Investment Associate, Financial Services/digital

About the Role

The primary focus of the role is to contribute to the success of the financial services investment team in its investment and portfolio management activities.  This includes playing an integral role in supporting the sourcing, valuation, structuring, due diligence, and transaction execution.  Additionally, the roles include a strong focus on managing LeapFrog’s investments including ongoing project management and value creation.  As an integral member of the team, you will support the day-to-day business of the financial services investment team and contribute to portfolio company growth through supporting the teams and provision of subject matter expertise.

About Leapfrog Investments

LeapFrog invests in exceptional businesses in Africa and Asia, partnering with their leaders to achieve leaps of growth, profitability, and impact.  Founded in 2007, LeapFrog’s companies now reach 222 million people across 35 countries with healthcare or financial services.  LeapFrog companies have also grown on average at 26% annually from the time of investment.  They now provide jobs and livelihoods to over 130,000 people.  Inspired by LeapFrog’s strategy of Profit with Purpose, LeapFrog will have raised over USD $2bn from global institutional investors.  LeapFrog was ranked by Fortune as one of the top five Companies to Change the World, alongside Apple and Novartis, the first private investment firm ever listed.
www.LeapFroginvest.com

Roles and Responsibilities

• Proactively network and support the sourcing of financial services deals in Asia that are aligned with LeapFrog’s Profit with Purpose ethos.

• Support the valuation, structuring and deal execution process.

• Play an active role in preparing investment committee and fund reporting documents.

• Participate actively in the due diligence process of new investment opportunities and identify areas of value add in corporate governance, operational efficiencies, and product development.

• Play an active role in managing LeapFrog’s investments in financial services.

• Work closely with portfolio company C-suite to monitor and report on investments.

• Manage and lead a variety of projects targeted at creating value in LeapFrog’s portfolio.

• Identify and recommend specialist local resources as required.

• Support the day-to-day management of the financial services investment team’s signature systems and processes.

About You

We invest in companies that support and empower a diverse group of people globally and foster an inclusive environment that reflects this broad array of perspectives.
We will consider remarkable individuals who demonstrate intelligence, passion, imagination, empathy, determination, and a deep commitment to delivering both profit and social impact – even if their specific qualifications and experience do not fit the below.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors or equivalent degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting or Business-related degrees.

• MBA, post-graduate, professional education or similar would be advantageous.

• 2 - 4 years of experience in Private Equity or Investment Banking.

• Experience of working in emerging markets with a preference for experience in Asia.

• Experience of working hands-on with companies and their management teams, be it through portfolio management, or consulting/advisory engagements.

• A genuine passion for delivering significant social impact, particularly in financial services.

• Entrepreneurial thinker able to handle dynamic and varied challenges daily.

• Demonstrated excellence in analysis, business assessment and corporate or strategic advisory work.

• Highly capable in Microsoft Excel, with deep experience in financial analysis and modelling.

• Superb written and verbal communications skills, and a high level of comfort in a variety of cultural settings.

• A willingness to travel internationally.

Competencies and Attributes

• A consistent record of excelling in demanding environments.
• Exceptional quantitative skills and financial understanding.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to create compelling analytical presentations, texts, and proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to absorb and analyse a great deal of information and then present compelling arguments, quickly grasping and effectively communicating concepts to diverse audiences.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise.
• A humble and collaborative style in line with LeapFrog’s values.
• Strong influencing skills to engage diverse teams, soliciting their input and gaining their support.
• Flexibility, resilience, and the agile mindset required to thrive in an unstructured entrepreneurial environment.
• A willingness to work across time zones and availability and interest to travel internationally. We maintain a flexible work policy across the globe to make these unusual hours work for teams and families.