Investec W&I bond research analyst leaves to set up own business

Investec Wealth and Investment’s fixed income analyst Esther Gilbert has left the company.

Gilbert (pictured) had worked at Investec in this role since 2015 and also co-headed the firm’s gender balance committee.

Prior to Investec, she spent three years at Axa Investment Managers as a fund manager, where she oversaw assets under management of €1.8bn.

Gilbert has now started her own business, Esther Gilbert Consulting (EGC), which aims to give advice to asset managers.

‘I saw a gap in the market, specifically for asset managers to learn from asset owners on how their client requirements can help shape relevant products,’ she told Citywire Selector’s sister site Wealth Manager.

The consultancy offers asset managers advice on product placement, private markets, ESG integration, and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) & culture, while asset owners receive advice on buy list management, analyst training and private markets.

EGC also offers board advisory services to investment trusts, authorised corporate directors and private companies.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Gilbert said ‘there was no ‘grand plan’ to become a consultant’, but she told Citywire her experience on both the buy- and sell-side places her in a unique position to work with both asset owners and asset owner research.

‘With increased consolidation within both the asset manager and asset owner space, along with greater regulatory requirements, it is essential for both sectors to provide value to their clients,’ she said.

Commenting on her departure from Investec in a LinkedIn post, Gilbert said: ‘I have learnt so much in my time here and worked with some great people – far too many to name across the Investec UK and Global network – thank you to all!’