Wealth Planning Methodology Researcher at Vanguard

Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States

Vanguard Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Financial Services, Investment ManagementIndustries

Requirements

  • Deep expertise in financial planning topics, including tax and estate planning
  • Minimum of five years related work experience in research roles or equivalent educational experience
  • Graduate degree in Financial Planning, Economics, Finance, or related fields strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models strongly preferred
  • Proficiency in Python for model development preferred

Responsibilities

  • Leads the development of changes to Vanguard's wealth planning methodology
  • Partners with subject matter experts to design solutions to meet changing business needs, regulatory requirements, and to position Vanguard's advice ahead of external competitive developments
  • Serves as an expert on the application of Vanguard's wealth planning methodology in the development of client investment strategies and construction of portfolios
  • Contributes to overall wealth planning methodology development
  • Researches, conducts analyses, and provides recommended changes to investments, portfolio construction, and wealth planning guidance. Ensures compliance with Vanguard wealth planning methodology and investment guidelines while applying knowledge of the external business environment and its implications on Vanguard's strategic direction
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for crew and leaders. Develops and conducts wealth planning methodology training activities for all crew delivering advice to clients
  • Develops an expert-level understanding of overall financial markets and the related legal, tax, and regulatory issues that impact Vanguard's wealth planning methodology
  • Supports investments-related projects to analyze and research opportunities to enhance client investment strategies
  • Participates in special projects and performs other duties, as assigned

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Quantitative AnalysisWealth PlanningPortfolio ConstructionFinancial MarketsTax PlanningRegulatory ComplianceInvestment StrategyResearch Methodology

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the Wealth Planning Methodology Researcher role?

Candidates need deep expertise in financial planning topics including tax and estate planning, a minimum of five years related work experience in research roles or equivalent, a graduate degree in Financial Planning, Economics, Finance, or related fields strongly preferred, demonstrated experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models strongly preferred, and proficiency in Python for model development preferred.

Is visa sponsorship available for this position?

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

What is the salary range for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the team environment look like at Vanguard for this role?

The role involves collaborating with subject matter experts and internal stakeholders in an intellectually rich environment within Vanguard’s Investment Strategy Group—Advised Wealth Planning Strategies team, serving as a subject matter expert for crew and leaders, and mentoring investment analysts.

What makes a strong candidate for this position?

A strong candidate will have deep expertise in financial planning including tax and estate planning, 5+ years in research roles, a graduate degree in a relevant field, experience with utility-based lifecycle financial planning models, and Python proficiency.

Vanguard

Client-owned investment management firm offering low-cost funds

About Vanguard

Vanguard provides financial services with a focus on investment management. The company offers a variety of products, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and 401k rollovers, aimed at individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions. Vanguard's unique ownership structure means it is owned by its funds, which are in turn owned by the clients, allowing it to prioritize the needs of its investors over external shareholders. This model enables Vanguard to offer low-cost investment options, as it primarily earns revenue through management fees that are generally lower than industry standards. Additionally, Vanguard provides personalized investment advisory services, charging fees based on the assets managed. The company's goal is to help clients grow their wealth and achieve their financial objectives through effective investment strategies, while maintaining a competitive performance track record.

Kline Township, PennsylvaniaHeadquarters
1975Year Founded
SECONDARYCompany Stage
Fintech, Financial ServicesIndustries
10,001+Employees

Benefits

Best-in-class medical, dental & vision coverage
Onsite health clinic & fitness center
Health Smart Rewards program
Vanguard Retirement Savings Plan
Education Benefits
PTO
Family Planning Benefist
Parental leave
Personal development opportunities
Volunteer Time Off

Risks

Competition from AI-driven platforms like Writer challenges Vanguard's traditional advisory services.
Vanguard's stake in Steelcase exposes it to the volatile furniture market.
New active bond ETFs may struggle in a low-yield environment with increasing competition.

Differentiation

Vanguard is client-owned, aligning its interests with investors, unlike traditional firms.
The firm offers low-cost investment products, making it attractive to cost-conscious investors.
Vanguard's ownership structure allows it to focus on long-term investor value.

Upsides

Vanguard's new active bond ETFs offer diversified, low-cost fixed income options.
The acquisition of Steelcase shares diversifies Vanguard's portfolio into the furniture industry.
Launching the International Dividend Growth Fund appeals to investors seeking sustainable dividend growth.

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