Nothing shapes your experience working with RMB more than the people who make our work possible every day. The Meet RMB series offers a chance to get to know our team a little better.
RMB: Can you give us an overview of your role at RMB?
Ben Niu: I’m a senior equity research analyst with the asset management team in RMB’s Chicago office. I do equity research on the technology and materials sectors across the U.S. and international stock markets. I work closely with portfolio managers to assess portfolio risk analytics and generate new investment ideas. I also refresh valuations and update quarterly reports.
RMB: What does a typical workday look like in your role?
BN: Before the markets open, I go through my email to see if there is anything I missed or any company or earnings updates, and then I read the news to stay on top of what is happening in the market. During the earning season, my daily routine includes listening to earning calls, updating company earnings, refreshing company valuations, and syncing-up with portfolio managers. Outside of the earning season, I meet with the management teams of the companies that we are interested in, work on post-earnings sync-up, meet with sell-side analysts, etc.
RMB: Tell us about the education and career path that brought you here.
BN: I was born and raised in China and went to Xiamen University, located in Southeast China, where I studied applied mathematics. After graduation, I moved to Chicago and got my Ph.D. in applied mathematics and computational finance at the Illinois Institute of Technology. My first foot in the financial services industry was at IronBridge Capital Management, where I worked as an advanced financial modeling analyst before they were acquired by RMB in 2017.
RMB: What keeps you busy outside of work?
BN: Last March, my wife gave birth to my daughter, Elena, and she happily takes up most of my time. We also have a family dog named Guinness that we enjoy caring for and taking on long walks. Other than that, I enjoy golfing, biking, and exploring Chicago during the summertime.
RMB: Is there something that you’re especially passionate about in life?
BN: I’m passionate about my daughter, Elena. I am stoked about my new role as a dad. There are so many new skills to learn – it feels like learning a new language. I look forward to watching her grow up and reach new milestones!
RMB: What makes you most proud to work at RMB?
BN: I’m most proud to work at RMB because of the growth mentality that the company fosters. There’s plenty of opportunity to develop and learn. Everyone in the company wants to see each other succeed and always offers a helping hand.
