Position OverviewThe Emerging Markets Trading Assistant is embedded within the trading team and works closely with Traders, Portfolio Managers and Portfolio Analysts across our global Emerging Markets platform.
This role provides unique exposure to the full investment lifecycle, supporting portfolios invested across sovereign debt, corporate debt, foreign exchange and derivatives markets. Trading Assistants develop deep expertise in emerging market trading infrastructure, market conventions, settlement practices and instrument mechanics, while partnering with investment professionals across London, Boston and Singapore.
The position offers significant responsibility and exposure early in one's career. The pace can be demanding, particularly during periods of elevated market activity, making it well suited for candidates who thrive in a high-performance environment. Successful candidates possess exceptional attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of ownership. They enjoy solving complex problems, continuously expanding their market knowledge, and working closely with investment professionals across a broad range of emerging market asset classes.
Key Responsibilities- Serve as a core member of the Emerging Markets trading team, supporting daily investment and portfolio activity.
- Develop expertise across emerging market sovereign bonds, corporate bonds, foreign exchange, derivatives and other investment instruments.
- Monitor and manage the trade lifecycle from order generation through settlement and reconciliation.
- Coordinate with Traders, Portfolio Managers, Portfolio Analysts, custodians, brokers and counterparties to support efficient portfolio implementation.
- Support market access, account maintenance and onboarding across developed and emerging market jurisdictions.
- Partner with investment and operations teams to resolve trading and settlement issues.
- Contribute to process enhancements and scalability initiatives across the investment platform.
- Develop a strong understanding of portfolio construction, risk management and the operational framework that supports global investing.
Candidate ProfileSuccessful candidates will typically demonstrate:
- A strong academic record and genuine interest in financial markets and investing.
- Intellectual curiosity and a desire to develop expertise in emerging markets.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.
- A willingness to take ownership and operate with a high degree of accountability.
Why Join the Team- Direct daily interaction with Portfolio Managers, Traders and Portfolio Analysts.
- Exposure to the entire investment process, from idea generation through portfolio implementation and ongoing monitoring.
- Opportunity to develop specialist knowledge across a broad range of emerging market asset classes and instruments.
- Collaboration with investment professionals across Asia, Europe and North America.
- A unique foundation for long-term career development within investment management, portfolio analytics, trading and related investment functions.
Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $70,000 and $95,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.
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