Meet Oliver
We heard from Oliver Wright, who joined as a graduate analyst.
How did you decide what jobs to apply for after graduation? Did you always have a career path in mind?
Initially, I was always interested in stepping into a career in private equity or wealth advisory, but these career paths had always been described to me as a long-term destination, where getting experience involved long hours and an unhealthy work-life balance. This led me to search for entry-level positions in fund administration and services, allowing for direct access to the private equity industry. Exploring these options led me to discover Langham Hall's regulatory hosting business, which offered promising prospects for exposure to the alternatives sector and the opportunity to build strong connections with experienced professionals.
What degree did you do, and how does it relate to your job?
I studied Economics at the University of Birmingham and graduated with a strong interest in the macroeconomy and financial markets. Throughout my degree, I developed a strong understanding of market dynamics and the regulation that underpins their function. These skills enabled me to pick up the fundamentals of alternatives quickly, allowing me to engage with clients on commercial concerns and strategy decisions. Starting out, I was concerned my experience might not fully align with the compliance side of the role, but the team's extensive training and learn-by-doing approach allowed me to develop rapidly in my first few months.
What does an Appointed Representative Analyst do and what tasks do you undertake?
The Appointed Representative Analyst role combines traditional compliance with fast-paced, highly client-facing work. No two days look the same, but my frequent tasks involve advising on regulatory issues, assisting with business development, and maintaining oversight of our clients' activity. In the Langham Hall model, exploring your individual interests is encouraged, meaning you're supported in pursuing different areas of the business. This means some analysts build deep practical regulatory knowledge, while others develop a strong grounding in business development and client services.