At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead credit ratings for corporate funds and analyse complex financial portfolios.
- Company: Join Kroll Bond Rating Agency, a leading credit rating agency in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible hybrid work schedule, competitive benefits, and professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor junior team members.
- Why this job: Make an impact in private credit and direct lending while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in corporate credit analysis and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
KBRA (Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC) is seeking a Director to join our growing Corporate Credit Funds team in the London office. The team assigns and monitors credit ratings on various debt instruments backed by portfolios of middle market corporate loans, including senior secured direct lending investments, along with other corporate loans, notes, and bonds. The team focuses on private credit and direct lending transactions, including feeder fund rated notes, master fund credit facilities, middle market CLOs, corporate loan and bond portfolios, and select synthetic risk transfer structures. The team evaluates financing solutions that enable capital formation, fund investment, and liquidity management for private credit managers and institutional investors.
A strong candidate will have significant experience in corporate credit, private credit, direct lending, or structured credit, with a deep understanding of portfolio construction, asset performance, structural protections, and cash flow dynamics. The primary focus of this role is fund debt transactions supported by portfolios of middle market direct lending investments, primarily senior secured corporate loans, as well as other corporate credit instruments; however, experience in CLOs or structured credit is highly relevant, as the analytical skills, including collateral pool assessment, tranche risk analysis, cash flow modeling, and structural review, are transferable.
About the Job:
- Lead the new issuance rating process, including evaluation of transaction capital structures, legal protections, collateral quality, portfolio composition, asset performance, and cash flow dynamics.
- Analyze portfolios of corporate loans, bonds, and other credit instruments, including middle market and sponsor-backed exposures.
- Conduct due diligence meetings with asset managers, direct lenders, arrangers, and issuers to assess underwriting standards, portfolio management practices, risk management frameworks, and performance history.
- Prepare rating memoranda and new issuance reports, and present recommendations to rating committees.
- Lead ongoing monitoring and surveillance of outstanding transactions, tracking portfolio performance, credit migration, and concentration trends.
- Develop and maintain complex financial models to assess collateral performance, cash flow coverage, stress scenarios, and structural resilience.
- Collaborate with KBRA experts across structured credit, corporate finance, financial institutions, and ABS to evaluate cross-sector and hybrid portfolio transactions.
- Supervise and mentor junior team members, fostering strong analytical development and professional growth.
- Lead or assist in developing analytical tools and standardized frameworks to enhance consistency, transparency, and efficiency in new issuance and surveillance processes.
- Represent KBRA at industry conferences, panels, and investor meetings, sharing insights on private credit, direct lending, and portfolio finance trends.
- Contribute to credit research and publications related to corporate portfolio finance, direct lending, and structured credit markets.
You will be successful in this role if you have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics or Math related fields.
- Eight (8) or more years of work experience in corporate credit analysis, private credit, direct lending, fund investing, CLO analysis, or structured finance.
- Experience reviewing legal documents and strong understanding of liability structures, LTV/advance rates, payment priorities, and structural protections.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel is required to build and analyze excel based financial models to assess asset cash flow projections, and debt repayment under stress scenarios.
- Ability to assess creditworthiness of funds, assets, and counterparties; understanding how this applies to rating methodologies.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare clear, concise, and well-reasoned credit memos and reports and present them to committees in an efficient manner.
- Strong interpersonal skills to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative team and across disciplines in a challenging and dynamic environment and effectively manage internal and external relationships.
- CFA or MBA is a plus.
- Ability to manage time and resources in fast-growing company.
- Familiarity with Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT for research, data insights, and general productivity is a plus.
- A flexible hybrid work schedule – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays in the office.
Competitive benefits and paid time off. Pension plan. Educational and professional development financial assistance. Employee referral bonus program.
Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK is located at Augustine House, Austin Friars, London, EC2N 2HA, United Kingdom.
Corporate Credit Funds - Director (London) employer: KBRA
Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. With a flexible hybrid work schedule, competitive benefits, and a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within a collaborative legal team. The company's commitment to innovation and regulatory excellence, combined with its supportive culture, makes it an ideal place for legal professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Credit Funds - Director (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 KBRA. 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 Corporate Credit Funds - Director (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 KBRA.
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 KBRA'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 KBRA
✨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 KBRA.
✨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 KBRA 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 KBRA 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.