Credit Risk Officer - Funds

Natixis is seeking a VP or Director level Credit Officer to be part of the Funds Risk & Credit Markets team, which covers regulated funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, and agent lenders (for stock borrowing). The Credit Risk team is considered the second line of defense at Natixis, and accordingly, the focus will be on the assessment of the credit requests and the formulation of a written risk opinion, which may be presented to Credit Committee. In line with Natixis’ policies and procedures that govern credit processes (including proper use of internal rating models, LGD models and RWA models), the Credit Analyst will identify the potential risk(s) and positive attributes of each deal with the ultimate goal being the support of the business while avoiding undue risk and credit loss. The Credit Analyst also conducts annual reviews, processes amendments and modifications, monitors the Financial Institutions portfolio, and participates in the quarterly watch list meetings, if necessary. Additional responsibilities will include forward-looking identification of macro factors affecting the portfolio, portfolio monitoring and analysis.

In this role, the Credit Officer will be responsible for providing analysis on funds, mainly hedge funds and private equity funds, and, to a lesser extent, real estate investment trusts ("REITS") and business development companies ("BDC’s"); the role will include but will not be limited to:

• Conduct detailed credit risk assessments and prepare written risk opinions and analysis
• Conduct due diligence calls or visits when appropriate; professionally represent the bank with clients
• Articulate a convincing case in support of the risk opinion to senior management and credit committees
• Work with those on the business side including sales desk.
• Able to translate a credit view into enforceable contractual protection. Specifically: negotiate and defend credit terms and triggers in trading and financing legal documentation. Explain what the bank would actually recover on a counterparty default, including netting-set scope, collateral held, margining timing and any stay or insolvency overlay; and quantify the exposure cost of terms the 1LOD wants to concede - margin lockups, higher thresholds, looser NAV triggers, rehypothecation rights - so the tradeoffs are well understood & challenged explicitly, collaboratively
• Stay connected with industry trends and macro issues which may impact the portfolio; be able to recommend changes or action impacting specific clients or groups of clients.
• Maintain a good understanding of the regulatory environment in which our counterparties operate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university/college required in Finance, Accounting, Management, Economics or other business related discipline. Graduate degree preferred, but not essential.
• Minimum 5 years of previous credit experience with specific experience with direct fund analysis – HF, PE, Private Credit, FoF
• Proficiency in MS Office products including extensive knowledge of MS Excel plus preferred Python, SQL for position, margin & exposure analytics; skills with AI also preferred
• Understands the hedge funds and private funds disclosure landscape and covenants covering NAV, leverage, concentration, liquidity & redemption terms. Comfortable interrogating administrator statements, audited financials, DDQs and manager risk reports with the ability to complete fund due diligence requirements with analysis on strategy, risk management, valuation, structure, operations etc. Strong knowledge of fund markets (traded products) and fund financing (NAV financing, subscription financing etc).
• Effective communication (written, oral and listening) and interpersonal skills a must. Skillful written communication is necessary; the ability to convey thoughts clearly and succinctly and to communicate pertinent complex information in a clear and organized manner.
• Counterparty stress & reverse stress-testing experience, “JTD” jump-to-default and wrong-way-risk measurement and quantification experience
• Preferred- familiarity with ISDA/CSA, MRA/GMRA, MSLA & prime brokerage documentation
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
• Self-directed with the ability to learn quickly
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while understanding when to involve other team members as needed and to work effectively in a team environment.

High degree of integrity and strong work ethic.

The salary range for the VP level position will be between $160,000 - $200,000. Natixis is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. Actual base salary will vary and will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, education, skills set, applicable licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Base salary is only one component of our total rewards package. Natixis also offers a generous benefits package, and you may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award depending on company and individual performance.

The salary range for the Director level position will be between $200,000 - $240,000. Natixis is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. Actual base salary will vary and will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, education, skills set, applicable licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Base salary is only one component of our total rewards package. Natixis also offers a generous benefits package, and you may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award depending on company and individual performance.