Investment Associate

Symbiotics; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading market access platform in Cape Town seeks a professional to support Fintech Investment Analysts in analyzing credit and country risks for tech firms in emerging markets. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Accounting or Finance, 1-2 years of analytical experience, and advanced Excel skills. This role offers the chance to improve lives globally and work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Benefits

Opportunity to contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of analytical experience in a financial institution, investment bank, or fintech start-up.
• Strong interest in impact investing and knowledge of the fintech sector.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with portfolio investees.
• Create automated monthly Excel reports for prospective investees.
• Analyze and validate monthly reports from portfolio investees and prepare follow-up reports as needed.
• Support Fintech Investment Analysts with Desk Reviews.
• Assist in preparing credit risk and ESG reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

University degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

Company Overview

Symbiotics is the leading market access platform for impact investing, dedicated to private markets in emerging and frontier economies.

The group offers investments, asset management and capacity building services.

Symbiotics Investments focuses on loan origination and bond issuance.

It currently employs people and is headquartered in Geneva, with offices in London, Amsterdam, Mexico City, Singapore, Cape Town, New Delhi and Yerevan.

Our affiliates in London and Amsterdam are both regulated entities, with relevant investment firm licenses for the United Kingdom and the European Union respectively.

Role Summary

We are looking for a professional eager to support Fintech Investment Analysts in analyzing and monitoring credit and country risk for tech companies operating in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and LATAM. This role is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and reports to the Head of Fintech in Geneva.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with portfolio investees.


• Create automated monthly Excel reports for prospective investees.


• Analyze and validate monthly reports from portfolio investees and prepare follow-up reports as needed.


• Support Fintech Investment Analysts with Desk Reviews by collecting, recording, and reviewing relevant data.


• Assist in preparing credit risk and ESG reports.


• Contribute to the development of country analysis reports.


• Input audited financial statements and liability data for all fintech and tech investees.
Help coordinate and manage relationships with investees.

• Support sourcing and prospecting of new investment opportunities across fintech, tech-enabled, corporate, and clean‑energy sectors in target markets.


• Maintain institutional accounts and ensure all KYC/AML documentation is current.


• Collect and manage data required for account opening and KYC processes.

Qualifications

• University degree in Accounting or Finance.


• 1–2 years of analytical experience in a financial institution, investment bank, or fintech start‑up.


• Strong interest in impact investing and knowledge of the fintech sector.


• Advanced Excel skills.


• Able to manage multiple tasks effectively in a fast‑paced environment.


• Excellent communication and organizational skills.


• Proactive, curious, and eager to learn.


• Strong client‑facing and problem‑solving abilities.


• Fluent in written and spoken English.


• Permanent Resident or otherwise eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• The chance to contribute to improving the lives of people in emerging and frontier countries, and to work towards supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.


• A flexible work environment with colleagues from 41 countries.