Leverage Finance & Stratum - Analyst

Mizuho is seeking an ambitious Analyst to join Stratum, its European leveraged loan investment platform within the CIB Structured Financing Group (CSF). The team is responsible for sourcing and execution of broadly syndicated European leveraged loans for its managed account vehicles on behalf of third-party investors, together with the structuring and ongoing portfolio management of the Stratum investment vehicles.

The role combines leveraged finance credit analysis and execution, financial modelling and active portfolio management, alongside the opportunity to contribute to the development and launch of new Stratum investment vehicles and strategies. Analysts will develop investment views across new and existing credits, support portfolio construction, and assist with product analysis and investor materials as the platform grows.

As an Analyst, you will work closely with senior team members across the full investment lifecycle to evaluate new broadly syndicated leveraged loan opportunities, monitor existing investment portfolios and support the development of new investment vehicles. You will develop practical experience in leveraged finance, portfolio management and structured financing, with additional exposure to direct lending, third-party capital and investor engagement.

• Analyse new broadly syndicated leveraged loan opportunities to assess borrower credit quality; gain exposure to selective direct lending opportunities.
• Build and maintain LBO financial models, including historical and projected financials, across base case and downside scenarios, to assess debt serviceability and deleveraging capacity.
• Contribute to approval and execution processes, including due diligence, documentation review and liaison with internal stakeholders and investors as required.
• Support the development and launch of new Stratum investment vehicles and strategies, including product & market analysis, portfolio construction, internal approvals and investor materials.
• Actively monitor existing Stratum vehicles, identify emerging credit risks, propose secondary trades and escalate findings to senior team members.
• Contribute to investor materials, portfolio reporting and performance updates, and co-ordinate with relationship teams, credit, legal, middle office and back office.
• Liaise with investors in relation to new transactions and ongoing portfolio management.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• 1-2 years' experience in leveraged finance, corporate credit, ratings, debt advisory, restructuring, private credit or a related discipline. Exposure to leveraged loans & sponsor-backed financings is preferred.
• Strong analytical foundation and an interest in developing leveraged finance expertise.
• Sound financial modelling and accounting capability, including cash flow analysis and scenario modelling.
• Interest in structured finance, portfolio construction and the development and launch of new investment vehicles and strategies.
• Exposure to portfolio monitoring, investment products, fund structures or investor-driven capital is beneficial but not required.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial and credit analysis concisely.
• Intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to learning and professional development; progress towards or interest in a qualification such as the CFA is beneficial.
• Advanced Excel skills are expected; experience with VBA, Python, SQL or AI tools for automation and data analysis is beneficial but not required.

What Mizuho can offer you:

Here at Mizuho, there are fantastic progression opportunities and clear paths to promotion. We will give you ample opportunity to affect change and to help grow our business. In addition to the great opportunity outlined above we are also currently able to offer:

• Competitive starting salary, plus discretionary bonus.
• Non-contributory pension.
• 27 days' annual leave.
• Core working hours.
• Hybrid working - office and home based.
• Virtual GP.
• Wellbeing benefits, including Mental Health Allies and First Aiders.

At Mizuho, we embrace flexible ways of working when the role permits. We offer different working arrangements like part-time, job-sharing and hybrid (office and home) working. Our purpose-led culture and global infrastructure help us connect, collaborate, and work together in agile ways to meet all our business needs. At Mizuho we are committed to supporting equality, diversity and equality, and seek to create a workplace that is fully inclusive. We welcome applications from all sections of the community that we operate in and from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, beliefs, gender identities and disabilities.

If you require more information about our equal opportunities policy or wish to discuss any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments please contact the recruitment team - recruitment@mizuhoemea.com and we will be happy to help.