Head of Fixed Income (AVP)

Job Summary

• Zurich Malaysia is looking for AVP, Fixed Income to lead the fixed income team in the management of the fixed income portfolio as well as assets liabilities management. 
• The AVP, fixed income will (i) set the direction for Malaysia’s in-house fixed income exposure on the balance sheet portfolios and investment linked funds; (ii) provide oversight of the team members; (iii) responsible for the performance and income plan; (iv) management of assets liabilities management of the balance sheet portfolios; (v) Support initiatives around Unit Linked platform in respect of new products/opportunities.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

Key Function Responsibilities

• Manage the in-house management activity (from investment thesis, investment solutions, to execution) of the local investment management organisation in an efficient and effective way [Balance Sheet comprises the legal entities: Conventional Life, and General, as well as Takaful (Family and General) with total assets MYR 10.4bil / USD $2.4bil].
• Lead a team of fixed income investment professionals in the management of the companies’ portfolios in generating sustainable performance in these asset classes.
• Oversee the management of the local fixed income investment portfolios and ensure that superior investment performance within the constraints of strategic and tactical asset allocation, risk taking capacity and local regulatory constraints is achieved.
• Implement Group best-practice standards around the in-house asset management function.
• Support the development of investment solutions, and product design with the Life Distribution team; as well as support marketing initiatives and investor roadshow presentations.
• Support the local efforts for the exploration and exploitation of risk-premia to increase returns in close collaboration with central Group Investment Management resources.
• Research, evaluate and stay up-to-date on the local market and macroeconomic situation that may affect or provide opportunities on the implementation of the local strategy in order to support decision-making;
• Ensure an effective, and efficient investment governance framework that is operational, including appropriate controls for internal asset managers (in conjunction with the APAC Regional Head of Assurance).
• In conjunction with the Regional Investment Manager, the in-house and external asset managers, monitor and develop a strategy to deal with the Group’s ambitions around Greenhouse Gas Emissions beyond 2024.
• Work with the Life Distribution team on the provision of investment content into the product development/ and distribution effort (including marketing collateral, and investment content pitches) to prospective prospects/ and existing clients.

Business Accountabilities

• Lead the direct reports by setting individual objectives, reviewing performance/appraisals and providing ongoing feedback on a formal and informal basis so that employees are aware of what they are required to achieve, and how they perform against their objectives;
• Lead and direct the effective execution of all Investment Management processes ensuring that net income targets and cash remittance objectives for the Company are achieved and that the portfolios are balanced with the operational considerations and constraints;
• Assist the local legal entities in respect of providing support to external audit processes, as well as regulator questions covering investment centric content.

Job Requirements

Qualifications/Experience

• Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or equivalent.
• 15 or more years of investment experience in portfolio management in equity and fixed income.
• Lead a successful team of investment professionals.
• Existing BNM approved person classification.
• CFA preferred.
• Pasaran Kewangan Malaysia Certificate (PKMC) is a must.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of credit asset universe, fixed income investing, equity investment, asset allocation or multi-asset fund investing.

• Knowledge of portfolio construction and portfolio analytics.

• Understanding of client fund investing.

• Understanding of ALM a definite advantage.

You are the heart & soul of Zurich! 

At Zurich, we like to think outside the box and challenge the status quo. We take an optimistic approach by focusing on the positives and constantly asking What can go right? 

We highly value the experience and know-how of our employees and offer a wide range of opportunities across business areas to encourage you to apply for new opportunities within Zurich when you are ready for your next career step. 

Let’s continue to grow together!