Fund Relationship and Data Lead

The Fund Relationship and Data Lead at Aegon is tasked with overseeing a team that manages relationships with fund managers and ensures that fund data is accurate and robust. This includes conducting due diligence on fund managers, organizing quarterly oversight meetings, and supporting the development of reporting processes such as TCFD. Your role will also involve monitoring management information to identify trends and presenting insights to Proposition teams.

To be successful as a Fund Relationship and Data Lead at Aegon, candidates should possess strong data management and analysis skills, ideally with experience in Excel and financial performance systems such as Financial Express or Morningstar. Investment and fund analysis skills, along with a good understanding of regulatory policies regarding investments, are also essential for excelling in this role.

At Aegon, we pride ourselves on our collaborative culture. As a Fund Relationship and Data Lead, you'll be part of a close-knit team within the Investment Proposition department. Team management skills are crucial as you'll oversee workflow while working alongside fund managers and other stakeholders to ensure seamless operations that align with our strategic goals.

The work environment at Aegon is dynamic and supportive, with a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration. We operate on a hybrid model which encourages being in the office at least 40% of the time to foster teamwork. This allows for effective communication, brainstorming, and innovative problem-solving, adhering to our belief that we can do great things together.

Fund Relationship and Data Leads at Aegon enjoy a range of benefits, including a non-contributory pension of 8% to 12%, a discretionary bonus based on personal and company performance, and up to 34 days of leave annually. Additionally, Aegon offers private medical coverage, life assurance, and various lifestyle benefits to support our employees in living their best lives.

When prioritizing tasks as a Fund Relationship and Data Lead, it’s essential to assess the urgency and impact of each task. I typically categorize tasks by deadlines and how they align with team goals. Using project management tools can help maintain clarity on workflow, ensuring that important tasks such as data reporting and fund oversight are completed timely.

In my previous role, I encountered a situation with a fund manager who had discrepancies in reporting. I initiated a direct dialogue to resolve the issue collaboratively, focusing on understanding their challenges while being transparent about our expectations. This approach not only resolved the immediate issue but also strengthened our relationship moving forward.

Key metrics I focus on for analyzing fund performance include performance returns relative to benchmark indices, risk-adjusted returns, expense ratios, and consistency of performance over different market cycles. These metrics provide valuable insight into a fund's effectiveness and viability within our investment strategy.

I have significant experience working with data management and analysis tools, primarily Excel, where I analyze performance trends and create forecasting models. I've also interfaced with specialized financial databases like Morningstar, enhancing my ability to present actionable insights derived from complex data sets effectively.

Ensuring compliance with investment regulations is paramount. I stay updated on industry regulations and best practices and often conduct internal audits to ensure our processes align with those standards. Collaborating with compliance teams also helps facilitate awareness and addresses any gaps promptly.

Successful relationship management with fund managers includes maintaining open lines of communication, establishing regular check-ins, and being attentive to their needs. Building trust is crucial, and I prioritize these relationships by offering constructive feedback while also being receptive to their input, ensuring mutual benefit.

Creating a new oversight process involves establishing clear objectives and key performance indicators. I would engage relevant stakeholders in the planning phase to understand their requirements, design a structured oversight framework, and implement regular review mechanisms to ensure effectiveness and alignment with Aegon’s strategic goals.

I actively track market trends by utilizing analytical tools and maintaining regular updates on macroeconomic indicators. By synthesizing this information, I can identify opportunities and risks, guiding our investment strategy. My previous role involved producing quarterly reports that directly informed strategic decisions based on market shifts.

Staying updated with the latest developments involves regularly reading industry publications, attending webinars, and participating in relevant networking events. I also find that engaging with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn helps in exchanging insights and learning about emerging trends in the investment landscape.

The most challenging part is balancing the demands of relationship management with the analytical duties inherent to the role. There are times when nuanced negotiations with fund managers are necessary, while simultaneously needing to pivot to detailed data analysis. However, these challenges can be navigated effectively through strong organizational skills and proactive communication.