PERM - Global Markets - Fixed Income - UK IG Desk Strategist (Financials) - Executive Director

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

Hiring manager to edit here:  

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Executive Director to join our team. 

• Investment Grade Credit Sales & Trading is a core offering within Fixed Income both in EMEA and globally. It is closely aligned to our lending and origination activities in SMBC BI including DCM. This role as UK IG Desk Strategist in the Financials Sector will focus on debt securities issued by IG Financials issuers, which have demand from investors predominantly in the UK and Europe with some cross border activity in certain products and will work closely with our Debt Capital Markets (“DCM”) team.

• IG Sales and Trading help distribute primary transactions for DCM and provide liquidity to our clients in secondary markets.
• Contribute positively and sustainably to the trading P&L in Global Markets Dept and support DCM primary transactions

• Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities, leveraging SMBC’s global platform and lending relationships.
• Maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct, including monitoring compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies by the Credit Sales team.
• Represent SMBC at industry events, conferences, and client meetings, enhancing the bank’s profile and market presence.

Business Area

• Fixed Income has been identified as a key growth area for SMBC globally. Core to this franchise is Investment Grade where we originate, distribute and trade debt issued by Corporates and Financials across EMEA and the US.
• This senior level Desk Strategist role will focus on expanding the IG Financials trading platform and will work closely with our Bank Capital Advisory offering within DCM. 
• This Desk Strategist will work alongside IG salespeople and traders to support primary and provide liquidity to our clients in secondary markets, with a focus on producing market commentary, trade ideas and supporting/enhancing risk management of trading inventory.
• This Executive Director Desk Strategist will be expected to build a relationship with both internal and external clients and counterparties, improving our standing in the market whilst achieving P&L targets.

Position Description

• Develop and maintain quantitative analytic tools for pricing, risk management, and relative value analysis of financials credit products (e.g., bank and insurance bonds, subordinated debt).
• Analyse market trends, credit spreads, capital structures, and regulatory developments affecting financial institutions.
• Generate trade ideas and provide real-time market commentary to traders and sales, with a focus on financials credit.
• Collaborate with traders to structure and optimise trades, including scenario and stress testing.
• Build and enhance tools for monitoring positions, exposures, and market risks specific to financials credit.
• Prepare concise presentations, reports, and trade ideas for internal stakeholders and clients.
• Work with technology teams to automate analytics and improve data infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with internal risk, control, and regulatory standards.
• Working collaboratively with Traders and Salespeople to provide a quality service to our clients.
• Work closely with DCM originators and Syndicate to help deliver successful primary transactions
• Build constructive and supportive relationships with relevant staff in other regions, notably Financial Traders in the US, Japan and Asia. Market your product to Salespeople in these regions.
• Support risk management and compliance of the IG Financials trading books; assisting Traders to manage inventory and exposure
• To keep self-informed of the relevant regulatory, legal and compliance guidelines to ensure self and the overall business is operating at high levels in a compliant manner and within pre-approved limits
• Identify and capture opportunities; research and introduce new trading strategies
• Analyse the daily Risk report to identify any possible exposure
• Provide guidance, direction and development for more inexperienced members of the team
• Lead and represent the department, where appropriate, in ad-hoc projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the business.
• Where appropriate, this role holder will provide information to clients on SMFG products and services, including investment products

• Relevant experience analysing IG Financials debt
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a quantitative field (e.g., Mathematics, Finance, Engineering, Economics, Computer Science).
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with experience in financial modelling and credit analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or VBA; experience with data visualisation and analytics tools is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of financial institutions, their capital structures, and credit products (senior, subordinated, hybrid, CDS, etc.).
• Prior experience in a desk strategist, quantitative analyst, or similar role within credit trading, ideally focused on financials.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex analytics into actionable insights for trading and sales teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced trading environment.
• Professional qualifications such as CFA, FRM, or CQF are advantageous.
• Excellent degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to mentor and develop other members of the team by sharing knowledge and experience

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!!