Associate, Index Research

About this role

Business Unit Overview:

BlackRock’s Index Research Group, within Global Markets & Index Investments (BGM), manages more than $5.9 trillion in global passive equity assets across Global Developed Markets, Emerging Markets, Commodities and REITs. The group offers passive equity investors one of the industry's broadest arrays of investment choices, including ETFs (iShares), commingled funds, mutual funds and separate accounts. Our clients include corporate pension plans, public pension plans, central banks, sovereign wealth funds and other institutional investors.

Role Overview:

BlackRock is seeking an Index Associate to join the Index Research Team in our London office. This individual will be responsible for researching and projecting announced corporate action (mergers and acquisitions, secondary offerings, rights offerings, etc.) which result in changes to the underlying benchmarks.  The successful candidate will assist in driving this daily projection process, be a solid contributor to enhancing automation and efficiency of process and conduct independent research and analysis to incorporate into the portfolio management strategy.  In addition, the Associate will lead/assist on key strategic projects that require regional or global coordination across multiple disciplines within BGM. He/she will have the opportunity to further develop product and operational knowledge, all within a collaborative environment of supportive colleagues.

Responsibilities include:

• Creation and research of projections for upcoming index changes in the underlying benchmarks, which are used by portfolio managers to place trades. 
• Research expected index changes, upcoming corporate actions, and major index rebalances.
• Enhance and streamline index projection process by participating in technology migration. 
• Advise and collaborate with global index providers on implementing methodology best practices.
• Engage with global teams to identify and drive process improvements that lower risk and increase efficiency
• Participate in project work and systems testing
• Provide business management support including compiling and synthesizing relevant data sources to incorporate findings into business reporting and presentations
• Support analytical ad hoc analysis

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years of financial services industry experience
• Knowledge of and interest in index portfolio management and index construction methodologies
• Passion for investing and a continuous desire to learn more about financial markets and fund management
• Strong technical aptitude with an interest in technology solutions related to index projections.  Python, SQL, or any coding experience is a plus
• Experience with Aladdin tools and knowledge of Aladdin data sources are a plus
• Forward thinking with attention to detail and desire to improve and standardize processes
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments while producing high quality work in a demanding, fast-paced environment
• High degree of professional discretion, integrity, and judgement
• Excellent verbal and written communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.