Fixed Income Trader

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Job Summary

The role reports into the Head of Trading within the CIB Global Markets function in the country. It is a middle level position requiring a focused and independent approach to achieving best practice in the day to day activities of the FI Trading Desk whilst maintaining a balanced interaction with the other members of the Markets team. The incumbent should have full knowledge of CIB Markets products and services and proactively apply the same in the provision of value adding Markets solutions to customers identified needs, while also balancing interaction with the other two key areas of CIB Markets in driving the overall business strategy. The role calls for interaction with colleagues from other functional areas of the bank primarily Markets Sales, Corporate Banking, Business Banking, and Retail, while focusing on contributing to the bank’s overall business strategy, risk, cost and revenue targets.

Job Description

1. Trading & Execution

• Execute fixed income trades across government bonds, corporate bonds, money market instruments, and other debt securities in line with approved trading strategies and risk limits.
• Manage inventory positions and optimize portfolio returns while maintaining adequate liquidity.
• Monitor market conditions, yield curves, interest rate movements, and macroeconomic developments to identify trading opportunities.
• Provide accurate pricing, quotations, and execution services to internal and external clients.
• Ensure efficient trade capture, confirmation, settlement, and reconciliation processes.

2. Portfolio Management & Performance

• Monitor portfolio performance against benchmarks and investment objectives.
• Recommend portfolio rebalancing actions based on market conditions and client mandates.
• Optimize risk-adjusted returns while adhering to investment guidelines and constraints.
• Support asset allocation decisions and investment strategy implementation.

3. Client Engagement

• Engage regularly with clients to understand current and future investment requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with institutional, corporate, and high-net-worth clients.
• Deliver market updates, investment presentations, and portfolio performance reviews.
• Respond promptly to client inquiries, pricing requests, and transaction requirements.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction through proactive engagement and value-added advisory services.

4. Market Intelligence & Research

• Conduct market research and analysis on fixed income markets, monetary policy developments, and economic trends.
• Track competitor activities, market developments, and emerging opportunities.
• Produce regular market commentary and trading recommendations for clients and internal teams.
• Analyze yield curve dynamics, credit spreads, and liquidity conditions to support trading decisions.

5. Portfolio Management & Performance

• Monitor portfolio performance against benchmarks and investment objectives.
• Recommend portfolio rebalancing actions based on market conditions and client mandates.
• Optimize risk-adjusted returns while adhering to investment guidelines and constraints.
• Support asset allocation decisions and investment strategy implementation.

6. Risk & Control

• Ensure all risk and control requirements relating to the portfolio are adhered to and implemented as required.
• Monitor market, liquidity, credit, and operational risks within approved risk appetites and limits.
• Escalate breaches, unusual market activities, and significant risks promptly.
• Maintain compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.
• Ensure accurate valuation, reporting, and documentation of all transactions.

7. Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with relationship managers, treasury, operations, compliance, risk, and finance teams.
• Support business development activities and contribute to achieving departmental revenue targets.
• Participate in product development initiatives and process improvement projects.
• Maintain strong relationships with brokers, counterparties, custodians, and market participants.

8. Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities

• Ensure all trading activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements and market conduct standards.
• Maintain complete and accurate trading records and documentation.
• Support audit, compliance, and regulatory review processes.
• Promote a strong culture of ethical conduct, integrity, and fair client treatment.

Absa Values

Absa’s  Values and Behaviours represent the set of standards which governs the actions of all of us who work for the bank and against which the performance of every one of us in Absa are being assessed and rewarded:

• Trust
• Resourceful
• Stewardship
• Inclusive
• Courage

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)