Head of Portfolio Management & Research – Premier Brokerage of a First‑Generation Bank
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2025 12:20 pm
PREPARATION GUIDE – HEAD OF PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
1. COMPANY & ROLE RESEARCH
• Study the parent 1st‑generation bank and its brokerage subsidiary – history, market position, recent news, product suite and client base (retail, HNW, institutional).
• Review the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd (CDBL) and Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) regulations – recent rule changes, compliance expectations and trading mechanisms.
• Identify the firm’s competitors and benchmark its research, portfolio management and business‑development practices against them.
2. EDUCATIONAL & CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST
• Master of Business Administration – ensure your transcript or degree certificate is readily available.
• CFA – if you have cleared Level‑1, schedule Level‑2 or Level‑3 exams; if already passed, have the certificates and the CFA charterholder status (if applicable) ready.
• Advanced MS‑Excel – be able to demonstrate mastery of pivot tables, Power Query, VBA/macros, and complex financial modelling functions.
• R programming – complete at least one finance‑oriented project (e.g., time‑series analysis of stock returns, Monte‑Carlo simulation) and keep the script and output for discussion.
3. CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS TO MASTER
a) FINANCIAL MODELING
– Build end‑to‑end equity valuation models (DCF, dividend discount, comparable companies).
– Construct bond pricing models incorporating yield curves, credit spreads, duration and convexity.
– Prepare integrated portfolio optimisation models using mean‑variance, Black‑Litterman or factor‑based approaches.
b) RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
– Practice writing concise research reports (executive summary, investment thesis, risk factors, valuation, recommendation).
– Analyse annual reports and financial statements of listed companies – focus on cash‑flow, profit‑margin trends, asset quality and capital structure.
c) REGULATORY KNOWLEDGE
– Memorise key DSE/CSE trading rules, settlement cycles, short‑sale and margin requirements.
– Understand BSEC guidelines on client suitability, KYC, AML and HNW client onboarding.
4. LEADERSHIP & BUSINESS‑DEVELOPMENT PREPARATION
• Assemble a portfolio of past team‑leadership experiences – size of the team, projects delivered, performance improvements.
• Develop a 3‑year business‑development plan outline for the brokerage – target client segments, product cross‑sell strategies, digital outreach, revenue projections.
• Prepare case studies where you identified and grew HNW relationships, increased AUM, or launched equity/bond products.
5. SOFT SKILLS & CLIENT‑ORIENTATION
– Practice clear, persuasive communication – both written (reports, emails) and oral (client meetings, presentations).
– Role‑play scenario questions: handling a demanding HNW client, explaining a complex valuation, negotiating fee structures, managing a compliance breach.
6. RESUME & COVER LETTER TAILORING
• Highlight at least 10 years of relevant experience in investment/merchant banking, securities brokerage or asset management.
• Use quantifiable achievements – e.g., “Led a research team of 6 analysts delivering 15 equity reports per quarter, contributing to a 12 % increase in client AUM.”
• List technical proficiencies – Excel (advanced), R, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, VBA, PowerPoint.
• Include CFA progress and any additional certifications (FRM, CPA, etc.).
7. DOCUMENT PACKAGE FOR APPLICATION
– Updated CV (PDF, 2‑page maximum).
– Tailored cover letter addressing the key responsibilities and why you fit the role.
– Copies of MBA degree, CFA certificates, and any other professional qualifications.
– A sample research report or financial model (redacted for confidentiality) to demonstrate capability.
8. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Technical Round
– Expect valuation case studies – be ready to build a quick DCF on a listed company using only provided data.
– Be prepared to discuss bond pricing, yield curve construction and credit risk assessment.
– Questions on DSE/CSE trading rules, settlement processes and recent regulatory updates.
Management / Leadership Round
– Describe your experience managing research teams, setting deadlines and ensuring quality.
– Explain how you would design a business‑development strategy to increase equity trading revenue by a target percentage.
– Provide examples of handling compliance issues and maintaining client trust.
Client‑Facing Simulation
– Simulate a meeting with a potential HNW client – demonstrate needs analysis, product recommendation, and alignment with regulatory suitability standards.
9. PRACTICAL EXERCISES BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
• Build a complete equity valuation model for a Bangladeshi listed firm and prepare a 5‑page investment recommendation.
• Create a short presentation (10‑12 slides) on a proposed nationwide sales initiative to acquire new retail investors.
• Draft a compliance checklist for client onboarding under BSEC guidelines.
10. NETWORKING & REFERENCE STRATEGY
– Reach out to current or former employees of the brokerage or its parent bank for insights on culture and expectations.
– Secure at least two professional references who can speak to your leadership in portfolio management and research.
11. LOGISTICS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION
• Send your CV (and supporting documents) to itlcb.bd@gmail.com as instructed.
• Also upload the same file set through your My Bdjobs account to ensure the recruiter receives both channels.
• Keep a copy of the email sent (including subject line and attachment list) for future follow‑up.
12. POST‑APPLICATION FOLLOW‑UP
– If you do not hear back within 7‑10 business days, send a polite inquiry email referencing your application date and expressing continued interest.
– Prepare for a possible phone screening by reviewing your CV, the business‑development plan outline, and key regulatory points.
By systematically addressing each of the points above you will demonstrate the technical depth, regulatory awareness, leadership capability and client‑centred mindset required for the Head of Portfolio Management & Research position. Good luck!
