Ratings Associate, Financial Institutions Group

The Role

The Ratings Associate (RA) will work with Lead Analysts in conducting comprehensive analysis on an assigned portfolio of credit ratings. The RA will perform holistic evaluations of credit risk by integrating credit inputs prepared by internal and external parties. In conducting credit analysis for their assigned portfolios, transactions or credit reviews, RAs will actively participate in rating committee discussions and interact with issuers and other market participants, in collaboration with Lead Analysts.

The RA role is integral to Moody’s focus on ratings accuracy, research and market outreach. The RA role will focus primarily on one rating group, with the potential for cross-training in other rating groups.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management
* Performs day-to-day credit analysis related to ratings, research, presentations, and investor outreach. Examples of analytical work produced include:
o Reviewing financial statements and charts, analyzing data and financial statements, building and updating financial forecasts, and writing analytical commentary in accordance with Moody’s methodologies.
o Assisting with proprietary models and new financial projections as applicable, identifying trends in data, and applying analytical skills and judgment to form well-reasoned credit conclusions.
o Developing a working knowledge of credit fundamentals through a review of components such as transaction documentation, cash flow analysis, or loss allocation rules.
o Prepares first draft of rating committee memos, in collaboration with Lead Analysts.
o Attends and participates in rating committee meetings, including offering analysis and opinion where appropriate.
* Develops strong working knowledge of Moody’s methodologies and credit rating best practices, applying these with moderate guidance.
* Develops the ability to understand and identify key factors that affect issuer credit ratings. Interprets and analyzes financial data and other credit inputs provided by internal and external parties. Engages with issuers directly for follow-up clarification and information.
* May complete Credit Estimates used to assess elements of credit risk in certain rated transactions.

Research & Investor Outreach
* Contributes to the first draft of core research e.g. credit opinions, issuer and sector comments, press releases, pre sale and new issue reports etc. in collaboration with Lead Analysts.
* Contributes to research strategy, including idea generation and preliminary drafting, adhering to Moody's research standards.
* Attends investor briefings and issuer meetings as required; helps prepare presentation materials; arrives prepared to engage in discussions.
* Builds positive relationships with issuers - displays initiative to understand the issuer’s business and proactively responds to issuer enquiries.

Credit Administration
* Operates internal systems and software specific to the rating group.
* Constructs and takes ownership of analytical databases as applicable. Identifies all issues with data for follow up with Lead Analyst.
* Demonstrates thorough understanding and judgment in applying Moody’s processes, documentation standards and best practices, adhering to all laws and policies.
* Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to certify relevant key codes as required. Completes mandatory required training in a timely manner.

Coaching & Guidance
* Provides clear, concise and constructive guidance in the delegation of work to support teams.
* Actively managing workload pipeline in order to provide sufficient time for completion. Seeks Ratings Associate Team Manager (RATM) guidance where needed to determine how to allocate work.

Requirements/Qualifications

* Undergraduate degree required at a minimum, with 1-2 years relevant working experience.
* Postgraduate (Masters, MBA) and other professional certifications (CPA, CFA) a bonus.
* Good understanding about banking sector and credit market.
* Solid verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
* Enjoys engaging in team work with a positive and constructive attitude.
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Proficient in MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
* Fluent in English. Knowledge of Southeast Asian languages especially Vietnamese a bonus.