Insight Flashcards

Question

How would you handle queries from different teams, especially if they conflict or require quick resolutions?

Answer 1

Prioritise queries based on their urgency and impact on the business. For example, if a query from the fund management team directly affects trading activity, I’d address it immediately. Fully understand the question, gather the necessary data, and provide a clear, concise response. For conflicting queries, I’d engage the relevant stakeholders to find a resolution collaboratively and escalate the issue if needed.

Answer 2

At DOHR, I noticed that the research team was spending significant time manually processing employee turnover data for their HR clients. They were sifting through large datasets containing information on employee turnover, demographics, performance, and salaries, which was time-consuming and repetitive. To address this, I developed two solutions. First, I created an automated parsing tool to clean and sort raw data, filtering out irrelevant or blank entries and making it easier to identify trends in the data. Second, I used Excel macros to automate repetitive tasks, such as calculating averages and creating visualisations, which streamlined the analysis process. As a result, the team was able to save approximately 10 hours of work per week, enabling them to focus on higher-value tasks like client reporting and analysis. This experience taught me the value of leveraging automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy, skills I believe are directly transferable to this role at Insight Investment.

Answer 3

During my internship at DOHR, I identified inefficiencies in how the research team processed employee turnover data. I took ownership of this issue by analysing the existing workflow and proposing automation solutions. I designed and implemented an automated parsing tool and Excel macros that significantly sped up the time spent cleaning and analysing the data. The initiative saved the team 10 hours per week, and I took responsibility for testing the tools, training the team to use them, and documenting the process.

Answer 4

"My confidence in engaging with professionals at all levels is something I’ve actively developed through my academic and networking experiences. For instance, I learned about this role through conversations with two senior professionals at Insight Investment, Chris and David. I had an hour-long conversation with David, where we discussed his role and the firm’s approach to managing assets in another team. Chris, who was familiar with my background, highlighted this role and mentioned that I’d be a good fit, noting my ability to confidently hold a conversation, look someone in the eye, and engage effectively. These interactions reinforced the importance of clear communication and building rapport, qualities I aim to bring to every professional setting. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of Insight’s culture and a genuine enthusiasm for contributing to the firm."

Answer 5

I have extensive experience with Excel for data analysis, including creating pivot tables, using advanced formulas, and automating processes with macros. For example, I used Excel in my MSc projects to analyse large datasets and visualise trends. I’ve also used PowerPoint to create presentations in group projects and presented sales pitches at ScentCraft to prospective clients.

Answer 6

Fixed-income securities, like bonds, are low-risk investments that provide regular interest payments. Derivatives, such as futures and options, are used to hedge risks or speculate on price movements. While I haven’t worked directly with these instruments, my MSc coursework covered their mechanics and use in portfolio management, and my CFA Level 1 study is building upon that foundation.

Answer 7

During my MSc, I worked on a Practice of Investment Management project where we created a thematic investment portfolio focused on the Artificial Intelligence sector. The objective was to outperform the S&P 500 Growth Index by selecting high-growth companies through a mix of top-down sector analysis and bottom-up company evaluations. I contributed to portfolio optimisation, using tangency weights to maximize the Sharpe ratio while mitigating risks like over-concentration. This project gave me practical experience in investment analysis, portfolio construction, and risk management, skills that align closely with the responsibilities of a Guideline Coding Analyst."

Answer 8

The primary responsibility of a Guideline Coding Analyst is to ensure that investment guidelines, as outlined in client mandates or regulatory requirements, are accurately implemented in systems like thinkFolio. This involves two key steps: Reviewing Guidelines Post-Execution: After a client’s investment guidelines are finalized, I would carefully analyze them to ensure they are clear, actionable, and compliant with both internal policies and regulatory standards. This step ensures that the guidelines are fully understood before being implemented. Coding Pre/Post-Trade Restrictions: Pre-trade restrictions ensure that any proposed trade is screened in advance to prevent breaches of guidelines, such as exposure limits or prohibited investments. Post-trade restrictions monitor the portfolio after trades are executed to ensure ongoing compliance, such as maintaining diversification limits or adhering to sector restrictions. In thinkFolio, I would translate these rules into system-readable formats and install automated checks. I’d also test the coded rules in a controlled environment to ensure accuracy and functionality before activating them.

Answer 9

"I believe one of the biggest challenges in this role could be ensuring complete accuracy and alignment between the client’s investment mandates, regulatory requirements, and the coded rules in thinkFolio. Any misinterpretation or error in implementation could lead to compliance breaches, which could have significant consequences. To address this, I would: Double-check every guideline to ensure it’s clear and actionable before coding. Regularly test the coded restrictions in a sandbox environment to verify their accuracy. Collaborate closely with Fund Managers, Client Directors, and compliance teams to confirm the rules align with their understanding and expectations. Adopt a systematic approach to reviewing and updating guidelines to minimise potential risks."

Answer 10

I’m currently studying for the CFA, which aligns with my MSc in Finance and Economics and my long-term goal of moving toward a portfolio management role in the front office. While this is something I hope to achieve in the future, I understand the importance of building a strong foundation in the investment management process first. Through this role, I’m eager to develop a deep understanding of how investment mandates are implemented and monitored, and gain hands-on experience with systems like thinkFolio and Charles River. I believe these skills will not only help me excel in this role but also support my long-term growth within Insight. I’m particularly impressed by Insight’s emphasis on internal development and career progression, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the team while growing my capabilities in line with the firm’s values.

Answer 11

Break it down into simple terms by focusing on the ‘what,’ ‘why,’ and ‘how.’ For example, instead of saying, 'The compliance rule logic is misaligned,' I might say, 'There’s a mismatch between the guideline we coded and what the system is checking. This means it’s flagging trades that should be allowed.' Avoid technical jargon, focus on the impact, and provide solutions/next steps.

Answer 12

LDI is an investment strategy that focuses on matching your money (assets) with what you owe (liabilities). The goal isn’t to make as much money as possible—it’s to make sure you can reliably pay your future bills.

Answer 13

Insight is a leading investment manager focused on delivering high-quality, outcome-oriented investment solutions. The firm aims to help clients maximise the certainty of achieving their goals by providing tools to manage risks. Insight boasts a £665 billion AUM with a focus on fixed-income and liability-driven investment solutions - £418.7 billion specifically in liability-driven investment (LDI) solutions.

Answer 14

Insight is the largest LDI manager globally based on assets. Ranked #1 by UK investment consultants for Overall LDI Quality for 14 consecutive years.

Answer 15

Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Dublin, Frankfurt, Sydney, and Tokyo. Serves clients across pension funds, corporates, insurers, wealth managers, and sovereign wealth funds

Answer 16

Insight has a new CEO, Raman Srivastava, who joins with 25 years of experience in the Investment industry. According to Raman, Insight is a "World-Class" investment manager, the biggest LDI strategist in the world, with a growing international presence, and an ambitious growth strategy. He replaces Abdallah Nauphal, who has been at Insight for more than 20 years, and has watched the assets under management at the firm increase nearly tenfold (£75bn→ £665 bn)

Insight Flashcards

(40 cards)