Define: Analyst

Although the term analyst can be associated with a broad range of definitions, in the financial environment an analyst is an individual that analyzes information and data. An analyst might be a financial analyst, industry analyst, business analyst or systems analyst. A financial analyst is also known as a securities analyst, research analyst, investment analyst or equity analyst. An individual employed as a financial analyst works for an investment house, bank, mutual or pension fund, securities firm or another business type. A financial analyst examines financial statements, assesses lending risks and analyzes security prices, sales, tax rates, etc. An industry analyst will study trends within a single industry and formulate future assumptions. Unlike a financial analyst, an industry analyst is more concerned with broader market development rather than individual securities or investments. A business analyst is concerned with the business needs of its clients and individual stakeholders. The primary responsibilities of a business analyst include identifying underlying business problems and recommending solutions. A systems analyst is responsible for the analysis and design of information systems. Frequently a programmer will be referred to as a systems analyst.

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Definitions for Analyst are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

• A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
• Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
• Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 4th February 2020.