Manager, Credit Ratings

Leadingnation; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Leadingnation is looking for a finance professional in Hong Kong to manage group-wide rating agency strategies. The successful candidate will liaise with external rating agencies and internal stakeholders to optimize external ratings in line with the Group's capital position.

Ideal applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in finance, 4-7 years of finance experience, and proficiency in MS Powerpoint and Excel. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 4-7 years of professional finance and actuarial experience.
• Proficiency in using MS Powerpoint and Excel.
• FSA or equivalent qualification (or in final stages of certification).

Responsibilities

• Manage group-wide rating agency strategy and communications.
• Apply relevant rating methodologies and models effectively.
• Lead analytics to understand rating agency sensitivities.
• Coordinate annual rating review meetings with stakeholders.
• Benchmark peer ratings and capital structures globally.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Analytical skills

Presentation

Education

Undergraduate degree in finance or related subject

Tools

MS Powerpoint

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role

The person in this role is expected to work closely with external rating agencies and internal stakeholders to maintain and optimize external rating levels commensurate with the Group’s capital position, and support the development of ratings strategy within the Group’s overall capital management plan.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Group-wide rating agency strategy and management, including proactively managing stakeholder expectations, communications, planning, and relationship development with rating agencies
• Understand and apply the relevant rating methodologies and models, review AIA‑specific research reports, keep abreast of changes in the relevant methodologies and key research updates published by the rating agencies, with the ability to analyze and communicate in a timely manner the implications to senior management within the Group
• Lead the analytics necessary to understand key rating agency sensitivities, downgrade triggers, rating headroom and key constraints; conduct forward‑looking ratings forecast and scenario analyses, providing strategic input into the Group’s debt and leverage strategy and overall capital management framework
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to plan and execute annual rating review meetings, preparation of annual and ad‑hoc presentations to rating agencies and management
• Lead the collection and submission of data requests and model inputs for rating agencies, ensuring timeliness and accuracy
• Perform regular peer benchmarking analysis, tracking global insurance peers’ ratings, capital structures, and capital management strategies
• Work closely with External Capital & Funding on obtaining and optimizing instrument ratings and equity credit where applicable, including engagement with rating agencies on innovative capital structures
• Assess and articulate the rating implications associated with any strategic initiatives or regulatory changes affecting our business, support business units or new entities in obtaining first‑time ratings or in the maintenance of their ratings
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required, supporting the broader external capital & funding team

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Education – undergraduate degree in finance related subject area
• Experience – 4‑7 years of professional finance and actuarial experience, proficient use of MS Powerpoint and Excel
• Key Attributes – Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management capabilities, high attention to details, proactive
• Certification – FSA or equivalent qualification (or in the final stages of attaining certification)