Head of Global Asset Allocation

About the role

Barclays is recruiting a Head of Global Asset Allocation in its Private Bank and Wealth Management (PBWM) business in London. The role is accountable to the PBWM Global Head of CIO Office and the wider organisation for the PBWM quantitative strategy. It determines the Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) for all divisions, discretionary and advisory, develops quantitative views over time and communicates them to clients through meetings and conference calls. The position is permanent.

Key responsibilities

• Determine the SAA for all PBWM divisions and develop quantitative strategy views, including the ability to analyse client portfolios quantitatively
• Translate quantitative analysis views and the SAA into investment recommendations for clients
• Develop internal and proprietary models and seek opportunities to automate processes and improve resilience
• Create several sets of SAAs covering listed and private assets, and share them with investment teams
• Oversee quantitative strategy documents, internal and external, and work with Operational Risk and Compliance to design controls and lead model validation
• Manage product development initiatives, including colleagues, departmental goals, policies and procedures, and product development risk
• Organise the main internal meetings (GMC and GIC) and stay up to date with regulatory changes
• Generate revenue from tactical and thematic ideas linked to quantitative strategies and ensure client satisfaction and staff engagement

Required profile

• Demonstrable track record as Head of Quantitative Strategy (or senior quantitative strategist) in a top-tier institution
• PhD in a quantitative field and several years of experience running a SAA
• Strong understanding of Private Banking, especially family offices and UHNW quantitative needs
• Knowledge of recent developments in quantitative finance such as AI, machine learning and big data
• Ability to work in a matrix environment, manage complex change, and interact with sophisticated clients
• Legal right to work in the UK; the role may be subject to enhanced governance and additional regulatory and compliance obligations