At a Glance
- Tasks: Support risk evaluation and monitoring for European asset-backed finance investments.
- Company: Join a leading investment firm with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a high-conviction team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the fast-paced world of commercial real estate finance.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in CRE lending or related fields; strong financial modelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Apollo's Investment Risk Management team, which manages the securitized products and structured finance assets sourced and serviced by ATLAS, is seeking an Associate. The Associate will support the Asset-Backed Finance Risk function, contributing to risk evaluation and monitoring across European ABF investment activity. The role will focus on Commercial Real Estate (CRE) debt transactions — including senior secured whole loans, mezzanine, and subordinated CRE debt — alongside exposure to Residential Mortgage, Consumer and other Asset Backed transactions.
The Associate will work closely with the ABF Risk leads and Origination teams on the evaluation of credit risk in new and existing transactions. Their analysis and written challenge will directly support the senior risk officers in gaining comfort ahead of investment committee sign-off. To ensure alignment between the business and the firm's risk appetite, the incumbent will develop strong working relationships with deal teams while actively contributing to a culture of rigorous review and challenge.
The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of experience in CRE lending, CMBS underwriting, real estate investment banking, or a related credit function, and will bring strong financial modelling skills and sound credit judgement to a fast-paced, high-conviction team.
Primary Responsibilities:- Assist in ongoing portfolio monitoring, including tracking covenant compliance, portfolio reporting, and flagging credit deterioration across the ABF book
- Engage with deal teams throughout the underwriting process to raise risk concerns early and ensure key issues are documented appropriately in a succinct manner
- Support the evaluation of European CRE debt transactions and broader ABF investments, including new underwritings and ongoing portfolio positions
- Review and critically assess IC memos, term sheets, and deal materials; prepare written credit challenge and risk commentary for senior review
- Review legal documentation — facility agreements, intercreditor arrangements, security packages, and servicing agreements — identifying structural or protection gaps
- Support AUP (Agreed-Upon Procedures) workstreams and third-party operational due diligence reviews, including servicer assessments and collateral verification exercises
- Contribute to the development of risk tools, monitoring templates, and reporting frameworks as the ABF risk function continues to build out
- Prepare materials for investment committee, risk committee, and senior risk officer review
- 3–5 years of experience in commercial real estate lending, CMBS/RMBS underwriting, CRE investment banking, real estate debt fund management, or credit risk in a structured lending context
- Undergraduate degree, preferably in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline; CFA or equivalent qualification advantageous
- Strong understanding of CRE credit fundamentals — property cash flows, LTV and DSCR analysis, loan structuring, and property market dynamics across key European markets
- Experience reviewing legal documentation (facility agreements, intercreditor agreements, security packages) and identifying structural risk
- Solid financial modelling skills; able to build and stress-test cash flow models and debt service analysis independently
- Familiarity with securitised products (CMBS, RMBS, ABS, CLOs) or structured credit warehouse lending is advantageous
- Ability to form an independent credit view, articulate concerns clearly, and document analysis in a concise and rigorous manner
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable preparing written memos and presenting findings to senior stakeholders
- Excellent attention to detail and strong work ethic; able to manage competing workstreams across multiple transactions and projects in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with deal teams, external advisors, and counterparties
Associate – ABF Investment Risk Management in London employer: Athene
Athene is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the vibrant financial hub of London. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with ample opportunities to enhance their skills in quantitative finance and programming. The dynamic team environment encourages creativity and the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a significant impact in trading strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate – ABF Investment Risk Management in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Athene. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate – ABF Investment Risk Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Athene.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Athene's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athene
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Athene.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Athene will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Athene employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
