ISS STOXX empowers investors and companies to build for long-term and sustainable growth by providing high-quality data, analytics, and insight. We are committed to positively impacting the environment and society through our market-leading solutions and leading by example. Our clients have long turned to ISS STOXX to apply their corporate governance views, identify environmental, social, and governance risks, and manage their global proxy voting needs.
Need a refresher on what Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting are?
- Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. Boards of directors are responsible for the governance of their companies. The shareholders’ role in governance is developing continuously with investors increasingly acting as responsible stewards and taking into account a wide range of ESG topics. This may include consideration such as the appointment of directors, approving executive remuneration schemes, M&A, and considerations of companies' climate transition plans.
- Shareholders are invited by public companies they have shares in to vote on a wide range of topics during annual general meetings. They can delegate their voting power to a representative, who will then be considered a proxy. Here at ISS STOXX, we provide the research, insight and recommendations for our clients to make informed voting decisions.
- ISS STOXX's Global Proxy Distribution ("GPD") business provides outsourcing solutions for custodian banks, wealth managers and other intermediaries to facilitate proxy voting services to their investor clients. These solutions Our services leverage deep corporate governance expertise, global scale and presence, state of the art data architecture, and a flexible approach to help banks and intermediaries differentiate their offerings, comply with regulation, and reduce risk and cost.
Enter the world of corporate governance and responsible investment and jumpstart your career by gaining exposure to the fundamental affairs of businesses and economies on a global scale.
What you will do
Out of our ISS STOXX office in London, the Client Service & Consultants team provides a single, turnkey solution to managing proxy distribution for custodian banks, an integrated proxy research and a voting solution for institutional investor clients. We are seeking talented and self-motivated interns to provide operational support to the GPD Client Service & Consultants team during the peak European ‘’proxy voting season’’, i.e., when most listed companies convene their annual shareholder meetings. Proxy Season brings a fast paced, challenging working environment, so this position will suit a candidate who is a quick learner, organized and motivated to work under tight deadlines.
- Take active ownership of operational support for clients, including ballot and vote management, account maintenance, and vote report production.
- Follow-up on the successful vote execution with the clients.
- Manage regular direct contact (email and phone) with issuing companies, agent banks and clients.
- Deal with routine tasks, such as creating/inactivating accounts in our voting platform, creating/inactivating users to grant clients an access to our voting platform, support clients with basic queries/issues and investigate issues with internal teams to provide appropriate solutions/answers to clients.
- Support the team in maintaining up-to-date procedures, databases, and client profiles regularly.
If you are looking for a first client-facing experience in an international working environment, want to learn more about corporate governance and the financial industry and wish to develop your communication, organizational and networking skills, this internship is meant for you! You will have the chance to participate in internal trainings, profit from the guidance of experienced colleagues throughout the entire internship period and be involved in diverse team tasks.
What you will bring to ISS STOXX
- Fluent in English (both spoken and written).
- Client focus and strong communication skills to exchange effectively with clients and partners.
- A strong analytical ability, numeracy, strong oral and written communication skills.
- The ability to assimilate large quantities of information, work independently and take initiative while also being a team player.
- An organized and structured mind.
- Would be considered an advantage but not a requirement: a degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Law, or Political Sciences.
But above all else we are most interested in the things that make you, you. The unique personal qualities, extracurricular activities and accomplishments that show who you are as a person and what value you could bring to the team.
What you will gain from this internship
- Develop a deeper understanding of relevant technical terminology within the world of corporate governance and responsible investment.
- Receive in-depth training to fulfill your career aspirations.
- Expand your know-how and contribute significantly to client work.
- Make a difference and perform in a workplace of integrity and transparency.
This internship is remunerated £13.15 gross per hour and will run for 6 months, from the 10th of January 2025 to the 8th of July 2025. Interns are required to work from the ISS STOXX office 5 days a week and must be based in the country of employment from Day 1 of the internship.