Job Title: Lead - Research & Development

Job Description:

We are looking for a highly motivated and research-oriented professional to join and lead our Research & Development function. This role is central to driving the firm's research agenda across index design, passive investment trends, capital market analysis, macro economy and supporting the development and analysis of products across asset classes and across functions.

Key Role & Responsibilities:

Conduct in-depth thematic and quantitative research on topics such as:
Index performance across market cycles
Factor strategies (value, momentum, quality, low volatility, etc.)
Sector and thematic trends (e.g., technology, clean energy, digital economy)
ESG & climate-related index methodologies and transition risk research
Passive vs active investment performance comparison
Analyze global and domestic capital markets, macroeconomic indicators, and sectoral developments to support index-related strategies.
Engage in cross-market comparisons, analyzing how different geographies and economic developments impact index performance or composition.
Monitor and analyse global financial markets, macroeconomic developments, and their impact on indices and index-linked products.
Monitor trends in the passive investment space — including ETFs, index funds, thematic strategies, and smart beta products.
Write research reports, whitepapers, newsletters, blogs, and presentations intended for both internal and external audiences.
Use statistical techniques and data modeling to evaluate investment strategies, factor exposures, and portfolio behavior under various market regimes.
Perform comparative benchmarking analysis between in-house indices and those of major providers
Track and analyze global investment trends (e.g., ETF flows, AUM trends, retail vs institutional participation) and relate them to index usage.
Monitor and interpret economic indicators, central bank policy, geopolitical events, and macro themes to assess implications on index behavior and investor sentiment.
Develop and automate dashboards, visualizations, and models for internal and client-facing research use.
Support the design and enhancement of indices by providing research-backed inputs, market feedback and identifying new index ideas or factors.
Assist in identifying emerging themes (e.g., ESG, thematic investing, digital assets) and translating them into index concepts or strategic insights.
Track peer index providers and their strategic direction in index design, research themes, and innovations.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks affecting indices and passive products globally (e.g., SEBI, ESMA, SEC).

Required Skills:

Passion for capital markets and understanding of Indian financial and securities markets
Flair for writing about complex investment strategies in simple lucid style
Strong understanding of equity/fixed income markets/Alternatives, investment strategies, and global macroeconomic factors.
Strong Analytical skills
Good oral and written communication and presentation skills
Innovative and solution orientation. Open to new ideas and initiatives
Ability to deliver quality output under stringent timelines with minimal supervision
Result orientation
Strong Team Player
Progression towards CFA/FRM is an added advantage
Basic knowledge of SQL/Python/AI is an added advantage

Educational Requirements: MBA / PG Specialised / CA / CFA

Senior Research Development Manager