Hello future Credit Research Head
Ashburton Investments is a new generation investment manager, which offers investors access to diverse sources of return and ways to manage risk. In both the South African institutional space and globally. We pride ourselves on offering solutions to address clients’ holistic needs, and to support business strategies in the reallocation of investment capital in the face of increasing regulatory pressures. We see institutions as but not limited to, pension funds, long and short-term insurers, re-insurers, as well as medical aid schemes.
The Credit Research function oversees the credit exposures within the Ashburton Investments portfolios/mandates. This includes but is not limited to credit funds as well as full discretionary mandates for both local and offshore in both the listed and unlisted space. This role reports to Ashburton Investments Chief Executive Officer. The Head of Credit Research will also be a member of the investment committee, chaired by Ashburton’s Chief Investment Officer.
The Head of Credit Research will ensure that the investment process is implemented by driving the research effort by analysts in order that credit applications are submitted timeously to Ashburton Investments Credit Committee. This role entails working closely with the Risk function in Ashburton Investments to ensure all breaches per credit limits are reported timeously, and specific action is taken to address the breaches. In addition, the Head of Credit Research will work alongside the Senior Portfolio Management team to ensure that credit names that are being considered for inclusion in the portfolio are prioritized.
Critical to this role is the management of credit default rates. This role requires the incumbent to display strong analytical insight coupled with in-depth credit knowledge to thoroughly assess the risk inherent in counterparties.
The role will include the following responsibilities:
Management
All existing functions performed by the Head of Credit Research. The candidate must take full responsibility for the Credit Research function.
Propose and oversee the credit research strategy and framework for the Ashburton Investments business.
Ensure that the research process is congruent with Ashburton Investments Credit Charter.
The successful candidate will be required to manage a team of credit analysts and their submissions to the relevant investment committees and report to governance committees within Ashburton Investments related to Credit risk.
Management of all credit exposures which are owned by Ashburton Investments portfolios and being considered for future inclusion.
Responsible for assessment of new transactions where Credit risk is undertaken across the business.
Interaction with the relevant Legal Advisor to ensure that Legal agreements are concluded in alignment with the Credit Committee approval. Management and scheduling of investment submissions to the Ashburton Investments Credit Committee and Ashburton Investments Credit Governance Committee to ensure smooth running of the committees.
Management of distressed counterparties.
Chairing of the Ashburton Investments Delegated Credit Committee.
Management of exposure limits, ratings, and systems for Credit exposures.
Work closely with the Risk department and directly report any breaches in terms of concentration and risk limits.
Attendance, input and interaction at relevant forums, committees etc. related to Credit Risk.
Preparation, assessment and reporting of all credit names in terms of Ashburton Investments ESG framework.
Ad hoc requests related to Credit Research function.
Stakeholder Engagement
Providing key stakeholders with pro-active research insights into trends, market risk appetite, issues, threats, and opportunities in all credit portfolios.
Be proactive in sharing insights to the investment teams and relevant committees in respect of counterparties where credit exposure is taken.
Work in collaboration with the Head of Credit and Portfolio Managers, to ensure alignment in thinking about credit exposures.
Asset Class Knowledge
Provide insight and keep stakeholders in the credit business appraised of names on the surveillance and watchlists.
Facilitate the understanding of the suitability of instruments for specific portfolios in accordance with their mandates.
Propose strategies for managing identified risks in existing and potential new credit names.
Analysis
Creation of appropriate credit risk models used for performance monitoring oversight.
Proactively manage credit risk metrics that are identified via risk dashboards and reporting.
You will be an ideal candidate if you:
Have completed Mcom / MSc Hons degree in finance, investment management and/or mathematics - other qualifications can be considered.
CA(SA), CFA an advantage
Minimum 8 years relevant experience in an asset management or investment banking environment and exposure to credit portfolio risk.
Have experience in respect of credit risk modelling.
Have knowledge of factors affecting national and global companies and their impact on investors.
Have a thorough understanding of the investment process in asset management and the management of investment risks.
Experience in managing and leading teams of investment professionals.
You will have access to:
Opportunities to network and collaborate.
Opportunities to gain experience skills and capabilities in an asset management environment.
Opportunities to innovate.
We can be a match if you have:
Prior experience in managing a team of credit analysts and in maintaining a high performing and motivated team.
Strong people skills needed in order to build trust and confidence within the Ashburton Investments business.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy within expected timelines.
Curious & courageous - you're driven by always wanting to know more and learn more and you have a deep commitment to doing the right thing.
Obsessed with mastery - you know what it takes to become good at what you do and are constantly pushing yourself to do it.
Good communication and presentation skills.
Advanced excel skills.
Judgement and decision-making skills.
Ability to influence and impact.
Strong business insight and risk awareness.
Ability to build strategic relationships.
Are you interested to take the step? We look forward to engaging with you further. Apply now!
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Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.
12/06/26
All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.
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