By Edward Storm
August 11, 2025

The global equity research job market within the asset management industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, with over 11,000 unique job postings currently active, according to data aggregated from professional platforms like LinkedIn. This robust figure reflects a thriving demand for analysts skilled in dissecting stocks, sectors, and economic trends to steer investment strategies in an increasingly complex financial landscape.

Equity research remains a linchpin for asset managers, with roles spanning from junior analysts to senior strategists. These positions emphasize expertise in data analytics, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) integration, and quantitative modeling, driven by evolving market needs and technological advancements.

Top 10 Cities Driving the Equity Research Boom

The distribution of these openings reveals a concentration in global financial hubs, based on an analysis of key cities known for their asset management ecosystems. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 locations, with approximate job counts derived from recent LinkedIn data filtered for the investment management industry:

1. New York, USA: Leading with over 1,000 postings, New York remains the global finance capital, hosting powerhouses like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, with a focus on U.S. and international equity research.
2. London, UK: With 438 openings, London’s wealth management and European market access fuel demand for analysts specializing in cross-border investments and sustainable finance.
3. Chicago, USA: Home to 370 positions, Chicago excels in derivatives and institutional research, attracting talent for commodity and risk-focused roles.
4. San Francisco, USA: Boasting 252 postings, the Bay Area’s tech-driven market emphasizes equity research tied to innovation and venture capital.
5. Boston, USA: With 244 openings, Boston’s mutual fund legacy and academic ties drive demand for long-term equity strategists.
6. Hong Kong, China: Showing fewer than 10 postings under strict filters, Hong Kong’s role as an Asian finance hub may be underrepresented due to broader finance categorizations.
7. Tokyo, Japan: With 46 positions, Tokyo focuses on domestic and regional equity markets, requiring deep knowledge of local corporate structures.
8. Dubai, UAE: An emerging hub with 30 openings, Dubai caters to energy-sector investments and sovereign wealth fund research.
9. Frankfurt, Germany: Featuring 15 postings, Frankfurt supports eurozone-focused equity research amid stringent regulatory frameworks.
10. Zurich, Switzerland: With fewer than 10 openings, Zurich’s niche in private wealth management limits its equity research listings.

Other cities, such as Singapore with approximately 180 postings, are gaining prominence, particularly for emerging market research. These figures, while subject to variations from remote roles and platform algorithms, highlight a U.S.-centric market, with five American cities dominating the list.

Trends and Opportunities

The surge in equity research roles is fueled by post-pandemic market recovery, the rise of passive investing, and heightened focus on volatile sectors like technology and green energy. However, lower postings in cities like Hong Kong and Zurich may signal tighter labor markets or a reliance on internal talent pipelines.

As firms grapple with inflation, interest rate shifts, and geopolitical uncertainties, the need for skilled analysts is unlikely to wane. Industry experts recommend professionals sharpen their expertise in AI-driven analytics and global macroeconomic trends to remain competitive.

This data, drawn from a detailed review of financial hubs and job platforms, underscores a vibrant job market for equity research professionals. For the latest opportunities, candidates should explore real-time listings on platforms like LinkedIn.

Edward Storm is the operator of The Street Scout, LLC     a financial markets executive search firm.