What is investment management?

Investment management is the process of allocating capital (ie money and debt) into different assets (like shares, property or bonds) that will deliver a financial return for end investors while funding the activity that fuels our economic prosperity. 

Investment management clients can be other companies, governments, insurance agencies, superannuation funds, not-for-profit organisations or individuals. Anyone who has money to invest is a potential client of an investment management firm.

Making an impact through investment management

The world’s income for retirement and our financial well-being depends on the investment decisions made by investment teams the world over. And that’s just the start of it.

Investing is the lifeblood that underpins human progress. Scientific inventions, food supply, renewable energy, new roads and technology developments are just a fraction of what’s made possible through the investment process..
The world’s income for retirement and our financial well-being depends on the investment decisions made by investment teams the world over. And that’s just the start of it.
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Typical roles in an investment team

Future IM/Pact covers all roles involved in recommending, making or implementing an investment decision. Here's a snapshot of the generic roles in most investment teams. Note larger teams that invest in a range of different asset classes will have considerably more roles involved in the investing process.

Analyst

Years experience: 2+
Finds and researches investment opportunities, builds the investment case and pitches it to the team and portfolio manager for inclusion in the portfolio.

Portfolio manager

Years experience: 10+
Responsible for making investment decisions and constructing the portfolio to meet target investment outcomes.

Trader

Years experience: 5+
Responsible for executing trades (eg buying, selling, shorting and hedging) in liquid markets like shares, currencies, commodities and bonds.

Chief investment officer

Years experience: 5-10
Responsible for setting the funds' investment strategy, overseeing investment decisions, building and managing the team, managing and meeting stakeholder expectations.

Investment management in Australia

The Australian funds management industry manages over $4 billion in assets, mostly on behalf of ordinary working Australians whose superannuation contributions are pooled and then invested into a range of assets. The majority of investing is done by:
These organisations are supported by a range of providers including equities research houses who provide proprietary market insights (like Macquarie Securities and Jarden), and trading desks who execute deals.

Leading investment management firms in Australia

Future IM/Pact works with some of Australia’s leading superannuation funds and funds managers.

To find out more see our partners area.
Go to Partners Area

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The world’s income for retirement and our financial well-being depends on the investment decisions made by investment teams the world over. And that’s just the start of it.

Investing is the lifeblood that underpins human progress. Scientific inventions, food supply, renewable energy, new roads and technology developments are just a fraction of what’s made possible through the investment process..
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