Credit Analyst at Prescient

Purpose of role:

• The candidate will be part of the Credit team responsible for the Prescient Credit funds. To utilise PIM credit philosophy process by employing quantitative analysis in asset selection, pricing and managing of credit portfolio.
• The person will be responsible for credit research & credit portfolio risk analysis. An exciting position which will require you keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in the market and work toward driving efficiencies within the team and research processes. 
• The role includes extending and enhancing the functionality of PRIME, the Portfolio Research and Investment Management Engine. 
• Solid experience managing and analysing large amounts of data is a must. The person will need to follow a collaborative team approach that adheres to the Prescient value framework.

Duties and responsibilities:
Key Objective

• The key objective is the development of analytics tools and strategies, as well as the improvement and extension of PRIME for the Credit Funds.

Quantitative Analysis:

• Assist in defining the PRIME framework and incorporate current analytics tools and reporting.
• Develop processes and analytics tools to monitor model and portfolio performance and accuracy.
• Research and develop models and techniques.
• Document research, processes, and model validation.

Credit Research and Analysis:

• Apply established models to compute default probability scores. An analyst would be required to make an analytical argument on the change thereto over time, highlight downside risks for the foreseeable future, and rank & compare to industry peers.
• Use PIM sector-specific financial scorecards to analyse the creditworthiness of companies and their sub-factor drivers of the credit score, incorporating ESG analysis.
• Perform in-depth analysis and research to assess and monitor the creditworthiness of borrowers/issuers over the term of the exposure.
• Understand market dynamics (e.g., credit supply/demand) and company fundamentals influencing PIM’s credit investments.

Credit Management:

• Monitor the risk-adjusted return of the credit universe, build and oversee portfolio optimization models, and make recommendations to enhance credit portfolio performance.
• Engage in counterparty interactions as part of the role.
• Assess credit opportunities, including exposure to assets in Infrastructure Funds (monitoring and new opportunities).

Investment Analysis:

• Originate debt investments via new and existing borrowers, liaising with bond issuers, DCM teams, arrangers, and rating agencies.
• Provide input into the development of broader responsible investment policies, ESG methodologies, and impact strategies.

Credit Process Development and Advancement:

• Validate investment models and monitor portfolio performance and accuracy.
• Contribute to research and development of new models and techniques.
• Document research, processes, and model validation.
• Ensure the accuracy and currency of information used in the process.

Team Interaction:
The key objective is to work on a collaborative basis, ensuring that the team remains cohesive and successful. The analyst is expected to:

• Follow a collaborative approach aligned with the Prescient value system.
• Be proactive in generating new research and participating in debates.
• Suggest and implement process enhancements to improve/create efficiencies.
• Contribute positively and adopt a solutions-driven mindset.

Required experience:

• University Post Graduate Degree (Science / Engineering / Finance) / Masters.
• CA (SA) with articles will be advantageous [Financial Services / Financial Engineering Group experience].
• CFA / Studying towards CFA; and/or Masters equivalent.
• Advanced Excel skills and model building.
• Prior experience in Private Debt, Hybrid Debt, Project Finance will be advantageous.

Key competencies:

• Ability to generate ideas and think logically.
• Structured work style, attention to detail and accuracy is of the utmost importance.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills oral and written.
• Strong ability to manage complex processes and focus on business outcomes in a complex uncertain environment.
• Strong work ethic, self-motivated, driven and results oriented.
• Ability to listen and respond to new ideas, input and diverse perspectives.
• High levels of self-confidence, assertive as well as healthy levels of EQ.
• Must be able to manage workflow on longer-term research projects.
• Energetic problem-solver.
• Ability to demonstrate an advanced degree of technological competence.
• Passionate about investments.