Senior Credit Officer III

Role Description

SMBC is seeking a Director / Senior Credit Officer to cover Corporates in North America.

• The Director–Senior Credit Officer’s main responsibility entails the review and challenge of credit applications submitted by the front office and the preparation / presentation of executive summaries and recommendations to the management of the Credit Department.
• The coverage mainly includes lending transactions related to investment grades corporate and their related financial products (derivative, hedging etc.) but also to high yield obligors with complex capital structure and leveraged loans transactions (leverage lending and/or ABL transactions)
• The scope of the analysis and the review includes, but not limited to, obligor credit risk, projections, transaction background, deal structure, facility terms and conditions, US regulatory classification, profitability, and relationship strategy.

Role Objectives

• Analyze various elements of credit risk and transaction specifics, primarily for high yield obligors, and provide an effective review and challenge from the front office (line 1).
• Prepare written executive summaries/comments of credit applications submitted from the front office and present to the management of the Credit Department.
• Engage with front office to assist with due diligence and structuring, identify key credit risks and main credit concerns and challenge assumptions prior to formal credit submission.
• Coordinate the credit approval process by liaising between the front office and the management of the Credit Department.
• Conduct the monitoring of credit quality of the counterparties and transaction portfolio. and provide feedback to business units to ensure consistent and complete applications.
• Provide feedback and guidance, as necessary, to business units to ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures standards.
• Monitor and supervise problem assets including classified loans and present written memorandum/reports to management.
• Contribute to portfolio review, loan reviews and pass watch or any special credit reviews.
• Manage compliance with internal policies, workflow procedures and ensure US regulatory requirements are met in each credit application.
• Stay informed about relevant regulations and industry best practices.
• May also be asked to analyze counterparties and deals in different sectors depending on workload.
• Other credit related works/projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum 10+ years of relevant work experience preferably within a credit risk function (formal credit training preferred).
• Experience and knowledge of high yield / middle market corporate finance highly preferred.
• Prior experience interacting with US Regulators (Fed, OCC or FDIC) preferred.
• Ability to adapt to SMBC’s credit philosophy and risk appetite.
• Critical thinking to understand factors impacting portfolio creditworthiness such as economics downturn, market volatility, industry disruptions or changes in interest rates, and ability to analyze a vast and complex amount of information and quickly render credit decisions.
• Risk sensitivity and ability to steer decisions through discussions with the business units.
• Ability to manage significant deal volume in a fast-paced environment and analyze credit application and prepare written summary in a short timeframe and in a multitasking environment.
• Strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills, with ability to communicate effectively with all levels of support and business partners
• Undergraduate degree in Finance, Business Administration or related fields. MBA/CFA or other professional qualification highly preferred.

Additional Requirements

D&I Commitment

Responsible for fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, holding leaders accountable for creating an inclusive environment through awareness and practice of equity in recruiting, developing, and promoting diverse talent.