Leveraged Finance Associate

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 Associate to join our team. This role is part of the Paris Origination Team within Origination Group 1 (“OG1”) of Specialised Products Department (SPD). The team comprises nine professionals, originating deals for the French portfolio or in support or pan European transactions. Your primary objective will be to support the Team in the origination and execution of potential new Leveraged Finance transactions. This requires a first level credit/financial/risk analysis to be undertaken and presented both within SPD and to Credit Department. The role also entails supporting team members with research and preparation of background or marketing materials in order to develop new business and supporting ongoing and close interaction with key stakeholders, particularly colleagues in OG2 Portfolio Management, Credit Department, Loan Capital Markets, KYC, Loan Admin and SMBC Nikko.

Business Area

OG1 Paris is part of the wider Leveraged Finance (LF) business of SMBC in EMEA with more than 140 professionals across London, Frankfurt, Paris and Dublin. As of FY2024, the LF portfolio consists of $8.3bn exposure to 173 borrowers. LF is part of SPD, comprising further structured credit products. The contribution to overall SPD LF income budget is done through a broad range of product solutions, comprising direct and indirect lending as well as underwritings or interest rate hedges. Financing cases include new LBOs, recapitalizations, refinancing and amendments. SMBC is a consistent top10 Bookrunner in Broadly Syndicated Loan European league tables and top10 Private Credit provider. 

Position Description

• With support from an AVP, VP and/or Director, working in a deal team on a LF transaction, including: i) the review of NDAs and release/reliance letters; ii) the in-depth credit analysis of transactions; iii) the writing of credit papers to present and discuss transactions; iv) the processing of the Bank’s cash flow model; v) the preparation of the internal credit rating; vi) the submission in the Bank’s IT systems and vii) the presentation of findings and recommendations to the deal team, management and Credit Department.
• Conducting research on markets, industries and companies to prepare potentially upcoming transactions and present findings in short discussion papers.
• Preparing marketing materials and pitches to assist Directors in the sourcing of new deal opportunities.
• Assisting the wider team with various supportive tasks to ensure a seamless and efficient team collaboration.
• Liaison with all back and middle office teams (Loan Admin, KYC, etc.) to ensure satisfaction of all internal booking and operational requirements necessary to successfully book new loan transactions.
• Compliance with all regulatory and internal policies and procedures, regulations and guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of the European Leveraged Finance market and business acumen

• Sound credit / risk analysis skills gained preferably through exposure to European Leveraged Finance transactions

• Ability to analyse / interpret audited / unaudited historic financial statements, Financial Due Diligence, forward looking financial data (budgets, forecasts, projections, etc.) and other financial information

• Cash flow modelling skills with sound knowledge of Excel    

• 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 

• Ability to work as part of a team, both internally within SPD and outside SPD with other parts of the Bank

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

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!