PERM - Vertical Office - Sustainable Capital Markets - AVP
London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT
SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term
Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.
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 an experienced Assistant Vice President / Associate to join our Sustainable Capital Markets (SCM) team!
SCM is at the forefront of SMBC’s origination, structuring and execution activities for its sustainable finance product suite, across bonds and loans. We work closely with Debt Capital Markets and Loan Capital Markets across the full breadth of SMBC EMEA’s client portfolio. We leverage an extensive distribution capability and one of the largest banking balance sheets globally to be a recognised leader in the sustainable finance market with top tier league table positions.
In this role you will be responsible for:
- Preparing and delivering sustainable finance structuring recommendations and market updates to our clients and colleagues across EMEA
- Executing SMBC-led transactions across the capital markets, including full involvement in deal preparation, documentation, marketing and syndication
- Cultivating relationships with clients, investors, consultants and industry bodies to enhance the desk’s market insights
For you to succeed in the role, you’ll need to have:
- Strong sustainable finance knowledge with demonstrable experience in either or both of the bond and loan markets (investment grade and/or high yield)
- A goal orientated, constructive approach and winner’s mentality, with the ability to multi-task across transactions and make client centric decisions
Business Area
The AVP in SCM is the driving force behind the desk’s deal orientated capabilities. You will be fully involved, from day 1, in pitching, marketing and the execution services we provide to external clients as well as the reporting and education (market intelligence) we deliver to our colleagues. Our AVPs work directly with Directors in the team and provide insight to senior management. They approach their work with hunger and desire to ensure the department remains a powerful marketing and relationship enhancing asset within SMBC’s product offering.
Along with SCM leaders, you will work closely with product partners across Debt Capital Markets, Loan Capital Markets, sales, our client coverage teams and offices across EMEA, specialised sector teams covering transportation, energy and real estate amongst others and internal sustainability partners.
Position Description
Our role will enable you to:
- Influence key financing decisions made by clients, investors and our own bank
- Develop a wide range of technical and soft skills that will equip you to lead deals when appropriate
- Shape the future direction of the sustainable finance market
What will you bring to the role?
- A background working directly in, or in close proximity to, the asset management, investment banking or global corporate banking industries
- 3 – 5 years of capital markets experience across the bond and/or loan markets in a front office / client facing role
- Experience across the full range of origination and execution activities is desirable, including researching market trends, pitching (marketing materials and market updates), deal marketing and executing; knowledge of bond portfolio management / asset allocation strategies, fund categorisation, investor exclusionary policies and / or legal documentation experience are also desirable
- Previous exposure to Sustainable Finance concepts and products, either formally or informally, including the full breadth of GSSS bond and/or loan products, major international environmental taxonomies, key reporting regimes such as SFDR and CSRD and familiarity with ESG rating agency scoring systems
- Experience writing, analysing or reviewing GSSS Finance Frameworks and reviewing Second Party Opinions
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including ability to speak fluent English beyond business standard; ability to speak at least 1 continental European language is desirable
- Confidence to present to large groups of people in person as well as virtually
- Familiarity with commonly used banking software and data resources including Bloomberg, Dealogic and core Microsoft products. Automation skills are also desirable.
- Willingness to undertake occasional domestic and international travel if / where requested (within reason as you progress in this role)
- Attend the London office in person, ideally 4 days per week
- Existing qualifications and/or experience required for FCA Client-dealing certification is highly desirable
- Undergraduate or post-graduate degree educated to a high standard; other qualifications are desirable such as CFA, CISI, ACCA or an advanced legal qualification, amongst others
- An enquiring mind, an ability to conduct your own research, make well balanced judgements and form your own conclusions, to innovate and pursue continuous improvement
- Your A-game, day-in, day-out, in a fast-paced, demanding and multi-dimensional working environment
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!!
We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.