Banking and Finance Graduate Jobs

Snapshot of Malaysia’s Banking and Finance Sector

Malaysia’s banking sector is an important driver of its upward rise towards a high-income economy, and its position within the Asia-Pacific. One of its strengths is the fact that “traditional” banking and derivatives trading exist side by side with Islamic or “sharia complicit” finance. Indeed, Malaysia’s Islamic banking sector is one of the most advanced in the world, and is a strong point of difference that it can use to build its position in the global community. At the same time, the more globally widespread financial systems and institutions are also well represented, meaning Malaysia’s financial sector is well balanced and services a broad range of people and institutions.

What do you need to get a job in this industry?

The growth of the Malaysian banking sector means that there is a steady demand for qualified graduates in all specialties. For jobs in the traditional banking sector, the usual requirements of tertiary qualification, communication skills and work experience apply. For those wishing to get a job in Islamic finance, strong understanding of the Islamic banking system is required, (which may require a specialised degree). For these jobs, preference is given to people of Islamic faith, although some banks also welcome people from diverse religious or non-religious background.

Graduate Programs in Malaysia

Graduate programs are mainly offered by large organisations, such as the major banks and financial institutions. Because the programs are structured and prepare a graduate for a position of leadership, positions are limited, and competition is high. For the best chance, one should apply to as many as possible, and build one’s skills and experience-base through work experience or a part time job. Plenty of entry-level positions are also available, and if secured, can be a good way to work one’s way up to a high position in the industry.

Where can you work in Finance and Banking?

The type of career path available to a job-seeker in this industry will depend first of all whether one chooses to work in traditional or Islamic banking.

In traditional banking, there are three relatively distinct categories depending on the client that is being served – members of the public (retail banking), businesses (commercial banking) and High Net-Worth Individuals (private banking). Many banks (especially multinationals) will have jobs in all these categories. These banks are sometimes called “full banks”. Other options include mutual funds, private banks, public finance and more specialised services companies such as risk advisories.

In Islamic Banking, certain types of activity are prohibited, such as charging interest (a staple revenue-generator in “traditional” banking), speculation and excessive risk, investment in organisations that partake in activities or sell goods that are haram. Instead, Islamic banking involves risk-sharing, with activities such as profit sharing, sale-and-buyback, equity investments, joint ventures and safekeeping all commonplace. Instead of conventional stocks, derivatives and bonds, Islamic investment banking involves sukuk, currency swaps and equity funds.

Types of Finance Jobs:

Many of these jobs are available in both traditional and Islamic finance, the main difference between the two being that Islamic financiers will not engage in interest-taking, risk-taking etc.

- Financial Analyst/Strategist

Financial analysts use companies’ financial statements, insights into management and broader knowledge about the economic microenvironment to make a judgement about their investment potential. They are vital to the operation of investment banks, wealth management and hedge-funds, as well as insurance firms. They help to make a judgement on the risks and rewards that must be considered in any speculative financial decision.

- Financial Advisor

Financial advisors usually work in retail banking, and may engage in such tasks as financial planning, legal advice, compliance, brokering and the preparation of tax. Advisory firms vary greatly in size, with some being part of large organisations and others being smaller and more specialised.

- Quantitative Analyst (Quant)

Quantitative analysts use mathematical and statistical tools to value potential and current investments. In traditional banking these will include stocks and derivatives, and quants will be highly important to risk management. In Islamic banking the investments being valued may include sukuk and currencies. In both financial spheres, quantitative analysts are increasingly important, especially when it comes to investment banking and wealth management.

- Financial Risk Manager

Risk management is mostly a traditional banking position, since it is linked to speculation and insurance. Forms of Islamic insurance will also require them for risk-sharing engagements. Risk managers are not just for managing speculation, but also for advising companies on reducing their level of risk in their business activities.

- Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers take and consider the information from analysts, risk managers and strategists, as well as stakeholders, and use them as the basis for their investment decisions.

- Financial Commentator

Financial commentators serve as an important link between the financial sector and the public, by writing and speaking about current events in the market, companies’ behaviour and consumer trends that may impact upon the economy. They are often the main source of information for laypeople about the financial market, and are also useful to other finance workers and business people looking to find out what is going on with the micro- and macro- environment. Although they are not certified financial advisors, their information has a lot of power and is often the basis for many people’s investment and other business dealings. As such they have a responsibility to be accurate and timely with their information, and to have a good understanding of the forces that work to shape the market.

Salary Estimates for Finance Graduates

Banking and finance is one of the most highly paid industries in Malaysia, however the highest salaries are commanded by people with years of experience. Starting salaries are modest, with median RM 30 804 per year for first-year bankers. It depends on the role being fulfilled though – tellers earn ~RM 30 000 per year while financial analysts can earn more than twice that. Bonuses and profit sharing may also add to one’s financial package.

Benefits

Most companies will offer their workers some kind of benefit package, which will usually include monetary bonuses, pension plans and health insurance.