Our Research Team

Our research department has expanded over the years and we now have a dedicated team of four, along with two others who also contribute. Furthermore, Darius, our managing director, interviews fund managers, alongside the rest of the team, and is involved in fund selection.

All team members have various sector responsibilities and interview fund managers. Everyone has a say when it comes to selecting funds for Chelsea's various panels/model portfolios and the debates can be quite lengthy and passionate.

Darius McDermott, Managing Director

I joined Chelsea's training scheme, in February 1996, after graduating from Birmingham University with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry, so I am just starting my 25^th year with the company. I was promoted to managing director in February 2000. As well as managing the business and being part of the research team, I have an active role in the financial media and am quoted regularly in both national newspapers and more specialist financial publications as well as TV and Radio. I lead the investment team on our managed funds launched in June 2017.

In 2014, I helped to launch FundCalibre, an independent fund ratings and research business. 

I am also Chairman of the Association for Independent Discount and Non-Advisory Brokers (AIDB). The AIDB represents the views and interests of the discount broking, execution-only and non-advised sales community to the regulator, the fund groups and platforms and the general public.

I am also a member of the IA sectors committee and a judge on most fund manager awards including Investment Week and Portfolio Adviser.

Outside work (almost literally, as our office is a stone's throw from the stadium) I am a dedicated Chelsea football fan. When I'm not at a match I'm usually entertaining my two children.

Juliet Schooling Latter, Research Director

After graduating from University College London, with a degree in economics, I joined Chelsea and, having worked my way around various departments, I became head of research in 2001 and, subsequently, research director in 2013. Over the years, we have introduced the Core Selection, Selection, EasyISAs, Fund Review and, more recently, our Junior EasyISAs. I also provide commentary to the trade and national press on investment funds. As a director, I'm also partly responsible, not only for the day-to-day running of the company, but for its expansion and direction. When I'm not at my desk, I can often be found standing on my head in a yoga class.

James Yardley, Senior Research Analyst

I graduated from King's College London with a BA in War Studies in 2009. Before joining Chelsea I worked in equity research for the institutional brokerage firm Redburn. I cover the Asia Pacific, UK equity income, UK gilt and specialist sectors. I love to ask managers tough questions and uncover the very best funds available. I am currently studying for the CFA Level 2. At university I was a keen chess and poker player. I also like to write about investing and I enjoy playing cricket, tennis and football.

Joss Murphy,  Junior Research Analyst

I obtained a first-class MSc at Bayes Business School in 2021 having finished my bachelor’s studies at Bristol University the previous year. I obtained full certification in the IMC in June 2023.

As a fairly recent addition to Chelsea, my role comprises of fund research, producing daily valuations for the fund range and interviewing managers of funds amongst other responsibilities. 

I am a natural contrarian who seeks to find value opportunities when negative sentiment has resulted in assets becoming oversold.

Outside of work, I am an avid follower of sports. I particularly love going to the races and watching my beloved Arsenal.