Co-owner close up - Liam Blackshaw
In this Co-owner close up, Liam Blackshaw outlines a typical day in his role and how he helps turn investment strategy into action. He also explains why his computer screen often resembles a retro video arcade game.
Ever wondered what happens between an investment idea and the moment it becomes a real trade in the market? As a Portfolio Implementation Specialist, I’m in the middle of that journey – turning strategy into action, keeping portfolios running smoothly, and making sure every detail lines up. Here’s what a typical day in my role looks like (spoiler: it’s mostly Excel spreadsheets).
It’s a role that touches almost every stage of the investment process
My day begins with a 1 bean coffee and a quick scan through the Financial Times and Reuters headlines. Markets move fast, and those first few minutes help me get a feel for the day – whether it’s central bank news, geopolitical shifts, or (usually) a Truth Social post from a certain disgruntled President.
From there, it’s straight into drafting tickets and placing trades. This involves turning client requests or portfolio decisions into executable orders, making sure they’re accurate, timely, and in line with the agreed strategy. Typical requests include raising funds for withdrawal, investing inflows, and rebalancing portfolios in line with their model.
My screen looks like something you’d find in an 1980s video arcade!
A big part of my morning is spent in Alpha Terminal – a platform that brings together market, company, and index data to inform portfolio decisions. It’s an indispensable tool for trade execution, though its interface has a certain retro charm. My screen looks like something you’d find in an 1980s video arcade!
By late morning, the focus shifts. Trading is largely wrapped up, and I move into the operational hot-seat. This includes but is not limited to:
- Monitoring liquidity for our fund range.
- A range of regulatory and operational reporting for the FCA, external platforms, fund accountants, and custodian.
- Producing performance calculations, turning raw data into clear insights for our clients.
These tasks use a mix of Excel, our internal systems, and platforms like Pershing Nexus. It’s a behind-the-scenes role, but one that keeps portfolios running smoothly and ensures that the investment strategy is implemented to ensure one of our main objectives – to delight our clients.
No two days are exactly alike. Some afternoons are spent troubleshooting trade settlements, others on ad-hoc data analysis, and occasionally helping to prepare material for client meetings. All this takes place under the auspices of our dealing guru and resident mage Danny Lonsdale (pictured below), who I work closely with to implement the above.
It’s a role that touches almost every stage of the investment process, from client instructions and trade execution to back-office reporting and operational resilience. It can be hectic at times, but it’s also a rewarding role – especially when you see the end results for our clients.
Favourite TV show? University Challenge
What's your sport? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Favourite food? Thai Red Curry
Favourite movie? The Grand Budapest Hotel
Favourite holiday destination? Italy
What would you choose an unlimited supply of in the office? Peppermint Tea (this wish has been granted)
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Time Travel
If you were on mastermind, what would your specialist subject be? The Life and Work of Christopher Hitchens
Written by Liam Blackshaw