Compliance Analyst

Compliance Analyst

Marshall Wace is a leading global alternatives investment manager with around $60bn in assets under management and over 400 employees working across London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Operating as a single team across the globe, we are dedicated to creating long-term relationships with our clients built on trust and integrity. We define our culture as one of continuous innovation and a quest for improvement. We instinctively strive to do things differently, with fresh thinking that enables us to create proprietary value and maximise the benefits to our clients.

We manage quantitative, systematic, and fundamental strategies, specialising predominantly in long/short equity. Our strategies are implemented globally, leveraging proprietary systems and processes. Technology and data have been at the core of our business for more than two decades. In 2002, we launched MW TOPS, the world’s first ‘Alpha Capture’ application. Today, we continue to foster an environment focused on innovation and the pursuit of excellence.

Role

We pride ourselves on our integrity and principled approach to business. Our Compliance team work to ensure we operate to the highest regulatory standards and best practices in every market. They embed a strong company culture and individual accountability through relevant guidance and training. The team assesses and mitigates regulatory risks by advising on initiatives and changes in the regulatory landscape. They also use proprietary and third-party technology to review and monitor with extensive scale and forensic detail.

We are seeking a bright and enthusiastic individual to work within the Firm’s Compliance team. As well as participating in the team’s general functions, the role will specialise on trade monitoring and surveillance. A focus will be understanding certain proprietary technology and data in the context of broader regulatory and exchange obligations with an aim towards promoting efficiency, accuracy, and innovation within the Firm’s Compliance team. Although this person will have technical expertise, they must also have an appetite for regulatory analysis and desire to expand their compliance skillset.

Responsibilities

In addition to the primary responsibilities below, opportunities for training, development, exploration, and project work will often materialize. The role and responsibilities will vary to meet the changing demands of our business in response to regulatory developments and technology advancements.  Located in the New York office, the role will have a US focus within a global team.

• Review trading and portfolio management activity, including order entry, execution, news flows, Code of Ethics information and market activity.
• Monitor information streams, including, for example, market data, trading activity and expert network usage.
• Design, develop and operate data integration between compliance tooling, internal trading and external systems, while continually assessing and adapting systems and controls as necessary to improve their accuracy and efficiency.
• Safeguard the suitability of the controls within the algorithmic and quantitative processes that support the firm’s investment process.
• Assess compliance and regulatory risk in trading processes.
• Shape compliance policies and procedures used in the trading and investment processes.
• Provide training, guidance and judgement where appropriate, as well as advise the business on risk and controls.
• Interpret and analyze the impact of change to relevant laws, regulations and market infrastructure, particularly in light of the Firm’s trading footprint.
• Investigate and escalate any concerns that arise.
• Conduct regulatory reporting.
• Respond to inquiries from regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated track record of academic achievement.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience in trade and marketing surveillance coming from a regulator, exchange, market data and due diligence vendors, investment bank or investment management firm.
• Basic proficiency in SQL is highly preferred (we are open to those without SQL experience if the individual can demonstrate technical ability and an interest in picking up the skillset).
• Knowledge of US regulations relevant to an investment adviser trading in the US public markets, such as rules promulgated by the SEC, CFTC, NFA and exchanges.
• Knowledge of equity markets, including commodities and derivative instruments, familiarity with quantitative and algorithmic trading systems, and the identification and prevention of market abuse. Additional product knowledge is appreciated, but not required.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently and prioritize projects to meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• An analytical mindset, thorough investigative skills and the ability to be proactive in identifying risks and proposing solutions.
• Self-motivated with a penchant for improving business efficiency.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; clear presentation, succinct writing and articulate conversation are valued.
• Ability to operate with a high level of discretion and superb judgement.