1. COMPANY & ROLE RESEARCH
• Study the parent 1st‑generation bank and its brokerage subsidiary – history, market position, recent news, product suite and client base (retail, HNW, institutional).
• Review the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), Central Depository Bangladesh Ltd (CDBL) and Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) regulations – recent rule changes, compliance expectations and trading mechanisms.
• Identify the firm’s competitors and benchmark its research, portfolio management and business‑development practices against them.
2. EDUCATIONAL & CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST
• Master of Business Administration – ensure your transcript or degree certificate is readily available.
• CFA – if you have cleared Level‑1, schedule Level‑2 or Level‑3 exams; if already passed, have the certificates and the CFA charterholder status (if applicable) ready.
• Advanced MS‑Excel – be able to demonstrate mastery of pivot tables, Power Query, VBA/macros, and complex financial modelling functions.
• R programming – complete at least one finance‑oriented project (e.g., time‑series analysis of stock returns, Monte‑Carlo simulation) and keep the script and output for discussion.
3. CORE TECHNICAL SKILLS TO MASTER
a) FINANCIAL MODELING
– Build end‑to‑end equity valuation models (DCF, dividend discount, comparable companies).
– Construct bond pricing models incorporating yield curves, credit spreads, duration and convexity.
– Prepare integrated portfolio optimisation models using mean‑variance, Black‑Litterman or factor‑based approaches.
b) RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
– Practice writing concise research reports (executive summary, investment thesis, risk factors, valuation, recommendation).
– Analyse annual reports and financial statements of listed companies – focus on cash‑flow, profit‑margin trends, asset quality and capital structure.
c) REGULATORY KNOWLEDGE
– Memorise key DSE/CSE trading rules, settlement cycles, short‑sale and margin requirements.
– Understand BSEC guidelines on client suitability, KYC, AML and HNW client onboarding.
4. LEADERSHIP & BUSINESS‑DEVELOPMENT PREPARATION
• Assemble a portfolio of past team‑leadership experiences – size of the team, projects delivered, performance improvements.
• Develop a 3‑year business‑development plan outline for the brokerage – target client segments, product cross‑sell strategies, digital outreach, revenue projections.
• Prepare case studies where you identified and grew HNW relationships, increased AUM, or launched equity/bond products.
5. SOFT SKILLS & CLIENT‑ORIENTATION
– Practice clear, persuasive communication – both written (reports, emails) and oral (client meetings, presentations).
– Role‑play scenario questions: handling a demanding HNW client, explaining a complex valuation, negotiating fee structures, managing a compliance breach.
6. RESUME & COVER LETTER TAILORING
• Highlight at least 10 years of relevant experience in investment/merchant banking, securities brokerage or asset management.
• Use quantifiable achievements – e.g., “Led a research team of 6 analysts delivering 15 equity reports per quarter, contributing to a 12 % increase in client AUM.”
• List technical proficiencies – Excel (advanced), R, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, VBA, PowerPoint.
• Include CFA progress and any additional certifications (FRM, CPA, etc.).
7. DOCUMENT PACKAGE FOR APPLICATION
– Updated CV (PDF, 2‑page maximum).
– Tailored cover letter addressing the key responsibilities and why you fit the role.
– Copies of MBA degree, CFA certificates, and any other professional qualifications.
– A sample research report or financial model (redacted for confidentiality) to demonstrate capability.
8. INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Technical Round
– Expect valuation case studies – be ready to build a quick DCF on a listed company using only provided data.
– Be prepared to discuss bond pricing, yield curve construction and credit risk assessment.
– Questions on DSE/CSE trading rules, settlement processes and recent regulatory updates.
Management / Leadership Round
– Describe your experience managing research teams, setting deadlines and ensuring quality.
– Explain how you would design a business‑development strategy to increase equity trading revenue by a target percentage.
– Provide examples of handling compliance issues and maintaining client trust.
Client‑Facing Simulation
– Simulate a meeting with a potential HNW client – demonstrate needs analysis, product recommendation, and alignment with regulatory suitability standards.
9. PRACTICAL EXERCISES BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
• Build a complete equity valuation model for a Bangladeshi listed firm and prepare a 5‑page investment recommendation.
• Create a short presentation (10‑12 slides) on a proposed nationwide sales initiative to acquire new retail investors.
• Draft a compliance checklist for client onboarding under BSEC guidelines.
10. NETWORKING & REFERENCE STRATEGY
– Reach out to current or former employees of the brokerage or its parent bank for insights on culture and expectations.
– Secure at least two professional references who can speak to your leadership in portfolio management and research.
11. LOGISTICS FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION
• Send your CV (and supporting documents) to itlcb.bd@gmail.com as instructed.
• Also upload the same file set through your My Bdjobs account to ensure the recruiter receives both channels.
• Keep a copy of the email sent (including subject line and attachment list) for future follow‑up.
12. POST‑APPLICATION FOLLOW‑UP
– If you do not hear back within 7‑10 business days, send a polite inquiry email referencing your application date and expressing continued interest.
– Prepare for a possible phone screening by reviewing your CV, the business‑development plan outline, and key regulatory points.
By systematically addressing each of the points above you will demonstrate the technical depth, regulatory awareness, leadership capability and client‑centred mindset required for the Head of Portfolio Management & Research position. Good luck!