Structured Finance - Structured Credit Alternative Products, 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 its Structured Credit Alternative Products group in our Chicago office. 

The individual will focus on new transaction proposals that incorporate securitization principals of various types of rated note feeders, synthetic risk transfers, structured credit loan facilities, CLO lite structures, and other private credit transactions backed by debt.

About the Team:

• A collaborative, team-oriented work environment where excellent communication skills are essential
• An opportunity to be a lead coverage analyst at a global rating agency
• A role that aids debt capital markets in making more informed decisions through timely, insightful, and forward-looking rating actions and research

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Analyze critical credit, legal, and structural elements of transaction proposals
• Acting as primary or secondary analyst for transaction ratings in a highly dynamic sector. This includes forming analytical views and recommendations, presenting these to rating committees and defending credit views in discussions with issuers and investors
• Contribute to the development of rating criteria, including forming recommendations to bolster analysis and iteratively improve existing frameworks
• Lead and/or support sector trend research reports and projects

You May be a Good Fit if:

• You hold a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as finance, accounting, or economics
• You have at least 4 years of experience in the financial industry, preferably but not necessarily related to Structured Credit, Structured Finance, Fund Finance or Corporate Direct Lending
• You possess strong analytical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail
• You demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility, initiative, and self-management
• You are proficient with the Microsoft Office suite; knowledge of programming languages is a plus but not required

What Would Make You Stand Out:

• Ability to convey complex subjects clearly and concisely
• Open-mindedness and ability to understand alternative viewpoints
• Demonstrated competency in credit analysis
• Proficiency with rating agency methodologies and experience assessing credit risk

Why Choose Fitch:

• Hybrid Work Environment: 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

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 CHICAGO: Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $105,000 and $135,000. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors.  Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch.

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