Investment Operations Analyst Review

I work in a Market Assurance role which falls within the Clearing Operations team. This role entails a variety of responsibilities including; performing robust daily/periodic controls across a variety of Run The Bank functions, position management of contracts through to maturity/delivery, Trade/Transaction Reporting, Corporate Action processing, Option Expiry processing and Client Collateral management.

I came into HSBC only knowing the raw basics of the financial industry - l didn't even know what a derivative was until I began working in Clearing Operations! The amount of new knowledge I have accumulated and skills I have picked up is incredible. Alongside our Level 3 Senior Financial Services Advisor Apprenticeship Certificate, HSBC have given myself and the other apprentices the opportunity to complete an Investment Operations qualification (IOC). IOC is an industry recognised qualification with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, it is formed of 3 exams; Introduction to Investment & Securities, UK Financial Regulation and a Technical Module (in which I chose Derivative Operations as many of the choices were applicable to the areas we work in). My knowledge is continuously growing and the level of opportunity to learn new things is never ending, whether it be from the expertise I am surrounded by or by taking one of the many self-development/learning courses available to employees on the HSBC University learning portal.

My journey so far at HSBC has been exceptional. Since starting the Apprenticeship scheme in September, I have been surrounded by an amazing network of individuals throughout HSBC who have been extremely accommodating and helpful every step of the way. My team truly make every day enjoyable, and when confronted with new challenges they help me to persevere and prosper in my role. It has been an incredible opportunity which has not only expanded my knowledge beyond what I thought was imaginable, but also boosted my confidence as a person. The Apprenticeship Committee have been great in supporting every single one of us and I have treasured my first 8 months with HSBC and I’m looking forward to what opportunities the future brings.

The programme is very structured with specific deadlines which have to be met throughout the course of the apprenticeship (e.g. to pass the IOC UK Financial Regulation exam by March). The Apprenticeship Committee organise a monthly meeting with all apprentices to ensure everyone is on target with their learning and day-to-day job role.

Here at HSBC there is an excellent support network - each one of the apprentices were allocated a Buddy (an apprentice from a previous cohort) and a Mentor (a member of the Apprenticeship Committee)on our induction. We are encouraged to meet on a regular basis and use these as a support aid throughout our apprenticeship in addition to our Line Managers. There is an extremely friendly work culture throughout the bank and a special online tool which can aid employees with more confidential issues in which they don't feel comfortable voicing to their Line Managers.

The support from Fitch is great - they provide physical as well as online learning materials on their e-learning portal (textbook, tutor learning videos, practice questions, mock papers). In addition to this, before each exam we sit we are able to attend a two-day course with a tutor who will present us with the content, supply additional materials and enable us to contact them for advice/general help with exams.

I feel that the Investment Operations Certificate has been extremely applicable to my day-to-day role within Global Market Operations. It has helped me to develop a deeper understanding into what other departments within the business area do and how this impacts my role. The qualification has also allowed me to gain an understanding to the extra mile beyond my job role - e.g. Derivative Operations has introduced me to trading strategies, helping me gather background understanding of why a trader may choose to trade a certain product.

There are a wide range of networking events and sporting events at HSBC. I am a member of the Health Club which allows you access to the gym within the office as well as access several sporting centres around the UK. There are annual Christmas parties allowing employees to network and various charity events such as football tournaments.

Yes

I would recommend my journey to anyone looking for an Apprenticeship in the financial industry because my journey so far at has been exceptional. Since starting the Apprenticeship scheme in September, I have been surrounded by an amazing network of individuals throughout HSBC who have been extremely accommodating and helpful every step of the way. My team truly make every day enjoyable, and when confronted with new challenges they help me to persevere and prosper in my role. The culture here at HSBC is extremely friendly, honest and open. There is a never ending number of opportunities within an organisation of this size and I’m looking forward to what the future brings.

As long as you work hard anything will be possible - in an organisation this large there is no limits. I came onto the Apprenticeship scheme with minimal knowledge on the financial industry and the amount of knowledge I have accumulated over the past 8 months is beyond what I thought was even possible!