Career Advice (M&A to AM)

[M&A to AM]

Currently i am in the M&A team (buy-side), looking to transition into the asset management (AM) industry for career aspiration reason.

I am currently holding a perm. role and was offered a contract role with one of the larger AM firm (AUM >100b) . While there is some upside to my salary (+20%), it’s a 6M-12M contract role and we do not know if there’s any renewal/conversion.

If I were to move, I would be starting 'new’ since I had M&A instead of AM experience.

In addition, many have said that AM is a sunset industry because of AI/Robot trading, increase no. of ETFs, etc.

Basic profile:
Early 30s, passed CFA level 3 (few months short of 48 months investment experience), previously graduated with Economics major from a local uni.

If you were in my shoe, would you move for career reason or stay for stability reason?

Just to clarify, what is the specific role and asset class in the AM firm? Equity analyst?

Also what is M&A (buy-side)? You mean as an advisor on the buy-side of transactions or principal investing for a company (presumably not a PE shop)?

[M&A to AM]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Just to clarify, what is the specific role and asset class in the AM firm? Equity analyst?

Also what is M&A (buy-side)? You mean as an advisor on the buy-side of transactions or principal investing for a company (presumably not a PE shop)?

Hi there,

the jobscope is primarily the trade execution and monitoring, could be both equities and fixed income since they deal with multi-asset funds. So it's not an equity analyst role that can eventually lead to a portfolio manager role.

I work on the buy-side to acquire companies as per the mandate; so it's principal investing. It's not a PE shop as the capital is wholly founder's money, maybe S$150m dry powder

Definitely would not advise going into execution trading even if it were a perm role.

I will never settle for a contract role if I am already holding perm. Besides the AM industry is undergoing servere cost cutting and fee reduction due to massive monthly outflows into passive instruments and this trend shows no sign of abating.

Chances of conversion to perm are not high as the existing headcounts are being reorganized and reduced in most AM firms. Even huge ones like Fidelity, JPM and BR are getting hit left right centre. The smaller ones like LM, FT, are completely screwed.

Surprisingly it's those niche boutique AM firms that are doing much better in terms of client retention.

[M&A to AM]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Definitely would not advise going into execution trading even if it were a perm role.

Thank you mate for your advice here.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I will never settle for a contract role if I am already holding perm. Besides the AM industry is undergoing servere cost cutting and fee reduction due to massive monthly outflows into passive instruments and this trend shows no sign of abating.

Chances of conversion to perm are not high as the existing headcounts are being reorganized and reduced in most AM firms. Even huge ones like Fidelity, JPM and BR are getting hit left right centre. The smaller ones like LM, FT, are completely screwed.

Surprisingly it's those niche boutique AM firms that are doing much better in terms of client retention.

It's always wonderful to hear insights and that kind of confirms my guess from the information and 'slip' details from the hiring manager. I had looked at boutique AM firms but most are not hiring (or my network just isn't big enough).

Year-end is always a good time to reflect on one's life goals, including my career choice this time round

Originally Posted by M&A to AM

Thank you mate for your advice here.




It's always wonderful to hear insights and that kind of confirms my guess from the information and 'slip' details from the hiring manager. I had looked at boutique AM firms but most are not hiring (or my network just isn't big enough).

Year-end is always a good time to reflect on one's life goals, including my career choice this time round

Boutique firms usually want someone with direct relevant experience so that he/she can hit the road and start functioning from day 1. Many of these firms have 10-15 pax all-in and outsource a lot of work. They don't have luxury to get a semi-fit guy who requires lots of OJT to warm up. You are better off staying in M&A space.