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Who is a Fund Manager?
Mutual funds with superior performance records often falter ~ John C. Bogle
A fund manager is a finance expert who handles investment decisions and manages a fund’s portfolio. Their job involves researching markets, choosing investments like stocks and bonds, and planning how to spread assets to reach the fund’s goals. The main focus? Boosting returns while managing risks and meeting investor expectations.
They constantly monitor economic trends and asset performance, adjusting the portfolio as needed. To succeed, fund managers need deep investment knowledge, sharp analytical skills, and the ability to make quick, strategic choices.
Fund Manager in a Nutshell
A Fund Manager oversees investment strategies for funds like mutual and pension funds, aiming to maximise returns while managing risks. They research markets, manage portfolios, and communicate with clients, ensuring regulatory compliance. Typically, they have a finance background and certifications like CFA. Fund Managers work in financial firms, using analytical skills to achieve strong investment performance in a dynamic environment.
Quick Facts for Fund Manager
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Industry
Finance
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Average Salary in India
₹77318.5
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A career as a fund manager is suitable for everyone regardless of gender. Anyone can become a fund manager with relevant skills and work experience. There is no gender-based hindrance in the career of a fund manager.
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Any special needs
Yes
A career as a fund manager is a desk-based role. Individuals with special needs may also opt for this career. As it does not require frequent travel or fieldwork.
Table of Contents for Fund Manager
What is the role of Fund Manager?
A career as a fund manager comes up with several responsibilities. The primary responsibility is to research and determine the best stocks, bonds or other securities that fit into the investment strategy of the fund that fulfils the requirements of the investors or outlined in the prospectus. Individuals who pick the career of a fund manager buy and sell stocks, bonds or other securities.
Fund managers research various policies, projects and financial activities of multiple companies.
They provide advice on a client’s financial assets to ensure profitability and better returns.
Fund managers maintain and suggest new ideas for investments.
They analyse the market and interact with clients to plan their investments accordingly
Types of a Fund Manager
There are two types of fund managers, active fund managers and passive fund managers, both represent two distinct investment approaches. We have provided their job description below with job titles. In this section, we will be describing the types of fund managers and the related careers.
Active Fund Manager: An active fund manager job duty involves studying the active fund management trends in the market, analysing data and staying updated on current and company news.
Passive Fund Manager: A passive fund manager tries to mirror the returns of funds’ portfolios instead of trying to outperform the index. He or she trades securities held in the benchmark index.
What is the workplace/work environment of Fund Manager like?
A fund manager's daily job routine involves researching and analysing the financial market and performance of the stocks. Individuals who choose their career as a fund manager spend the majority of work hours liaising with clients and attending meetings. He or she makes informed decisions concerning the financial goals of the clients.
Does Fund Manager require travelling?
Likely
A fund manager does not require travelling on a daily basis. In a career as a fund manager, individuals may require travelling occasionally to attend meetings with clients or internal risk management and other teams.
Time Pressure
Likely
There are fixed hours of functioning of the stock market. On several occasions, trading activities may be announced on usual holidays or shut down hours. Individuals who opt for a career as a fund manager may spend additional hours in research and making investment strategies.
How to become a Fund Manager?
Steps to become a Fund Manager
Embark on a rewarding career as a fund manager by learning essential steps, skills, and insights. Oversee investments, maximise returns, and navigate market risks confidently. Follow key steps given below for success in the dynamic world of finance, ensuring a fulfilling journey as a fund manager.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Fund Manager?
A fund manager along with financial skill also requires multiple soft skills which will be essential in performing the role at its full efficiency and maintaining a standard of work, some of the common soft skills required are as follows:
Problem Solving Skills: A career as a fund manager demands problem-solving skills. In a career as a fund manager, individuals must know when to make changes in investment plans to avoid risk and ensure better returns.
Analytical Skills: A fund manager has to predict the behaviour of stock based on its quantitative as well as qualitative analysis. Individuals who opt for a career as a fund manager are required to analyse the effect of things that cannot be easily measured.
Communication Skills: A fund manager has to communicate with numerous people on a daily basis. In a career as a fund manager, individuals have to communicate effectively with the clients and understand their requirements to make investment decisions for achieving the goal.
Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills are one of the most crucial aspects of a fund manager. A fund manager has to provide support to the analysts and traders. He or she has to effectively communicate with them to avoid any mismanagement.
Organising Skills: A fund manager has to manage the funds’ portfolios of multiple clients. He or she has to oversee the trading activities of each account. Individuals who opt for a career as a fund manager have to make investment strategies to ensure better returns.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Fund Manager?
We have provided below a list of relevant certification courses for aspiring individuals who want to opt a career as a fund manager. These courses may help them to upgrade their skills and knowledge of the stock market and mutual funds.
Financial Modeling in Excel
Online Research Analyst Course
Free Online Courses in Stock Market
Become a Smart Investment Advisor
Technical Analysis course Certification online
Capital Market course
Internship Availability
Those aspiring for a portfolio manager career often start at entry level, with opportunities like fund management internships. Platforms like Naukri.com, Monster, Internshala, and LinkedIn offer such roles. Interns handle tasks like data mining, researching financial companies, and developing trading strategies. This provides exposure to various aspects of the financial industry, including crafting investment strategies in FOREX, Equity, CFDs, and Derivatives.
Fund Manager Jobs and Salaries
Assistant Fund Manager
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 33547
Job Description
The Assistant Fund Manager conducts critical investment research, assists in portfolio analysis, and collaborates with senior managers to inform strategic decisions, contributing to the overall effectiveness of investment portfolio management and client return optimisation.
Salary Description
Assistant Fund Managers earn an average monthly salary of Rs. 33,547(approx), amounting to an annual income of Rs. 4.5 lakh(approx), reflecting their role in supporting investment decisions and portfolio management.
Senior Fund Manager/Lead Portfolio Manager
Contractual/Permanent
- Average Salary 121090
Job Description
The Senior Fund Manager role entails expert leadership in investment portfolios, leveraging market insights for optimised returns, risk management, team mentorship, and strategic decision-making to drive organisational growth and client satisfaction.
Salary Description
Senior Fund Managers earn an average monthly salary of Rs. 1,21,090(approx), with an annual income of Rs. 18.0 lakh(approx), reflecting their expertise in managing investment portfolios and delivering strong financial performance.
What is the job outlook for Fund Manager?
The investment industry has been booming as people from the business class to the middle class have started taking an interest in it and making investments in the stock market and mutual funds. Fund managers are usually employed by financial institutions and fund manager jobs where investors rely on them to make investment decisions with their money.
Frequently Asked Questions for Fund Manager
Que. What is the average fee of MBA in Finance?
Ans.The average fee of MBA in finance ranges Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 2,000,000.
Que. What are the top colleges of fund managers?
Ans.Some of the top colleges known for producing skilled fund managers include Harvard Business School, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, London Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Columbia Business School.
Que. How long does it take to become a fund manager?
Ans.The time to become a fund manager varies, but it typically takes several years of education, gaining experience in the financial industry, and building a strong track record in investment management.
Que. Is it hard to become a fund manager?
Ans.Becoming a fund manager can be challenging, requiring a combination of financial knowledge, analytical skills, and the ability to make sound investment decisions in a dynamic market environment.
Que. Do you need CFA to be a fund manager?
Ans.While a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is not always a strict requirement, it is highly regarded in the industry and can significantly enhance one's chances of becoming a successful fund manager by showcasing expertise and commitment to the field.
Que. What are the top recruiters of fund managers?
Ans.Top recruiters for fund managers include renowned financial firms and investment companies such as BlackRock, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Vanguard Group, Fidelity Investments, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Que. What is the average salary of fund managers?
Ans.The average salary of fund managers in India can vary significantly based on factors like experience, location, and the type of fund they manage. However, salaries for entry-level positions or less experienced fund managers may be lower. Please note that these figures can change over time, so it's advisable to consult current job market data for the most accurate salary information.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Warren Buffett averaged a 20% annual return over 50 years.
Fact 2
India’s mutual fund AUM crossed ₹40 lakh crore recently.
Fact 3
The first mutual fund launched in the U.S. in 1924.
Fact 4
India’s first fund manager, UTI, started in 1987.
Fact 5
Only 20% of fund managers outperform the market over 10 years.
