We are part of the BNP Paribas Group, one of the strongest banks in the
• Commerzbank
  About Commerzbank Corporates & Markets Commerzbank Corporates & Markets (C&M) is the corporate and investment banking segment of Commerzbank AG, providing a broad range of products and services to corporate
• Credit Suisse
  Credit Suisse is a forward-thinking financial services firm providing private banking, investment banking and asset management services to clients worldwide. We’re a stable global bank with a long heritage in
• Financial Services Authority
  The importance of regulation has never been greater. As the UK’s sole financial services regulator, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) works to maintain market confidence, target and reduce financial
• Goldman Sachs
  The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base
• HSBC Group
  Be the future of banking HSBC is one of the few truly global banking organisations with an international network, a strong balance sheet and a powerful position in the world’s growth markets across Europe,
• J.P. Morgan
  J.P. Morgan has a long-standing reputation for doing first-class business in a first-class way. Combining a proud legacy with innovative and strategic thinking, we help companies grow and markets develop. We
• Macquarie
  Macquarie Group (Macquarie) is a global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services. Macquarie’s main business focus is making returns by providing a diversified range
• Mercer
  About us: Mercer is a leading global provider of consulting, outsourcing and investment services. Operating in 41 countries, our 3,200 strong UK based team supports a huge variety of organisations, including
• Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International plc
  Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International plc (MUSI) is the European capital markets hub of one of the largest financial institutions in the world, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG). MUSI is headquartered
• Nomura
  Nomura is a leading financial services group and the preeminent Asian-based investment bank with worldwide reach. Nomura provides a broad range of innovative solutions tailored to the specific requirements of
• RBC Capital Markets
  A premier investment bank RBC Capital Markets is a premier investment bank that provides a focused set of products and services to institutions, corporations, governments and high net worth clients in over
• RBS
  RBS is undergoing one of the biggest transformations ever seen. We’re building a new bank. One that will be safer, stronger and profitable for years to come. The changes we’re making are unprecedented, but so
• Schroders
  Who are we? At Schroders, asset management is our business and our goals are completely aligned with those of our clients – the creation of long-term value. We manage £204.8 billion (EUR 226.7
• Smith & Williamson
  Firm profile Smith & Williamson has around 1,500 staff in ten principal offices across the UK and Ireland. We hold the unique position of combining a firm of chartered accountants, currently ranked the 9th
• UBS
  UBS draws on its 150-year heritage to serve private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. We combine our wealth management, investment banking and asset

Graduate full time and work experience vacancies

 
• Baillie Gifford & Co. - Summer Internship Programme
  We offer students in their penultimate year of university a comprehensive summer internship programmes. Our structured programme of placements provides an invaluable experience for anyone considering
• Barclays Capital - Internship Programme
  Barclays Capital is the investment banking division of Barclays Bank PLC, offering strategic advisory, financing and risk management solutions to large corporate, government and institutional
• BNP Paribas - Long-Term Internship Programme
  A Long-Term Internship will provide you with a detailed understanding of the corporate and investment banking sector and a valuable platform of experience. As one of our 700+ global interns, you’ll
• BNP Paribas - Spring Insight Programme
  BNP Paribas Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) is a leading European investment bank with global leadership in many of our businesses. [We are part of the BNP Paribas Group, one of the strongest
• BNP Paribas - Summer and Long-Term Internship Programme
  If you’re interested in exploring a career in banking and finance, an internship is the best possible option. Penultimate year students can apply for a Summer Internship in London, New York, Hong
• Mercer - Asset Transitions Coordinator
  If you relish the thought of solving problems for clients, this role will see you helping companies who wish to change the investment strategy of their pension scheme. It’s a risky business that
• Mercer - Internship - Asset Transitions Coordinator
  Intern positions with us are a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of working for a multinational consulting firm. The 8 week programme runs from the beginning of July to the end of August. You will
• Mercer - Internship - Financial Strategy Analyst
  Intern positions with Mercer are a fantastic opportunity for candidates to get a taste of working for a multinational consulting firm. Interns join us for a structured 8 week programme running from
• Mercer - Internship - Investment Analyst
  Investment analysts at Mercer perform a key role in helping to provide all aspects of investment advice to a wide range of clients. As an Investment analyst intern you will work as part of a team
• RBS - Easter Insight Programme
  Internships for first year students If you’re a first year student looking for an introduction to financial services, our Easter Insight programme will offer you an opportunity to experience our
• RBS - RBS Graduate programmes
  Right place. Right time. RBS is a bank with a plan. We’re changing and rebuilding so that we’re a safer, stronger and more profitable bank. Not just for today, but for many years to come. Good
• RBS - Summer Internships
  Internships for penultimate year students The aim of our summer internship programme is to provide you with a unique insight into the variety of opportunities within RBS as well as experience our

Course provider profiles

 
• European Business School
  The European Business School London is the UK’s oldest private business school, situated in the heart of Regent’s Park, central London.
• University of Bangor
  Bangor Business School, Bangor University is one of the major European university schools for financial and banking studies.
• University of Greenwich
  Based at the historic Greenwich Campus, the Business School offers a number of full- and part-time MSc/MBA/PGDip financial programmes...
• University of Kent
  The unique programme offered provides the essential knowledge base in quantitative finance, investment analysis and portfolio management...
• University of Salford
  The four full time Masters degree programmes equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the financial sector.