As the name would suggest, asset management is a field concerned with the handling of valuable commodities. Within the banking industry this can mean the handling of complicated asset portfolios that can be owned, leased or even sub-leased.
Of course, the breadth of this sector means that asset management can take many different forms, but there are a number of skills that a professional in this industry can be expected to demonstrate. Organisation, communication and negotiation frequently top the list of desirable qualities required by recruitment agencies as it is vital for a client to have absolute faith in their staff to show strong business acumen and an astute eye for making profits. Not surprisingly, given the value of the assets being managed, confidence and ambition tend to be characteristics found in financial centres such as the City of London.
Qualifications and Salary
Typically a suitable degree for asset management would be in accounting, finance, business studies, maths or economics, and further qualifications such as an Investment Management Certificate or the Investment Administration Qualification may be desirable.
Due to the challenging nature of this role and the pressure associated with asset management, pay can range from £35,000 to £75,000 in basic pay. Most roles are incentivised, however, with a strong emphasis on commission which can improve wages dramatically - especially for managers working on valuable portfolios. This type of work within the banking industry is heavily focused around commercial centres, with London being the most likely place for candidates to find employment.