Project Finance Portfolio Management - Associate

The anticipated salary range for this role is between $150,000.00 and $200,000.00. The specific salary offered to an applicant will be based on their individual qualifications, experiences, and an analysis of the current compensation paid in their geography and the market for similar roles at the time of hire.

The role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary incentive award. In addition to cash compensation, SMBC offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees.

Role Description

SMBC's Global Structured Finance Department is looking for an Associate to join its Project Finance North America Team (the Team ) of Portfolio Monitoring and Planning Group.

The Team is responsible for managing all aspects of North American project finance portfolio. The portfolio consists of power, energy, PPP / PFI and other infrastructure transactions in North America.

The role entails performing credit monitoring / control / administration of a portfolio of borrowers with a view to identifying potential credit issues preemptively.

In addition, a significant portion of the role involves analyzing amendment / consent / waiver requests, evaluating the credit impact of the requests and any mitigants, and preparing applications with recommended actions for credit approval.

Role Objectives

Responsible for effective credit and risk management, with emphasis on adherence to credit policy and requirements, financial analysis / modeling, risk evaluation, on-going portfolio maintenance activities, and as needed client support.

Oversee the overall credit worthiness of an assigned portfolio of obligors and their ability to meet their financial obligations for traditional credit-based products.

Continuously monitor the portfolio with a view to identifying deteriorating situations early.

Responsible for monitoring and reporting on the portfolio quality against established criteria and recommending adjustments to grading of existing credit facilities, as appropriate.

Prepare periodic reviews for the borrowers in the assigned portfolio.

Work with borrowers, legal counsels, independent engineers and other consultants as necessary to structure and manage consent processes (including but not limited to waivers and amendments of financing documents, etc.).

Analyze and, if appropriate, seek credit approval for amendment and consent requests from borrowers. In preparing applications for credit approval, the Associate must have a good understanding of the request, the impact of the proposed consent on the credit risk of the borrower / transaction, any mitigants to the increased risk and the justification for approval of the request.

Role Objectives Cont

Responsible for mitigating loss by counterparty credit analysis related to a range of products marketed to corporate, institutional and / or government clients.

Responsible for creating strategy that will minimize credit risk in line with the firm's objectives, as well as assisting in the underwriting process for potential new borrowers.

Ensure registration of accurate and up-to-date KYC information for borrowers.

Respond to ad hoc information requests.

Qualifications and Skills

A minimum of 3 years of experience covering project finance transactions in a portfolio management team or credit department of a lending institution.

Strong background in accounting / financial analysis / modelling / legal documents is preferred.

Required : BA / BS

Preferred : MA / MS / MBA

CFA preferred

Qualifications and Skills Cont

Required Skills / Abilities :

Deep understanding of legal documents and proficiency in financial analysis.

Expected to have highly advanced level of credit experience and execution experience in proposing and negotiating, both internally and externally, credit and covenant structures and documenting loans.

Good knowledge of credit structures of project finance transactions or other asset-based credit transactions that often involves multiple layers of stakeholders.

Ability to complete complex credit analysis, negotiate with deal parties, and process closing in short turnaround,

Broad knowledge of the Project Finance market and the ability to manage risk within a complex and diverse portfolio.

Ability to manage the delivery of direct and agent support to the line units to ensure timely and quality support in addition to compatibility with Bank's risk appetite and profile.

Deep understanding of regulatory, compliance framework.

Knowledge of a broad range of financial products.