Description
The Credit Ratings Team provides rating services for a number of clients within the L&G Group. The Credit Analyst is responsible for the independent credit risk analysis and internal ratings assignment for both direct and bilateral transactions. The Credit Analyst will assume primary responsibility of one or more sectors and will be expected to analyze credits across several different sectors.
The main sectors of responsibility will be Commercial Real Estate (CREL), Alternatives (Structured Finance) and Project Finance. The Credit Analyst will also be involved in other sectors such as corporates and not-for-profits. The Credit Analyst will be expected to participate actively in both Credit and Investment Committees.
Through the objectivity and reliability of their analysis the Credit Analyst will support the origination teams in their structuring and closing of transactions which will in turn present a risk / reward balance for L&G Asset Management’s customers. The implementation of the internal process and the public criteria ensure the Credit Analyst’s independence as well as a robust and consistent internal rating. The Credit Analyst will be expected to contribute to internal rating methodologies.
Responsibilities:
Provide timely and independent analysis of the credit risk for both new and existing transactions. This includes:
- New Credit Risk Assessment (ca. 35%)
- Maintain an effective working relationship with origination teams throughout the assessment process
- In collaboration with the origination team gather and process information on proposed transactions, including the review of counterparties and transaction financials, transaction structure, legal documentation, operating plans, industry analysis, due-diligence reports, meetings with management, meetings with consultants and through drawing on internal experts
- Provide initial summary and informal feedback to the origination team, indicating a range of likely rating outcomes and the key creditworthiness drivers for the transaction
- Provide clear guidance to the origination team to enhance the credit protections offered by the transaction to help optimize the transaction structure and documentation to achieve the best possible transaction for L&G Asset Management’s customers at the intended level of ratingBased on relevant criteria and a comparison with both internally and externally rated transactions form an independent opinion on the final credit worthiness of transactions and recommend a credit rating to Credit Committee as well as contribute to Credit Committee debates and decisions
- Credit Risk Review / Portfolio monitoring (ca. 25%)
- Work with origination teams to ensure information flow and on-going monitoring of the loan portfolio
- Complete the annual review cycle of credit worthiness and internal ratings on assigned portfolio
- Consider ad hoc requests such as amendments or waivers requests as required
- Conduct ad-hoc reviews in response to asset performance, market movements/noise or security valuations
- Assist with the review and recovery strategy formulation for any transactions that become vulnerable and/or default
- Data Management / Programming (ca. 20%)
- Progress the team’s digitization journey
- Enable and expand the use of new technology (such as Python and data visualization)
- Identify, design, and implement internal process improvements
- Rating Methodology / Processes / Other (ca. 20%)
- Contribute proactively to L&G’s internal rating procedures through suggestions of improvements or best practice
- Ensure comparability of internal and external ratings approach through update of internal criteria in response to external evolution
- Develop and improve support and control methodologies, templates and working tools
- Provide guidance to more junior staff
- Assist with any internal or external ad hoc client requirement for information or reviews
- Complete financial analysis on L&G tenants
Qualifications:
- Financial and credit analysis experience particularly in CMBS/CREL preferred; experience in Project Finance is also considered a benefit
- We would typically expect about 3-7 years of relevant experience for the successful candidate for this role
- Ability to grasp trends both at a macro and micro level, and to appreciate the interaction between both levels
- Experience of attending due diligence processes/management meetings with counterparty company management
- Transaction experience would be an advantage
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills, some programming experience in Python / SQL desirable
Personal characteristics
- Articulate with the ability to communicate concisely and clearly in both speaking and written mediums
- Lateral thinker; rigorous, yet creative
- Team player
- Keen eye for detail and a professional approach to all tasks
- Strong drive to improve and optimize processes
Salary Range:
$100,000 to $130,000
The starting salary offer will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to the applicant’s education, job-related experience, skills, and abilities, geographic location, and market factors. This position is also eligible to participate in the company’s annual discretionary bonus plan. Full time employees may be eligible for health insurance with an optional HSA, short term disability, long term disability, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, Healthcare, Dependent and Limited Care Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K, vacation, sick time, an employee assistance program, and commuter and transit programs. Additional voluntary programs include: supplemental health benefits including accidental injury, critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance and pet insurance.
EOE Statement:
As an EOE employer, Legal & General Investment Management America will extend equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, military status, and/or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. (2024)
