Internal Ratings Analyst, Portfolio Management - Assistant Vice President

Purpose of Job

•    To ensure the effective, proactive management of the Internal Ratings process (Credit Monitoring) in respect of SPD’s European Leveraged Finance, NAV Finance & Securitization Portfolios to ensure all ratings are submitted in a timely manner to Line Manager, SPD Management and Credit Department and are executed in accordance with the Bank’s agreed policies and procedures
•    To allow for a consistent approach to Internal ratings to be taken and ensure clear, open and timely reporting of Portfolio Ratings Data to the various key stakeholders including Line Manager, SPD Management, Credit Department, & Tokyo Head Office with strong emphasis on accuracy/attention to detail.  
•    To provide support to and work closely with Line Manager to drive the identification and execution of process efficiencies/improvements to the Bank’s rating process to allow more time for Deal Teams to focus on contributing to the overall Department’s Leveraged Finance Income Budget.     

Background

1.    This role is part of the Portfolio Management Team within Origination Group 2 (“OG2”) of Specialised Products Department where the OG2 team of 48 manage SPD’s cUS$9.7Bn+ portfolio of c180+ leveraged loans.  Such loans will have typically been originated in the first instance by the Origination Team (OG1) prior to the relationship being handed over to OG2. The role also includes providing support to the SPD NAV team and various JVCO programs.
2.    The primary objective is to carry out the internal rating process (Credit Monitoring) on i) newly originated transactions arising from the Origination Team and/or arising from existing portfolio borrowers within SPD’s European Leveraged Finance Portfolio, ii) JVCo Programme related credit monitoring and iii) NAV Finance related credit monitoring.   
3.    This requires the first level credit/financial/risk analysis to be undertaken and presented both within SPD and to Credit Department.    
4.    Under the guidance and support of an existing VP / Sub Team Leader and/or the Team Leader, the role also involves the identification & introduction of process efficiencies / improvements in respect of the Bank’s internal ratings process in order to ensure all ratings can be assigned in a timely manner in accordance with agreed Bank policies & procedures.   
5.    The role also entails supporting team members across the SPD Portfolio Management Team with ratings related matters and ongoing / close interaction with key stakeholders, particularly colleagues in Credit Department, CIPD, & RMD.  

Facts / Scale

1.    Responsible for proactively managing the internal ratings process for up to ca 50 European Leveraged Finance Borrowers plus a number of JVCo Programme & NAV Financing related credit monitoring.    
2.    Part of a Team of 11 people - 7 Internal Ratings Analysts, 3 Sub Team Leaders and 1 Team Leader  
3.    Reporting into the Team Leader, Group Head and SPD Management and working closely with an existing VP / Sub Team Leader on the team.    
4.    Under guidance and with support of an existing VP / Sub Team Leader on the team and Team Leader, developing / maintaining relationships outside of SPD with key stakeholders (Credit Department, CIPD, and RMD 
5.    As part of SPD Origination Group 2, Goals & Objectives, responsible for delivering grading training workshops and providing ongoing training / support on ratings matters across SPD.   
6.    Contribution to overall SPD Leveraged Finance Income Budget through accuracy of internal ratings, and process efficiency improvements.   

Accountabilities and responsibilities

1.    Pro-actively carrying out and/or reviewing the internal rating for up to 50 Leveraged Finance Borrowers plus JVCo Programme & NAV Finance related credit monitoring including: i) analysing Financial Audited / Management Accounts and transactional Due Diligence / Information Memorandums / Lender Presentations and inputting the necessary Financial Data into the Bank’s GBR system; ii) carrying out Periodic & Adhoc Credit Monitoring of LBO, NAV Finance & Obligors, graded under Securitization model, in line with the Bank’s Credit Monitoring policies and procedures and iii) preparation of the necessary Grading materials required to support our GBR submissions.
2.    Responsibility for collaborating with Deal Teams across Origination Team and at times, with the existing Account Officers across Portfolio Management to ensure timely submission of Gradings and grading materials to Credit Department for new and existing transactions. 
3.    Ongoing interaction / liaison with Credit Department to ensure Credit Submissions are approved in a timely manner.  
4.    Conducting in depth financial analysis of Borrowers financial information to i) assign an internal rating using the Bank’s ratings model and supporting SPD models relevant to Leveraged Finance obligors, NAV obligors & Securitization portfolios (Master Grading Template, Enterprise Valuation Calculation, Self Assessment Tools, PE model, CDO Evaluator model  etc.) and ii) to identify key drivers / trends in financial metrics behind the resulting internal rating. 
5.    Presentation of ratings recommendations to SPD Management and Credit Department including liaison with all relevant stakeholders (SPD Deal Captains and Account Officers, Credit Department, CIPD Tokyo and RMD) to ensure i) consistent approach being taken to our internal ratings and ii) appropriate interpretation of internal guidelines / rules. 
6.    Compliance with all regulatory and internal policies and procedures, regulations and guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

1.    In depth knowledge and understanding of Bank’s Credit Monitoring Policies & Procedures and GBR system (e.g C&I grading methodology, including PE grading related Appendices, Securitization Grading methodology).
2.    Knowledge of European Leveraged Finance market, Net Asset Value & Portfolio securitization concept. 
3.    Strong understanding of accounting principles and the ability to analyze and interpret audited and unaudited historical financial statements, conduct financial due diligence, and assess forward-looking financial data (including budgets, forecasts, projections, investor reports, and other relevant financial information)
4.    Ability to spread multiple financial data across various models & to apply various proforma adjustments with sound knowledge of Excel.
5.    Good Communication Skills - with both internal and external stakeholders - and both written and verbal to enable clear and concise written and verbal presentation of Leveraged Finance transactions  
6.    Ability to work as part of team both internally within SPD and outside SPD with other parts of the Bank. 
7.    Attention to detail and accuracy
8.    German / French language skills an advantage.

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!!