Manager – Investment Products

Department: Treasury, Investment Banking and International Business Group (TIBIG)

Job Purpose

The role is responsible for setting up, building and developing a portfolio of inhouse and 3rd party investment products for the bank’s Wealth Management and Private Banking clients. The key objective of this role is to set up the investment product proposition function to act as a strategic advisor to bank’s Wealth Management and Private Banking units and facilitate their interaction with clients by formulating investment strategies, identifying suitable investment options and raising assets under management (AUMs). The role is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of investment solutions designed for clients. The role will bridge market demands with our advisory capabilities, ensuring innovative, Shariah compliant, and high-performance product offerings. The role requires a unique blend of technical investment knowledge, strategic product management, and strong stakeholder management skills. The role will be the key resource in building a Wealth Management business, performance analysis reporting, market research & scanning and the continuous development of the product proposition.

Role & Responsibilities

Business Development Strategy

• Develop and maintain a roadmap for investment products including Discretionary Portfolio Management (DPM), inhouse and 3rd party funds, structured products, model portfolios, execution platforms, and alternative investments.
• Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) to train Relationship Managers (RMs) and Wealth advisors on product technicalities, sales ideas, and market updates.
• Perform ongoing competitive analysis to identify investment trends, gaps, and opportunities to enhance the bank's investment product suite.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve business objectives and drive growth.
• Build trusted relationships by providing sophisticated investment solutions tailored to the clients' needs in line with their risk/return objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for wealth advisors and relationship managers in providing advice and guidance on Investment advisory transactions.
• Work on RFPs and EOIs for submission to prospective clients for the award of discretionary portfolio mandates.

Wealth Management Proposition, Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance and Market Research

• Lead the conceptualization, due diligence, and launch of new investment solutions, partnering with Retail Bank, Shariah, Compliance, Legal, Risk, and Information Technology teams.
• Assist in areas including Investment Strategy, Risk management as well as Investment Operations.
• Ensure all products in the bank's suite adhere to internal policies, Shariah principles, regulatory requirements, and "fair dealing" guidelines.
• Provide input to the team's discussions on an ongoing basis with regards to potential opportunities or developing risks in the markets based on research and market developments.
• Assist in developing internal presentations for various Committee meetings, investment proposals, or other purposes as needed
• Review and recommend investment strategies for clients and identify criteria for evaluating and appointing third party investment managers

Performance Management and Brand Positioning

• Monitor product performance, AUM, and revenue targets, making data-driven recommendations for improvements or closure.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Position the bank as a top Islamic Wealth Management Solutions provider in Oman and the GCC region.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably in Finance/Economics/Business
• Master’s Degree is preferable

Professional Qualifications

• CFA or FRM (Desirable)

Work Experience

• Minimum 5 years work experience in banking/financial institutions, consultancy, insurance company with at least 3 years’ experience in investment advisory.
• Deep expertise in domestic and regional financial markets.
• Well-versed with local and international capital market standards, rules & regulations with track record of success in building investment product platforms.
• Strong understanding of investment products, including equities, Sukuks, mutual funds, structured products, and alternative assets.
• Proven track record of successful transaction execution and client relationship management.

General Competencies

• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Ability to translate high-level market views into actionable investment strategies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and pivot efficiently.
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills
• Competent with MS Office and comfortable with using platforms such as Bloomberg/Reuters
• Other core competencies: Strategic thinking, Problem-solving, Self-driven, Integrity, and passion for Customers