At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the origination and execution of private investment grade transactions across developed markets.
- Company: Join Apollo, a leading global investment firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with exposure to various financial sectors and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in finance by working on complex, high-stakes investment projects.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in financial modelling and credit analysis.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Investment professional working within Apollo's Private Investment Grade team, part of the Global Investment Grade business, focused on the origination, structuring, underwriting, execution, and ongoing management of illiquid investments across developed markets. The team has a format-agnostic mandate covering 4(a)(2) private placements, bilateral and club senior secured loans and forward-flow structures, infrastructure and project finance, and secondary purchases, with the objective of earning excess spread over comparable public investment grade for the additional complexity and illiquidity. The Associate will focus on valuation, transaction modelling, deal execution, and maintaining portfolio positions including ongoing relationships with issuers. The role works cross-functionally with portfolio managers, the IG sector analysts and Performing Credit analyst team, High Grade Corporate Solutions, Apterra, ABF, legal, compliance, and operations, and combines elements of principal investing and structured finance. It requires a high level of technical ability, analytical rigour, and creativity.
Primary Responsibilities
- Support origination, structuring, underwriting, and execution of private investment grade transactions across developed markets, working with deal team members and counterparties including Apollo's IG sector analysts, Performing Credit analyst team, Corporate Solutions, Apterra, ABF, Hybrid Value, risk, legal, and insurance solutions groups; external advisors (accountants, consultants, industry advisors, investment banks); and counterparties (corporate executives, lenders, agents, investment banks).
- Build and maintain historical and projected financial models of companies (valuation analysis) and transactions (transaction cashflow analysis, scenario and downside cases, structural waterfalls) to support origination and underwriting.
- Conduct independent fundamental credit analysis on new transactions, including financial statement analysis, capital structure assessment, industry evaluation, and management quality review; prepare and present investment recommendations to the Investment Committee, including credit memos with clearly articulated risk and reward assessments, relative value positioning, and covenant analysis.
- Assign and maintain internal credit ratings for new and existing holdings, with clear documentation of rating rationale and watch and trigger considerations; assess relative value versus comparable public investment grade alternatives, incorporating spread, structure, covenant, and liquidity considerations.
- Evaluate deal terms, financial covenants, and legal documentation; support covenant negotiation alongside internal and external legal counsel with a focus on appropriate downside protection; manage end-to-end deal execution from initial screening through closing, coordinating with agents, borrowers, lead banks, internal legal, compliance, and operations.
- Develop fluency across documentation conventions relevant to private investment grade and standard market terms across issuer types and structures.
- Partner with High Grade Corporate Solutions, Apterra, ABF, and other Apollo origination channels on evaluating and executing deal flow.
Associate, Private IG employer: Athene
Apollo is an exceptional employer for those seeking a dynamic and rewarding career in investment management. With a strong focus on employee development, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, allowing associates to engage with cross-functional teams and gain invaluable experience in private investment grade transactions. Located in a vibrant financial hub, we offer competitive benefits and unique opportunities for professional growth, making Apollo the ideal place for ambitious individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Private IG
✨Get Involved in Finance Communities
Join investment and asset management forums or local finance meetups. Engaging with professionals in these circles can not only help you learn the ropes but also put you in touch with potential employers like Athene, who often scout for talent at such events.
✨Utilise Networking Platforms
Connect with professionals already working in asset management on platforms like LinkedIn. A personal message showing your interest in their role or asking for advice can lead to significant connections that might tip the scales in your favour at companies like Athene.
✨Show Off Your Financial Skills
Consider contributing to investment blogs or even creating your own content. Sharing your insights and analyses can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry, making you stand out when applying for roles at organisations like Athene.
✨Engage with Recruitment Events
Attend finance recruitment fairs and expos. These events are perfect for making a strong impression with recruiters and potentially securing interviews. Many companies, including Athene, attend these events to scout for fresh talent, so make sure you stand out with your enthusiasm and knowledge!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Private IG
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In asset management, it's all about the numbers! Make sure your CV showcases your analytical skills, particularly any experience with financial modelling or quantitative analysis. Employers like Athene want to see how you can dissect data and turn it into actionable insights, so don't hold back on your achievements!
Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:Having the right qualifications can be a game changer in investment roles. If you've got a degree in finance, economics, or a related field, flaunt it! Also, if you have any certifications like CFA or CAIA, mention those too. It’ll help demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field to Athene.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Reflect Passion for Investment:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the investment world. Share why you're drawn to asset management and your understanding of market trends. The hiring team at Athene will be keen to see that passion and how you keep up with industry news and developments.
Quantify Your Achievements:Don’t just tell them what you did - show them! When detailing your previous experience, include quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact. Whether it’s percentage growth on a portfolio or cost savings in a project, these figures will help your application stand out to Athene. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athene
✨Brush Up on Financial Modelling
For a role in investment asset management, being well-versed in financial modelling is crucial. Make sure you can articulate your experience with tools like Excel or any specialised software you've used. Maybe even prepare a couple of examples of financial models you've built or analysed.
✨Know Your Investment Strategies
Expect questions around different investment strategies and how you would apply them in various market scenarios. Get ready to discuss current market trends and how they impact portfolio management. This shows you're not just about the theory but also keeping an eye on real-world applications.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Since this is a full-time role, companies like Athene want to see your analytical thinking in action. Prepare to solve case studies or tackle some numerical puzzles during the interview. Practicing these types of questions will boost your confidence and show off your skills.
✨Discuss Your Long-Term Career Goals
As you’re applying for a full-time position, the interviewers will be interested in your commitment to the field. Be ready to discuss how this role fits into your long-term career plans in asset management. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in growing withAthene.
