As the Portfolio Manager at APA Life Assurance Company Ltd, you will evaluate and monitor portfolio performance to ensure consistency across clients with broadly similar mandates, while actively seeking to outperform agreed return benchmarks. You will be responsible for identifying and executing asset allocation strategies, leading investment research, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing client reporting, and supporting business development and leadership within the team.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Management & Investment Strategy
- Evaluate and monitor portfolio performance to ensure consistency across clients with broadly similar mandates, while actively seeking to outperform agreed return benchmarks.
- Identify and execute appropriate asset allocation strategies across equities, fixed income, money markets, and alternative asset classes, with due regard to risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Develop, review, and manage client assets strictly in accordance with individual investment mandates, liaising with the back office and external service providers on portfolio accuracy, amendments, and reconciliations.
- Ensure all portfolio decisions are consistent with the investment committee's approved strategy and AAMC's risk framework.
Research, Analysis & Investment Committee
- Lead the team in conducting rigorous research and analysis on companies, sectors, and macroeconomic trends, incorporating both internal findings and reputable third-party research.
- Participate in and summarise management earnings call reviews, particularly for stocks held in client portfolios, and share key insights with management and the investment committee.
Client Reporting & Thought Leadership
- Lead the team in delivering timely and accurate client reporting, including monthly fact sheets for unit trust fund mandates, periodic third-party reports, and ad hoc performance updates.
- Produce high-quality thematic investment notes and thought leadership content targeting current and prospective clients, reinforcing AAMC's positioning as a trusted investment partner.
- Demonstrate proactivity in client service by providing timely investment advice, statements, and query resolution, with a view to enhancing client retention and deepening relationships.
Compliance, Governance & Broker Management
- Lead the team in conducting due diligence on brokers, banks, and other service providers, recommending a bank panel and respective counterparty limits to the investment committee.
- Review and monitor the dealer's transactions with brokers and banks, reporting on their alignment to the overall investment strategy and compliance with established limits.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements set by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA), Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), and other applicable bodies.
- Uphold fiduciary duty to clients at all times and adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, or equivalent ethical framework.
Business Development & Marketing
- Collaborate with and support the business development team in meeting overall business objectives, including marketing initiatives, responding to tenders, sourcing new business, and contributing to product development.
- Actively participate in client acquisition efforts, representing AAMC professionally in client meetings, industry forums, and investment conferences.
Leadership & Governance Responsibilities
- Supervise, mentor, and appraise subordinate staff including Research Analysts and the Dealer, assigning duties and maintaining high standards of output.
- Evaluate staff performance and provide timely, constructive feedback during appraisal cycles, supporting the professional development of the team.
- Actively contribute to Investment Advisory Committee decisions by providing insights derived from considered research and analysis.
- Foster a high-performance, client-centric team culture that aligns individual strengths with AAMC's investment objectives.
Key Performance Indicators
- Portfolio returns versus agreed client benchmarks.
- Client retention rate and net AUM growth.
- Timeliness and quality of client reporting deliverables.
- Investment committee satisfaction and implementation rate of approved resolutions.
- Compliance record zero material regulatory breaches.
- Team development, staff appraisal completion and professional development milestones.
Academic & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Honours) in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A Master's degree (MBA, MSc Finance, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
- CFA Charter holder status is strongly preferred; candidates at CFA Level II or III will be considered with exceptional experience.
- CPA II / ACCA II or equivalent professional qualifications are a complement.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant experience in buy-side investment management.
- Familiarity with the Kenyan and East African capital markets (NSE).
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