Credit Analyst, Associate Director - Insurance - Chicago

Fitch Ratings; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Fitch Ratings’ North American Insurance group in Chicago seeks an Associate Director to provide credit analysis for U.S. life insurance entities.

The role combines rigorous financial assessment with interaction with company management and presentation to rating committees. You will lead coverage on a portfolio of life insurers, develop research and commentary, and collaborate across teams in New York, Chicago and Toronto.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–7 years of relevant life insurance analysis experience.
• CFA, MBA, CPA or actuarial designations are a plus, but not required.
• Self‑motivated professional with strong analytical, quantitative, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead coverage on a portfolio of life insurance companies.
• Interact with life insurance company management.
• Prepare and present rating committee packages.
• Participate in rating committees.
• Author company research and commentary.
• Contribute to insurance industry research.
• Analyze financial data sources for projects.
• Back‑up coverage on selected insurance companies.
• Monitor news flow and results to identify rating changes.
• Meet with rated company senior management.
• Present recommendations for new ratings or changes to committees.
• Engage with investors, bankers and insurers.
• Contribute to ad‑hoc sector commentaries and topical research.

Skills

Analytical skills

Quantitative skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Credit Analyst, Associate Director – Insurance

At Fitch, we have an open culture where employees are able to exchange ideas and perspectives throughout the organization, irrespective of their seniority. Your voice will be heard, allowing you to have a real impact. We embrace diversity and appreciate authenticity, encouraging an environment where employees can be their true selves. Our inclusive and progressive approach helps us keep a balanced perspective. Fitch is committed to supporting its employees by advancing conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fitch’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are available to connect employees with others within the organization to offer professional and personal support.

Fitch Ratings’ North American Insurance group provides public and private ratings of insurance companies and their debt instruments in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda. The department covers insurance sectors including Life, Property/Casualty, Reinsurance, Health, Mortgage, Title, Captives, Financial Guaranty, and Insurance‑Linked Securitizations and has staff in New York, Chicago and Toronto. The global insurance team consists of 70 staff members across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

We are looking for an Associate Director to provide credit analysis for our North American Insurance Group, focusing on U.S. Life Insurance entities. The job title and duties will be dependent upon relevant experience and tenure you bring to the role.

Responsibilities

• Lead coverage on a portfolio of life insurance companies.
• Interact with life insurance company management.
• Prepare and present rating committee packages.
• Participate in rating committees.
• Author company research and commentary.
• Contribute to insurance industry research.
• Participate in analytical projects utilizing industry financial data sources.
• Back‑up coverage on selected insurance companies.
• Maintain files in accordance with company policies.
• Monitor and analyze company news flow and financial results to identify events or trends which may lead to rating changes.
• Conduct meetings with rated company senior management.
• Present and discuss recommendations for new ratings or rating changes, holding internal rating committees as well as communicating Fitch’s credit opinions externally.
• Be involved with ad‑hoc sector commentaries and topical research.
• Interact with investors and bankers as well as rated insurers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in life insurance analysis or in a strategic planning, financial management or actuarial position within the insurance industry.
• CFA, MBA, CPA or actuarial designations are a plus, but not a requirement.
• Self‑motivated professional.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to shift fluidly between multiple projects as priorities change.
• Ability to excel in a team‑oriented environment.
• Expertise in Excel and Word.
• Strong candidates with less experience may be considered at varying levels.

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Previous analytical experience looking to develop further in an intellectually challenging, analytically rigorous yet supportive environment.
• Diverse background with prior careers as financial/credit analysts, professional services, or financial/operational roles in companies.

For New York roles only: Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $115,000 and $135,000.

Fitch is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.