Research Lead

Job description

Research Lead, Index Research & Design, FTSE Russell Role Profile The Research Lead, Index Research & Design will be a key member of FTSE Russell’s Index Research & Design team in APAC. The Index Research & Design team is responsible for the research, development and design of indices and index-related analytics across asset classes. The team works closely with Product Management, Sales, Index Policy, Technology and Operations, as well as FTSE Russell’s partners and clients, including major asset owners, asset managers, ETF issuers, investment banks and other institutional market participants. The successful candidate will combine strong quantitative investment expertise with practical index research and development experience. The individual will be expected to lead research projects, develop innovative index methodologies and analytical tools, support client engagements, and translate investment concepts into robust and scalable index solutions. The role requires a strong understanding of financial markets, quantitative investment techniques and index construction, together with the ability to work effectively across functions and geographies. The individual will also contribute to FTSE Russell’s research agenda across Asia Pacific, with particular emphasis on equity, factor, thematic and sustainability-related investment strategies. FTSE Russell’s Index Research & Design team is global, with colleagues across major financial centers including London, New York, Shanghai, Taipei and Hong Kong. Key Responsibilities - Index Research and Innovation * Lead and contribute to the research, design and quantitative testing of new index methodologies and investment solutions. * Develop and refine investment metrics, portfolio construction frameworks and analytical methodologies used in index design and evaluation. * Conduct in-depth quantitative investment research across Asia Pacific markets, including equity factors, investment themes, multi asset and other emerging areas of index innovation. * Analyze the potential portfolio impact of new investment concepts, data sets and index methodologies using rigorous quantitative techniques. * Develop research papers, analytical materials and presentations that communicate investment insights and demonstrate the characteristics and applications of FTSE Russell indices. * Identify emerging market and investment trends and contribute ideas for new index solutions and research initiatives. - Quantitative Analytics and Research Tools * Develop investment analytics, research applications and tools to support index research, portfolio analysis and client engagement. * Build efficient and scalable analytical solutions using Python and other appropriate programming and data technologies. * Apply quantitative techniques including portfolio simulation, optimization, performance attribution and factor analysis. * Work closely with Technology and other research teams to transition quantitative models, methodologies and research tools into robust, production-ready solutions. * Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of research processes through automation, modern data infrastructure and scalable analytical workflows. - Index Development and Governance * Support the development and implementation of index methodologies, including index construction, review and rebalance mechanisms. * Conduct detailed analysis to ensure proposed methodologies are robust, transparent and appropriate for their intended investment objectives. * Provide analytical support for index methodology decisions and respond to internal research enquiries relating to index construction and development. * Work closely with Index Policy, Product Management, Index Management and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of new index solutions. * Maintain high standards of analytical accuracy, documentation and methodological integrity throughout the index development lifecycle. - Client and Stakeholder Engagement * Work closely with Product Management, Sales and other client-facing teams to understand client requirements and develop appropriate index and analytical solutions. * Participate in client meetings and present quantitative research, index methodologies and analytical findings to institutional investors and other market participants. * Develop trusted working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and contribute technical expertise to commercial and product discussions. * Support the creation of client presentations, research materials, webinars and other thought-leadership content. * Collaborate effectively with regional and global research colleagues to share expertise and deliver cross-market research initiatives. - Team Contribution and Development * Take ownership of assigned research projects and deliver high-quality work within agreed timelines. * Provide technical guidance and support to junior researchers and contribute to the development of the broader research team. * Promote knowledge sharing, collaboration and consistent research standards across the team. * Contribute actively to the team’s research agenda and strategic priorities. Qualifications and Experience The successful candidate should have: * 5+ years of relevant experience in quantitative investment research, index research, asset management, investment banking, securities research or a related field. * Strong knowledge of quantitative investment techniques, including portfolio construction, portfolio simulation, optimization, factor analysis and performance attribution. * Good understanding of equity markets and index construction, including the role and application of indices within benchmarking, passive investment and index-linked products. * Experience conducting quantitative investment research and translating research concepts into practical investment or index solutions. * Strong programming and analytical capabilities, with substantial experience using Python and SQL in a research or investment environment. Experience with Matlab or other analytical languages would be an advantage. * Experience using common Python analytical libraries such as pandas and NumPy, together with data visualization tools such as Matplotlib or Plotly. * Familiarity with large financial datasets and the development of scalable research and analytical workflows. * Understanding of global financial markets and investment products, particularly equities and exchange-traded products. * Experience with factor, thematic and/or sustainability-related investment research would be advantageous. * Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain quantitative concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. * Ability to work effectively across functions and geographies and manage multiple projects and competing priorities. * Bachelor’s degree or above in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science or another relevant quantitative discipline. A postgraduate degree or professional qualification such as CFA would be an advantage. * Fluency in English, with strong business communication and presentation skills. Key Behaviours Integrity Demonstrates high standards of integrity, professionalism and analytical rigour. Takes ownership of work and ensures research and analysis meet FTSE Russell’s standards for accuracy and quality. Partnership Works collaboratively across Research, Product, Sales, Policy, Technology, Operations and other teams. Builds constructive relationships with colleagues, clients and business partners and contributes actively to shared objectives. Innovation Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and the ability to identify new investment trends, analytical approaches and opportunities for index innovation. Challenges existing approaches constructively and contributes new ideas to the research agenda. Excellence Maintains a strong delivery fo