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 dynamic team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to various financial sectors and professionals.
- Why this job: Make an impact in finance by working on complex, high-stakes investments.
- 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 in London employer: CFA Institute
Apollo is an exceptional employer for investment professionals, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Private Investment Grade team. Located in a vibrant financial hub, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive culture that values analytical rigor and creativity, and the chance to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders across the investment landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Private IG 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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like CFA Institute. 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, Private IG 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 CFA Institute.
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 CFA Institute'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 CFA Institute
✨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 CFA Institute.
✨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 CFA Institute 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 CFA Institute 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.
