Macro & FI Research 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.

Background

Junior Analyst, under supervision of Research Leader, is expected to build up required knowledge to assume the coverage of one industry vertical (e.g. Consumer/Retail) in the EMEA region and to co-operate with analysts across global CRSD department. The main tasks, delivered under guidance from the Research Leader, are to support the bank’s marketing effort by identifying potential customers and transaction (acquisition/trade/project finance) support, simultaneously helping the credit department to protect the bank’s asset portfolio by identifying adverse corporate/industrial trends. The Junior Analyst supports Research Leaders and the banks’ marketing staff by contributing to meetings/presentations to the customers, enhancing the bank’s business relationships.

Business Area

The Corporate Research Department (CRSD) is part of the global research function located in Tokyo, Osaka, London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai with over 130 analysts in total.

The mission of the department in London is to provide independent, timely and value-added insights and intelligence to key stakeholders in order to contribute to the achievement of the bank’s strategy. In order to fulfil this mission, CRSD analysts combine in-depth understanding of the industries for which they are responsible with advanced knowledge of corporate finance, credit analysis and latest financial technologies. 

Purpose of Job

• Industry expertise is central to support developing the bank’s business strategy and providing best advice and services to bank’s existing and prospectus customers.
• Junior Analyst helps the bank to build a competitive advantage over competitors and creates new business opportunities (new customers, additional products/services and transaction support).
• Industry expertise is a required input to protecting the bank’s asset portfolio and is critical for proactive monitoring measures (monthly Credit Monitoring, bi-annual Industry Credit Review).  

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Reports directly to Research Leader and is expected to assist in drawing up the research strategy for a specific industry sector, notably an analyst is expected to:

• Support production of industry/corporate reports helping senior staff to define the department’s strategy with the aim being to improve long term profitability.
• Support the bank’s marketing effort by identifying potential customers plus supporting the development of new products and services.
• Assess industry rationale and provide risk/return analysis of corporates transactions by utilising sector expertise and development of  statistical/financial models.
• Liaise with the bank’s EMEA branches and Tokyo to deal with industry/corporate inquires and supporting transaction/research projects.
• Identify and attend relevant industry events (conferences, Capital Market days) to obtain/update industry knowledge and build relations with management teams, consultants/ratings agencies.
• Protect the bank’s asset portfolio through watch list systems, daily news monitoring for sector covered, assessing monitored sectors (restricted exposure) and input to monthly Credit Monitoring. 
• Drive new technology adoption to increase value of insights and efficiency (AI, alternative data analysis).

Facts / Scale

• Supporting producing of annual industry strategy for the relevant sectors, identifying major trends, business opportunities, corporate strategies and potential new customers/transactions.
• Producing (under supervision of Research Leader) up to 4 thematic Industry Research reports (each taking 2-3 months to complete), requiring numerous meetings with external consultants and companies’ management teams, extensive data gathering/analysis (e.g. regression), to explore new sectors and technologies offering business opportunities for the bank and its customers. 
• Contributing to preparation of company’s strategy reports analysing corporate business models, major opportunities and key risks for the bank’s existing/new customers (typically with exposures over $100mn).
• Producing presentations (internal and external) as a follow up after completion of a major Industry/Corporate research report.
• Regular meetings (accompanied by Research Leader) with senior (CEO/CFO) management of companies, rating agencies and external consultants, requiring previous company/sector analysis to obtain (not publicly available) insight into corporate strategies/niche market opportunities.   

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Degree (2.1 or above) from top institution plus most staff have an additional qualification in finance or related subject.
• Knowledge of industry/credit analysis frameworks; flexibility to cover a secondary industry at short notice as workload demands.
• Excellent understanding of financial statement analysis and accounting/reporting standards, with financial modelling skills and knowledge of internal and external rating methodologies.
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior management decision making. 
• Foreign languages (European and/or Japanese) for better communication with EMEA/global branches is a plus.

Challenges

• To support Research Leaders to provide convincing and independent opinion that can be in conflict with the needs of the business to achieve budget targets.
• Dealing with multiple departments under severe time pressure to provide objective and constructive input on transactions, including credit due diligence and (often) niche industry analysis.
• Ability to switch industry coverage and quickly acquire adequate sector expertise to support Research Leaders and marketing staff.

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!!