Corporate Banking Operations Assistant Vice President

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Operations Assistant Vice President to join our Agency Middle Office team. 

• To undertake assigned day-to-day tasks & responsibilities within Agency MO including acting as primary contact for and perform agent functions on a portfolio of syndicated loan transactions
• Support Team Leader to execute their roles & responsibilities  (refer to Team Leader job description)
• To support team members within Agency MO
• Assist development of team & group members as required
• Contribute to the development and implementation of team & group  initiatives in order to improve efficiency and controls and achieve strategic goals

Business Area

Operations Department  - Agency Middle Office 

• The role of an agent is to undertake functions as described in the finance documents on behalf of the lending group. Depending on the type of agency role this can include, 1/ facilitating communications, 2/ managing cash flows, 3/ maintaining a register of parties to the agreement, 4/ maintaining a register of lender commitments, deal activity and accruals (interest & fees), 5/ registering and safekeeping of security, 6/ coordinating amendment and waiver requests, and 7/ following procedures described in the facility documents in respect to borrower default and enforcement of security. Regular engagement with external advisors e.g. legal, technical, insurance etc is common practice
• Roles undertaken include Facility Agent, Security Trustee, Intercreditor Agent, Global Facility Agent and Account Bank on a broad spectrum of sectors including Structured, Project, Leverage, Trade, FI and Corporate finance
• Agency Group acts as the relationship team for lenders and is responsible for onboarding new lenders and conducting periodic CDD reviews
• In respect to new transactions, Agency Group is involved from the initial bid through to final maturity. Loan tenors range from 1 or 2 years through to 30 years plus
• The agent receives an annual fee from the borrower for undertaking the role. Each new deal is priced using the agency fee pricing tool which uses a number of key factors to estimate ongoing resource requirements and appropriate fee level

Position Description

• To be primary contact and undertake middle/front facing agency roles & responsibilities in accordance with the finance documents and internal procedures & controls on a portfolio of deals covering a range of sectors
• Arrange and attend calls, meetings and site visits as required
• Provide absence cover for colleagues or assistance during busy periods as and when required
• On board new lender records using the Banks systems and participate in ongoing KYC reviews and static data maintenance as required
• Ensure procedures and controls are observed at all times escalating issues in a timely manner
• Attend and contribute constructively to team and group meetings
• Escalate any issues or concerns in a timely manner
• Assist team development by providing training & support when required
• Help maintain good levels of moral within own team and wider group by being supportive, approachable and respectful at all times
• Maintain good relationships both internally and externally ensuring the highest levels of professionalism and service at all times
• Review new agency documents from an agents perspective and provide relevant feedback to the originating department or external legal counsel
• Contribute to the development and implementation of initiatives and projects
• Participate in system testing as required

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications 

• Good understanding of general banking operations/practices including loan administration, payments, treasury funding, static data control, document management and safe keeping
• Understanding of legal and compliance matters relating to agent functions
• Understanding of primary syndication and secondary trading processes
• Basic understanding of accounting practices including provision of tax in relation to advisor and lender payments  
• Understanding of finance documents including facility agreements, security trust & intercreditor agreements, common term agreements & account bank agreements
• Basic understanding of general market and best practices relating to loans
• Good communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Organised and accurate with the ability to work under pressure to tight timelines 

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!