Cross Asset Solutions at Societe Generale
Hey guys,
I have an interview with Societe Generale coming up. More specifically, it's for a sales position with their cross asset solution desk. I have no idea why I was chosen for this specific role - I applied capital markets in general.
Anyways, I've a few questions, any input would be greatly appreciated!
1) What does cross asset solution do exactly? I read the basics on their website, but would love to hear more insights
2) What's the equivalent desk at BBs? After a quick search, it seems to me that Societe Generale is one of the few places that name a des 'cross asset solution'. Where would this desk fit in other banks?
3) Is the work at cross asset solution interesting/challenging?
4) Do I still get to deal with fundamentals (I love analyzing companies/economies)? Or will it be so technical that fundamentals won't matter much?
5) Is is a growing business or is it declining like...cash sales trading? No offense, but after an internship at BB's equity floor, I can't help to feel that a big chunk of sales traders' work will be replaced by algorithms...
6) What do the exit opportunities look like?
I will probably ask some variation of these 5 questions to the interviewer, but it helps to get some ideas beforehand so I wouldn't sound too retarded lol.
Thanks in advance guys. Much appreciated. Will keep posted if advancing into next rounds.
-PD
2) In other banks this would be the Structured Products desk or Equity / FICC Derivatives. Perhaps also Product Engineering.
3) It's considered the best area in SocGen. When GEDS (Global Equity Derivative Solutions) and FICC (Fixed Income Currencies & Commodities) were merged, FICC was by far the most profitable business division but as GEDS and specifically SOL was becoming so powerful and in bull markets earns very well, Christophe Mianne the Head of GEDS at the time was made the Head of Global Markets - the combination of FICC and GEDS. He is now deputy CEO of the Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB). Given the highly technical nature of the work, it is sought after, well paid and desired elsewhere by employers. Typical employee of SOL is French, a degree in engineering and will have been at the top 3 French Universities.
4) Depends on the role, but it's not Research I imagine as that's a separate division. Of course some of these products take fundamentals into account in the structures.
5) Massively growing business, everyone wants customised solutions and your typical investor such as corporations are getting smarter.
6) Well paid structuring sales/engineering, SocGen is famous for this team, and pretty much just this team.
Hope that helps.
Thanks a lot for this detailed answer :) Much appreciated.
i hope you are french... SG is well known for being racist.
I never knew "French" was a race
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