At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the rating process for funds and monitor credit ratings while mentoring junior team members.
- Company: Join KBRA, a leading credit rating agency with a collaborative culture in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work schedule, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with industry leaders and develop your career in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the finance world by evaluating innovative fund strategies and trends.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in fund finance with strong analytical skills and Excel proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
KBRA UK is seeking a Director to join the Funds Ratings team in the London office. The Funds team assigns and monitors credit ratings on funds and other fund vehicles. KBRA evaluates financing instruments that support fund operations, enhance liquidity, and optimize capital structures, including subscription credit lines, NAV-based loans and credit facilities, and rated feeder notes. KBRA’s ratings portfolio covers funds across investment strategies such as fixed income, private equity, private credit, direct lending, real estate, infrastructure, and asset-based financing. A strong candidate will have extensive experience in fund investment and credit strategies and how funds operate, deploy capital, and generate cash flows.
Responsibilities
- Lead new issuance rating process, evaluating capital structure, legal protection, collateral quality, cash flow dynamics, and manager experience and track record.
- Interact with issuers, conduct due diligence meetings to assess investment process, experience, risk management, and ability to execute strategies.
- Prepare rating memos and new issuance reports; make recommendations to rating committees.
- Lead ongoing monitoring and surveillance; stay informed on developments of outstanding issuances and ratings.
- Develop and maintain complex spreadsheets and databases.
- Collaborate with KBRA experts across sectors to develop approaches for evaluating complex multi-asset strategies.
- Supervise and mentor junior team members to develop analytical and professional skills.
- Lead or assist with developing analytical tools to standardize rating approaches and streamline processes.
- Represent KBRA at industry events, engaging with market participants to share insights on fund ratings and credit trends.
- Assist with in-depth credit research and publications on funds-related developments and trends.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Mathematics, or related analytical field.
- Eight (8) or more years of experience in fund finance, investing, or structured finance.
- Experience with investment strategies in private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, and asset-based lending facilities.
- Understanding of subscription lines, NAV financing, hybrid facilities, rated feeders, or other fund finance products.
- Experience reviewing legal documents; understanding liability structures, LTV/advance rates, payment priorities, and structural protections.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel for building and analyzing financial models, asset cash flows, and debt repayment under stress scenarios.
- Ability to assess creditworthiness of funds, assets, and counterparties; understanding of applicability to rating methodologies is a plus.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear memos and reports presented to committees.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative, dynamic environment; manage internal and external relationships.
- CFA or interest in obtaining CFA is a plus.
- Ability to manage time and resources in a fast-growing company.
- Familiarity with Generative AI tools for research and productivity is a plus.
Hybrid work schedule: in-office Tue/Wed/Thu.
KBRA is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. SEC as an NRSRO. KBRA Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with ESMA. KBRA UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK FCA under the Temporary Registration Regime. KBRA is recognized by multiple regulators and associations. KBRA UK is located in London.
Funds Ratings - Director (London) employer: Kroll Bond Rating Agency
As a leading rating agency, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our London-based team enjoys a hybrid work schedule, competitive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of investor relations within European structured finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Funds Ratings - Director (London)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks at KBRA. A personal connection can make all the difference when it comes to landing that director role.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in fund finance and credit strategies. Share specific examples of how you've evaluated capital structures or managed risk – this will show them you're the real deal!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework before the interview! Familiarise yourself with KBRA’s ratings portfolio and recent developments in the funds space. Being able to discuss current trends and how they relate to the role will impress the hiring team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the KBRA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Funds Ratings - Director (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Funds Ratings Director role. Highlight your experience in fund finance and credit strategies, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects or achievements that align with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for KBRA. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of fund operations and capital structures, and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves complex financial analysis, make sure to highlight your proficiency in Excel and any analytical tools you’ve used. We want to see how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past and how you can bring that expertise to us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kroll Bond Rating Agency
✨Know Your Funds Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of various fund structures and investment strategies. Brush up on topics like NAV financing, subscription lines, and asset-based lending. This knowledge will help you answer technical questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare for Due Diligence Questions
Expect to discuss your experience with due diligence processes. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've assessed investment processes and risk management in previous roles. This will show that you can lead the new issuance rating process effectively.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since advanced Excel skills are crucial for this role, prepare to discuss your experience with financial modelling and data analysis. Bring examples of complex spreadsheets or databases you've developed, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Engage with Industry Trends
Stay updated on current trends in fund ratings and credit markets. Be prepared to discuss recent developments and how they might impact KBRA's approach. This shows your enthusiasm for the industry and your ability to contribute valuable insights.
