Every decision has a process and an owner.
From the first research note to the trade blotter, here's how ideas become positions and how the Fund stays accountable.
From idea to execution.
Research
Ideas are developed with written analysis, coordinated by the Head of Research, who sets research priorities and coverage.
Owner: PMs and AnalystsMemo
A written investment memo covering thesis, valuation, ESG factors, risks and expected return.
Owner: Portfolio ManagerPitch
The PM presents the idea to the Investment Committee and defends it under questioning.
Owner: Portfolio ManagerVote
The Committee discusses, votes, and approves or rejects the trade.
Owner: Investment CommitteeExecute
Checked against risk limits, executed and recorded in the trade blotter and minutes.
Owner: Risk & Compliance, OperationsWhat every pitch must cover.
Pitches are judged on the quality of the thinking, not the confidence of the presenter. Each one needs written analysis on five points.
| Section | What the Committee looks for |
|---|---|
| Investment thesis | Why this, why now, and what the market is missing. |
| Valuation | A clear view of what it's worth and the assumptions behind it. |
| ESG factors | Exclusion screening and material sustainability considerations. |
| Risks | What could go wrong, how likely it is and how it fits portfolio limits. |
| Expected return | The upside, the time frame and the position sizing proposed. |
A rhythm built for students.
In person on the RHUL campus when possible, with an online option available.
Formal in-person review of performance, rebalancing needs and mandate compliance.
Full review of the mandate, benchmarks, risk limits and Advisory Board input, with the Academic Adviser and at least one Advisory Board member.
Accountability built in.
Committee decisions
All investment decisions are made through the Investment Committee, in line with the approved governance framework.
Pre-trade checks
The Risk & Compliance Officer checks every proposed trade against the mandate before execution.
Breach handling
Breaches are reported, corrected promptly, and documented in minutes and reports.
Drawdown review
A 15% drawdown over six months or 20% over twelve months triggers a formal investment and leadership review.
Broker oversight
The Academic Adviser is the authorised signatory and routes all account-level broker communications.
Mandate amendments
The mandate is reviewed at least annually. Any amendment needs written approval from the Academic Adviser.
Transparent by default.
The Operations & Reporting Officer manages reporting and document control across three regular outputs.
Holdings, allocation and performance against benchmarks.
Performance, rebalancing and compliance with the mandate.
A full account of the year, reviewed alongside the mandate.
Learn investing by doing it.
Open to every enrolled Royal Holloway student. No finance background needed, just curiosity, rigour and around 6-8 hours a week in term.