Company Overview

Northern Trust Global Fund Services is a full-service provider of fund solutions for asset managers’ front, middle and back office with clients

around the world.  

Why join us?

Northern Trust Global Fund Services is an exciting and fast-paced place to work. We actively encourage our people to learn, to ask questions, and to use their diverse perspectives to contribute to our organisational success. We are constantly looking to improve our team and client’s experience using the most up to date digital tools available. Our team is comprised of passionate, astute and forward thinking individuals who can work collaboratively and flexibly towards the same goal. Movement within the organisation is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company that is committed to strengthening the communities we serve.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people at the beginning of their career, who share our values, are eager to learn and are looking to start their journey in a global asset servicing firm.

Our values

• Our curiosity fosters a collaborative culture where creativity and innovation thrive. Our commitment to recruit, develop and deploy diverse talent globally enables us to capitalise on the strength that lies in our differences.
• Our focus on competence produces deep and varied investment acumen, subject matter expertise and indispensable functional proficiency.  
• Our digital focus keeps us ahead of new developments and driving for new opportunities.
• Our talent development across all levels allows opportunities and progression to be sought be all within the team.

Programme information

You will join in a permanent position as part of the Investment20/20 programme and you will have opportunities to meet and network with trainees across the industry and participate in training, socials and insight events.   

These entry-level roles at NT allow you to enter the asset servicing industry and learn and develop all the skills required to embark on a career within Northern Trust through full on-the-job training for the first 24 months in the role.  

This is a Level 3 Apprenticeship and you will be introduced to all elements of asset servicing, gain industry knowledge, experience and develop relationships to develop your career. We will support you in achieving the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) Qualification with training and study time included.

For this full time role, the starting salary is £30,000 with regular checkpoints throughout the first 24 months to track progress and give detailed feedback, tailoring the support where required. Incremental salary increases are part of these checkpoints and can be discussed further.  

You will be supported in your personal and career goals in a number of ways including:-

• Work Life Balance –Hybrid Work Options, Incremental Annual Leave, Community Volunteer Days 
• Health & Wellbeing – Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Program 
• Professional Development – Clear Career Path, Education Assistance, Recognition Programme, NT University (wide range of online, virtual & in-house training options) and employee-led Business Resource Councils dedicated to diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

 All roles are based in Canary Wharf, London, with work being split between home and office. Necessary home working equipment and set up support is all provided.

Programme Summary 

The NT GFS Apprentice programme is aimed at school and college leavers keen to pursue a career in the financial services industry and learn about all elements of asset servicing and the links to Investment Management. 

We have 5 placements across various operational teams within GFS. For the first 24 months of your role you will be in an Operational Analyst position and fully supported with both on the job and classroom training, to aid with your understanding and integration into the department. You will have a specific role in Operational oversight of our offshore locations, and will be fully trained up on the specifics of the role being performed. You will benefit from mentors and group activities, and be part of the operations teams performing the daily role. 

The Team

The roles are across our Operational areas providing middle and back office functions for our Investment Management clients. These Business units are Fund Accounting, Transfer Agency, Depositary, and Investment Outsourcing Operations and below is a summary of their functions.

Fund Accounting 

Calculates Fund Portfolio pricing and related reporting. Usually daily deadlines, this is a very fast paced and dynamic environment.

Transfer Agency

A transfer agency manages the administrative aspects of share ownership for fund managers. We act as a liaison between the fund manager and its investors, maintaining shareholder records, placing investors deals into the funds, processing other transactions like stock transfers and dividend payments and ensuring accurate record-keeping.

Depositary

Acts as policeman, ensuring the Fund Manager is doing their job properly. Monitors activity and provides relevant reporting.

Investment Outsourcing Operations

Covers the full scope of middle office services including trades, reporting and derivative operations. The team play a key role in the day to day management of the client’s operations.

The production tasks for each of these areas is performed in our offshore locations in Ireland and Asia, with the London office providing a critical oversight and governance role. Teams in the UK work together to support offshore teams in delivery to our clients, with communication at all levels being a critical part in day to day activities.

Teams will spend time analysing reporting, calls and face to face meetings with team members and clients, and problem solving as issues arise.

Responsibilities include 

• Develop and maintain an understanding of the industry and Northern Trust, in particular Northern Trust’s systems, infrastructure and process data flows 
• Provide assistance to the team in execution of daily oversight activities.
• Compile and analyse data and reporting as required by the client.
• Ensure accuracy and timings are consistently achieved within the team and help in the pursuit of a solution when they are not. 
• Attend client calls to discuss service and address any questions or needs.
• Assist in the resolution of issues.

Skills and requirements

If you are a school/college leaver who has a keen interest in working within financial services and the following attributes, we would like to hear from you: 

• A good communicator, both oral and written;
• Inquisitive and enjoys interpreting information and problem solving;
• A ‘can do’ attitude to learning and enjoys developing new skills;
• Good organisational skills able to multi-task and meet deadlines;
• Team player with a customer focused approach;
• Interest in the Financial Services industry

How to apply

Please apply via the Northern Trust Website by submitting your CV and a cover letter including your answers to the three questions below, in 250 words each:

• Why are you applying for the apprentice programme? 
• Tell us about your greatest achievement.
• What is the most challenging situation you have faced and how did you deal with it?

Save them along with your CV as a single PDF document and apply via our portal here: 

**PLEASE NOTE:  

The purpose of these questions is to give applicants an opportunity share their personal experiences and thought processes with the hiring manager. Your application will not be considered if you do not answer the questions

The use of AI: We know that AI is an increasingly useful tool and we’re happy for you to use it to research and help form an answer, but you should not submit wholly AI generated answers.

Key dates

Online applications close: 24th July, 2025

Start date: 6th October, 2025

**Please note we recruit on a rolling basis so you are advised to apply early.

Recruitment Process

You will be interviewed in person at Northern Trust’s London Headquarters in Canary Wharf. The interview will be with two of the hiring managers from the teams recruiting. There may be a second interview depending on volume of applications.

Additional Information

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you would benefit from adjustments for any part of the employment process, please inform the recruiter to discuss your individual requirements.

Candidates must be 18 years old by the 1st September 2025

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by email by Mid-August

Unsuccessful candidates will be referred Investment20/20’s website so that they can hear about other trainee opportunities https://www.investment2020.org.uk/registration-form/