Structured Finance - Asset-Backed Securities, Associate Director (Chicago)

As one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in global capital markets by providing supplementary credit analysis, ratings, research, and commentary to financial market participants. For over 100 years, Fitch Ratings has been creating value for global markets through its rigorous analysis and deep expertise, which have resulted in a variety of market leading tools, methodologies, indices, research, and analytical products. Fitch Ratings is part of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries, which also includes Fitch Solutions. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

At Fitch Ratings, credit analysts play a pivotal role in moving markets, as quality credit analysis is the lifeblood of our organization. With a legacy of over a century, our unique approach to credit ratings offers unmatched opportunities for professional growth. Embracing a “challenger mindset,” you'll join a team dedicated to innovating service to our clients. Our people-driven analysis thrives on collaboration across all levels and locations, surpassing traditional financial modeling. Lastly, as part of our global community, you'll find inspiration, challenge, and support, with ample opportunities for visibility and influence in the global financial marketplace.

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Fitch Ratings is seeking an Associate Director to join the Asset-Backed Securities Group in our Chicago office.

Fitch Ratings is adding a highly motivated credit professional to the Asset Backed Securities (ABS) team as an Associate Director. The position will be responsible for a wide range of projects including assuming a role in rating ABS transactions and authoring market commentary and research.  Successful candidates should demonstrate the ability to analyze and develop credit opinions related to ABS transactions, communicate credit opinions publicly and produce research on sector trends and developments. The position covers the U.S. ABS market, with initial emphasis on auto loan and auto lease, and equipment leasing sectors. 

About the Team:

• Fitch is a team-oriented work environment, so excellent communication skills are essential, as is a high productivity work-ethic and results oriented mindset
• An opportunity to be a lead coverage analyst at a global rating agency
• A role that helps the debt capital markets make more informed decisions via timely, insightful and forward-looking rating actions and research

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Analyze the critical credit, legal and structural elements of ABS transaction structures
• Assist in the development of ratings criteria, including writing relevant reports and developing recommendations to bolster analysis
• Deployment and implementation of cashflow models and tools used in the rating process
• Lead and/or support research projects
• Maintain assigned rating relationships

You May be a Good Fit if:

• An ideal candidate will have a BA/BS degree with a minimum of 4 years work experience with previous experience in structured finance and direct ABS experience is preferred
• Exceptional communication (particularly in writing) and strong quantitative and technical expertise are required
• The candidate will be self-motivated and able to manage timelines across many projects, so strong time management and organization abilities are also required
• Successful candidates will showcase strong understanding of credit fundamentals combined with a willingness and ability to quickly learn new concepts and techniques

What Would Make You Stand Out:

• Previous experience in the Structured Finance sector from a credit perspective
• Experience with cash flow modeling or loss forecasting analysis

Why Choose Fitch:

• Hybrid Work Environment: 2 to 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work. Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.

For roles in Chicago and New York: Expected base pay rates for the role are between $110,000 and $140,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related considerations. Base pay is one component of Fitch’s total compensation package, which may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch, depending on the position. 

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