PERM - CD - Corporate Credit Analyst - AVP

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.

Purpose of Job

• Provide independent second-line credit risk review and challenge for new and existing corporate credit exposures across designated EMEA industry sectors.
• Deliver clear, risk-based recommendations to delegated credit approvers, ensuring decisions are consistent with the Bank’s risk appetite, policies and standards.

The anticipated salary range for this role is £48,000 - £72,000, with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

Background

• Report to a Director within a wider team of specialist corporate credit risk professionals.
• Act as primary analyst on a specified industry portfolio of clients (subject to allocation by team management) in natural resources with a focus on Oil & gas as well as commodity traders, with oversight of a secondary portfolio where required.

Facts/Scale

• Manage an assigned portfolio of corporate credit exposures across designated EMEA industry sectors, with primary responsibility for ongoing credit assessment and monitoring.
• Operate within a high-volume credit team which reviews approximately 1,500 transactions and 3,000 applications per annum.
• Role is within the Corporate Credit Team, specifically the Natural Resources Cluster (Oil & Gas, Mining & Metals, Chemicals, Commodity Traders) that comprises 4 persons, headed by an Executive Director.
• Complexity of territories covering the entire EMEA geography raising complex non-credit risk issues such as geopolitical risk, country risk, sanctions risk and reputational risk.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Credit transactions

• Independently assess Front Office credit applications, identify and clearly articulate material risks and mitigants, assess forward-looking projections and deliver concise recommendations to the relevant credit approver.
• Articulate the Credit Department’s risk assessment and appetite for each transaction in accordance with Bank policy, and manage engagement with Front Office deal teams throughout the review and approval process.
• Provide constructive and independent challenge on client and transaction risks, working with Front Office as a trusted partner to support appropriate client outcomes while maintaining robust credit standards.
• Collaborate with other risk and compliance functions where appropriate to ensure enterprise-wide view of risk is considered. Engaging constructively with other Credit Departments globally is also required.

Credit portfolio management

• Maintain accurate internal ratings across the assigned portfolio.
• Identify emerging credit deterioration and escalate accordingly.

General

• Flexibility to work to tight deadlines under pressure including ability to work outside of contracted hours from time to time / as workflow demands.
• Assist other members of the team by proactively taking work in a manner which ensures work is fairly distributed, particularly in times of strong workflow / staff absences.
• Willingness / flexibility to be involved in ad hoc projects supporting the strategy of Corporate credit team and the wider department.
• Comply with all regulatory and internal policies and procedures, regulations and guidelines.
• Maintain high personal and corporate ethical values and standards of integrity.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Relevant experience in corporate credit analysis or credit risk management within a first or second-line function.
• Demonstrable ability to assess corporate credit risk, identify material risks and mitigants, and produce clear, decision-ready credit recommendations.
• Working knowledge of corporate lending, trade finance and derivative products, including relevant transaction documentation.
• Some previous knowledge of Trade/Commodity Finance and/or exposure to Commodities/Natural Resources would be beneficial.
• High level of IT literacy, strong written and verbal communication skills supporting preparation of succinct and focused credit papers, and strong interpersonal skills supporting collaboration and teamwork.
• Degree-level education and/or relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, ACT, CFA).

Challenges

• Distil large volumes of financial, market and due-diligence information into clear, decision-relevant risk conclusions.
• Exercise sound judgement and maintain analytical quality when working to demanding deadlines.
• Balance Front Office commercial objectives with independent credit judgement through constructive review and challenge.

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!!