Front Office Research Analyst*

*This is NOT a traditional investment research role focused on securities and markets. Read on to find out more.*

Location: US – Remote or Toronto – Hybrid or Remote (Candidate must be based in the US or Canada)
Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role:

Are you the person on your team who loves understanding how investment management technology and workflows work? Do you enjoy asking why processes are designed the way they are, comparing tools and operating models, and staying current with industry trends?

We're looking for a Front Office Research Analyst to join our research team. This is an opportunity for someone with real-world experience supporting the buy-side front office to make a distinctive career transition into industry research, analysis, and thought leadership.

This role is ideal for someone with experience at an asset manager, investment technology vendor, or service provider who wants to move beyond project delivery and operations into a role focused on research, writing, benchmarking, and market analysis. You do not need prior research or consulting experience. What matters is your understanding of front-office investment workflows and your ability to translate that knowledge into clear insights and written research.

What You'll Do:

• Research and analyze trends across front-office investment operations and technology
• Contribute to industry reports, benchmark studies, whitepapers, and thought leadership pieces
• Understand the vendor landscape and evaluate investment management platforms, tools, and workflows
• Conduct interviews with industry leaders, including asset managers and technology providers
• Analyze how firms are evolving in areas such as trading, portfolio management, investment compliance, and investment data
• Synthesize complex information into clear, concise written deliverables
• Assist in facilitating discussions at Cutter member meetings, webinars, and industry events
• Monitor market developments and identify emerging trends affecting the buy-side community
• Partner with senior research leaders to shape research agendas and deliver industry insights

What We're Looking For:

• 5-10 years of experience supporting the buy-side front office at an asset manager or at a vendor/service provider supporting the investment management industry
• Working knowledge of areas such as: Trading workflows, Portfolio management processes, Portfolio analytics, Investment risk management, Order management and execution workflows, Investment compliance, IBOR and performance processes, Front-office data and operating models, OMS/EMS platforms and investment technology ecosystems
• Experience in roles such as:
  • Investment Systems Analyst
  • Front Office Business Analyst
  • Trading Support Analyst
  • Portfolio Support Analyst
  • Product Specialist
  • Solutions Consultant
  • Investment Operations Analyst with front-office exposure
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Naturally curious, analytical, and able to synthesize information from multiple sources
• Interest in writing, thought leadership, and industry analysis

Why This Role Is Different:

This is NOT an implementation role, consulting role, or a traditional investment research role focused on securities and markets. It is an opportunity to leverage your industry experience and become a recognized subject matter expert and thought leader in the asset and investment management industry. If you've spent your career supporting the front office and have found yourself asking, "I wish I could spend more time understanding industry trends, researching where the market is going, and writing about it, then this role was built for you.

Compensation: The anticipated base compensation range for this role is USD 120,000 – USD 150,000 plus bonus and profit share, depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, market conditions, and geographic location. Final compensation will be determined based on individual background and alignment with the role’s responsibilities.

About Cutter:

At Cutter Associates, we empower the world’s leading asset managers and asset owners with the intelligence they need to stay ahead. For nearly 30 years, and with a global presence, we’ve combined expert consulting with proprietary research and industry benchmarking to help top-tier investment firms make smarter, faster decisions. Our global team is known for its deep domain expertise, collaborative spirit, and relentless curiosity. As we expand into new markets and capabilities, now is the perfect time to grow your career with a company that values insight, innovation, and impact.

Why Cutter:

At Cutter Associates, we believe people do their best work when they’re trusted, supported, and empowered to thrive - wherever they are.

• Established credibility, entrepreneurial spirit?– Founded in 1998 and backed by Nomura Research Institute (NRI), we blend the stability of a global research and technology powerhouse with the agility of a small, fast-moving firm.
• Global reach?- We partner with leading investment firms across North America, EMEA, and APAC, giving you meaningful exposure and exciting challenges.
• Fully remote, fully connected?- We’re a remote-first company with a flexible work model and a deeply collaborative culture.
• Growth-focused?- From client exposure and internal knowledge groups to tailored learning paths, we invest in your development from day one.
• Performance-driven, people-first?- We offer competitive pay, bonuses, profit sharing, and benefits that support your whole self.
• A culture that values people?- We take pride in our thoughtful, collaborative, and inclusive environment. We’re a team of individuals who care deeply - about our work, our clients, and each other.