Investment Analyst - 2026 Graduate

Barnett-Waddingham (part of Howden) are proud to be a leading independent UK professional services consultancy at the forefront of risk, pensions, investment, and insurance with a team of around 1800 colleagues in nine offices around the UK and we are growing!! We were recognised as being one of the ‘best places to work in the UK’ in 2023 and 2024 and those who join us tend to stay, thriving in a professional learning environment and caring culture.  

We develop teams who give and welcome different opinions, views and cultural perspectives and building on our culture of doing the right thing. We want everyone at BW to feel they can bring their whole self to work, confident they are included and respected and work together to build an inclusive and diverse working environment. 

We are dependent on talented and well-supported employees who enjoy working for a leading organisation in a closely knit and friendly team. To achieve this - and further support our continued growth - we are looking for talented, motivated and enthusiastic individuals who would value the opportunity to join our Investment Analyst trainee programme.   

 The supportive structure we have in place will help you manage your work/life balance, which is why our study support package and dedicated training team are always on hand for guidance throughout your graduate journey and beyond. Look at what Investment Analyst graduates, who recently joined us have to say: 

“One of the main reasons I chose to join Barnett Waddingham was due to the friendly and caring culture that I’d heard so much about. I’m pleased to say that throughout the application process, everyone I met was lovely and supportive which really helped to make me feel relaxed and welcome – I felt like a real member of the team from day one. The work I am involved in is varied and engaging and I have had a range of hands-on experience with client work, such as drafting investment monitoring reports and communicating with investment managers. Everyone is happy to help when you got stuck or need further clarification and I feel I am challenged but supported throughout, which has made it a really positive experience.” (Oliver – Birmingham)

Sustainability: 

Our independence means we’re free to think beyond standard environmental, social and governance (ESG) labels and start conversations that consider the full universe of sustainable action. 

From holistic data-driven approaches towards impact investing and responsible business strategies, to simpler, everyday improvements that combine social and environmental benefits. We are always looking for new ways to provide and shape a more sustainable future. https://www.barnett-waddingham.co.uk/sustainability/ 

What type of work will you get involved in?

Our graduates get early opportunities to work directly with clients and plenty of training to develop technical, communication and problem-solving skills. Some of the tasks you can get involved in as an Investment Analyst working within our Investment Consulting teams include: 

• The Investment Consulting team provides investment advice and services to a range of organisations including pension schemes, corporates, local authorities, endowment funds, charities and high net worth families.   
• You will work with Investment Consultants to assess the objectives and requirements of different clients, whilst gaining exposure to a wide variety of projects. This will include producing and presenting bespoke investment advice and regular reports, as well as carrying out investment research, technical analysis and working with investment models
• You will get involved with drafting strategy advice, working alongside senior consultants to draft and monitor a variety of reports, papers and presentations.  
• You will get to grips with the technical elements of the role and the various programmes we use within the team
• You will have regular check ins with your manager to ensure you are being exposed to a rich variety of work and experiences 

Interested in Investment Consulting? We've recorded a short video to explain more about the work that we do! Insight into the Investment Consulting team (video)    

Professional Examinations: 

Within the Investment Consulting team there are a couple of professional exam routes than can be taken to allow you to become a qualified consultant:  

1. To become a qualified Actuary involves completion of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries examinations.  
2. To become a qualified Investment Consultant involves the completion of the CFA Institute examinations.  

Upon joining the team lots more information can be offered around both possible routes to allow you to make the choice that best suits. All examinations and relevant study materials/resources will be financed by the company. You will also be entitled to study leave in order to complete any necessary exam-based study/work. 

We would love to hear from you if you have: 

Our current graduate vacancies require a minimum 2:1 degree, A at A-Level or Higher Maths and Level 6 at GCSE English Language or B at Scottish National 5, (or other equivalent qualifications), we require dedicated individuals with a strong academic background who are dynamic, proactive and have excellent communication skills. 

What’s in it for you: 

• Competitive discretionary annual bonus and salary review 
• Generous pension scheme (we contribute 8%) 
• Funded training and professional development 
• Core benefits including private medical cover, life assurance, group income protection, and up to 30 days holiday per year with holiday trading 
• A comprehensive range of voluntary benefits to suit you including an electric car leasing scheme, tech scheme, cycle to work scheme, dental cover, healthcare cash plan, health assessments, critical illness cover, Sports Allowance – we pay up to 50% of your gym/sports membership (up to £50 pm), travel insurance, paid volunteering, and a broad range of retailer discounts  

The application process:

Thank you for your interest in our 2026 graduate position! After you submit your CV and complete the job-specific eligibility criteria questions, the early careers team will review your application. Successful candidates will receive an email with a link to the Criteria Corp testing platform. 

On this platform, you will be required to complete three sections designed to assess various skills and aptitudes, this also includes a one-way video interview section. (More information on the individual sections will be provided when you receive the link.

The Early Careers team will review the results and successful applicants will be invited to a short telephone call before the assessment day in the Liverpool office. 

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For more information about the application process: Application Process Video

Accessibility:

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability, learning difficulty, medical condition, or individual need, which you believe may affect your performance during our selection process, we’ll be happy to make adjustments to our processes to enable you a fair opportunity to showcase your skills. 

Please visit AbilityNet should you benefit from advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability. 

Should you require information in a different format, have other accessibility or reasonable adjustment requirements or if you find any problems not listed on this page, please contact [email protected] or call us on 0333 11 11 222. 

Postal applications should be sent to: Resourcing & Talent Acquisition, Barnett Waddingham, St James's House, St James Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3PR