Bangor Fund supports Student-Managed Investment Fund

Bangor Business School has recently benefited from a grant from the Bangor Fund, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, to establish a Student-Managed Investment Fund at Bangor University. Donations to the Bangor Fund from our generous alumni allow the University to fund projects such as these which help to boost our students’ experience and provide them with opportunities to increase their employability.

Student-Managed Funds take academic theory from the lecture theatre and put it to work in the real financial markets, allowing students to trade with real money and giving them practical investment management experience. Business schools utilise online trading floors to develop their students’ skills and, although a strong theoretical background in global financial markets is crucial, practical application often gives the edge to students when it comes to applying for jobs. The Investment Fund at the Bangor Business School will be a tangible and practical educational tool, designed to complement what is taught in lectures.

The awarded amount of £12,500 will be invested by students in the equity of companies listed on the stock market or in an index-linked fund (e.g. FTSE 100 ETF). Any profits from the investment fund will be put towards sustainability projects at the University.

The fund will be overseen by an Advisory Board, who will set the risk parameters, but day-to-day management and investment decisions will be the students’ responsibility. Students will be required to identify macroeconomic trends, complete due diligence of companies and pitch ideas and strategies before making investments. This process will allow students to develop their critical and analytic skills outside of their course and give them the responsibility of growing the Investment Fund. Students may pitch investment ideas that span longer than their course at Bangor University, which will give an opportunity to invite students back to discuss how their investment has faired after graduation thus improving the relationship with our alumni network.

The impact of this award will be seen throughout 2023/24 and subsequent academic years by the students directly involved and also to the wider University, as profits from the investments will be put towards sustainability projects. 

Dr Ed Jones from the Bangor Business School said, “These activities would not have been possible without the generosity of The Bangor Fund.  We are grateful for the opportunity given by this award and recognise the impact it will have on students across the University, including improvement in their understanding of the taught material, engagement, and employability.”

Emma Marshall, Head of Development and Alumni Relations, said: “Donations to the Bangor Fund from our generous alumni allow the University to fund projects such as these which help to boost our students’ experience and provide extra opportunities to increase their employability!”

For further information on the Bangor Fund, please contact Persida Chung, Development Officer, on p.v.chung@bangor.ac.uk