Funds Ratings - Director (London)

Lighthouse Sign Co.; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director for their Funds Ratings team in London. This pivotal role involves leading the rating process for various debt instruments, conducting thorough due diligence, and preparing detailed reports for rating committees. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in fund finance and investment strategies, along with strong analytical and communication skills. You will collaborate with sector experts, mentor junior team members, and represent the agency at industry events. If you are passionate about finance and eager to make a significant impact, this is an exciting opportunity to advance your career.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in fund finance, investing, or structured finance.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial modeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the rating process, evaluating capital structures and cash flow dynamics.
• Conduct due diligence meetings and prepare rating memos.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Credit Analysis

Financial Modeling

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or Math-related fields

Tools

Excel

Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT)

Job description

Position Title: Funds Ratings - Director (London)

Entity: Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: London, England

Summary/Overview:

Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is seeking a Director to join our growing Funds Ratings team in the London office. The Funds team assigns and monitors credit ratings on various debt instruments issued by funds and other fund vehicles. KBRA evaluates financing instruments that support fund operations, enhance liquidity, and optimize capital structures. These include subscription credit lines, NAV-based loans, and credit facilities, which offer leverage against a fund’s portfolio assets. A strong candidate will have extensive experience and interest in fund investment and credit strategies and how funds operate, deploy capital, and generate cash flows.

About the Job:

• Lead new issuance rating process, including evaluating key factors such as capital structure, legal protection, collateral quality, cash flow dynamics, and the manager’s experience and track record.
• Interact with issuers, conducting due diligence meetings to assess their investment process, experience, risk management skills, and overall ability to execute strategies.
• Prepare rating memos and new issuance reports, making recommendations to the rating committees.
• Lead ongoing monitoring and surveillance process and keep abreast of developments on outstanding issuances and ratings.
• Develop and maintain complex spreadsheets and databases.
• Collaborate with KBRA experts in other sectors such as project finance, corporate finance, financial institutions, and structured finance.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members to leverage their contributions while supporting their development of analytical and professional skills.
• Lead or assist with the development of analytical tools to standardize rating approaches and streamline processes.
• Represent KBRA at industry conferences, panels, and investor meetings, engaging with market participants to share insights on fund ratings and credit trends.
• Assist with in-depth credit research and publications on new developments, trends, or topical subjects related to funds.

You will be successful in this role if you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Math-related fields or any subject that results in strong analytical skills.
• Eight (8) or more years of work 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 and strong understanding of liability structures, LTV/advance rates, payment priorities, and structural protections.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel to build and analyze 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 is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare clear, concise, and well-reasoned credit memos and reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative team and effectively 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 such as ChatGPT for research, data insights, and general productivity is a plus.

About Us

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 UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider.