Financial Institutions - UK Banks, Senior Director

This job is with Fitch Group, an inclusive employer. Fitch Ratings is currently seeking a Credit Analyst, Director/Senior Director – UK Banks based out of our London office. 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.

Fitch Ratings has been creating value for global markets through its rigorous analysis and deep expertise, resulting in a variety of market leading tools, methodologies, indices, research, and analytical products. At Fitch Ratings, credit analysts play a pivotal role in moving markets, as quality credit analysis is the lifeblood of our organization. Our unique approach to credit ratings offers unmatched opportunities for professional growth.

Our people-driven analysis thrives on collaboration across all levels and locations, surpassing traditional financial modeling. The Fitch Ratings Financial Institutions Group has actively built the agency into the global leader in bank credit rating coverage. Our experienced analysts provide comprehensive, timely and transparent coverage of major institutions around the world, as well as unparalleled coverage of smaller companies.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the ratings of Fitch’s portfolio of UK banks while contributing to our reputation for timely and insightful research that informs debt capital market decisions. This role entails managing a team of 4 analysts and serving as a primary analyst in the UK banking sector.

• Leading the monitoring of the UK bank ratings, including overseeing and participating in the preparation of rating committee documentation.
• Overseeing the work of more junior colleagues.
• Articulating Fitch’s credit views and sector outlook in meetings, conference calls, and conferences, as well as in written research.
• Being a highly visible presence for external stakeholders in the ratings process, including issuer management teams, buy-side and sell-side analysts, and the media.
• Analysis of financial institutions sector and individual banks data, update of financial excel-based tools and charts.
• Writing and publishing of comprehensive rating reports on individual issuers.
• Participation in credit rating committees for banks in their allocated region and other countries.
• Regular interaction with contacts at issuers and with issuers’ senior management at rating meetings.
• Leading on the publication of sector-specific research and commentary, including preparation of peer data, country snapshots and sector background information.
• Assisting as needed in the coverage of other banks in the portfolio.

• Extensive analytical experience (over 7 years for a Director-level position, over 10 years for a Senior Director-level position), ideally in credit- or audit-related fields.
• Good educational background to at least a first university degree level, preferably with professional qualifications (such as CFA, ACA, ACCA).
• Strong analytical and reasoning capacities.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Ability to work independently as well as being a good team player.
• The ability to cope with time pressure and work to deadlines while adhering to tight procedures is essential.
• Strong command of financial statement analysis and experience with spreadsheet creation and analysis.
• This position will involve occasional travel, primarily within the UK and Europe.

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required.
• A Culture of Learning.