Neil Murray
Neil leads SWIP’s highly regarded corporate bond team, and is also a member of the bond policy group. In addition, he manages a number of investment grade corporate bond portfolios. He is also responsible for researching corporate bond strategy.
Before joining SWIP in September 2000, he spent two years in the investment risk control unit at Scottish Widows.
Neil holds a BSc in pure and applied chemistry and a diploma in accountancy from the University of Strathclyde. He also holds the CFA qualification.
I have found the SWIP bond team to be a very exciting and rewarding team to be in. I joined Scottish Widows straight from university, when there was no defined graduate scheme, the bond team ran what was a de facto scheme in itself; taking young graduates from other parts of the group and developing them within the team.
The work has been challenging and rewarding, it takes a great deal of effort and determination to begin with, however if people show ability they will always be encouraged and ultimately get more and more responsibility.
To do well in corporate bonds you need a desire to understand companies and the industries they operate in, an inquisitive personality, maintain knowledge of the economy and you need to ask questions.
The job can be very rewarding but there are many highs and lows, therefore self confidence is also required.
