Associate, Credit Risk

Challenger Limited is an ASX-listed investment management firm managing $127 billion in assets (as at 30 June 2024). Life with us is fast moving and always exciting. Together we’re driving to deliver our vision to provide our customers with financial security for a better retirement._
- We achieve this goal by providing a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds, with a range of skills and experiences can contribute and succeed._- A newly created Associate level role in our Credit Risk team is available due to significant growth.- A broad and unique Credit Risk role, where you will work closely with and partner with our investment teams.- We work flexibly from our Sydney CBD Office where you can expect to work 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.

The Wider Business

Challenger operates an APRA-regulated Life Company (CLC) and Australia’s fastest growing active funds management business. CLC is Australia's largest provider of annuities and guarantees the capital and interest of annuitants' regular payments, providing reliable income to around 60,000 investors through its management of more than $25 billion in assets.

Challenger Investment Management (CIM) Fixed Income team is part of Challenger’s Funds Management division. CIM Fixed Income is responsible for the management of over $17bn of FUM on behalf of CLC and Australian and international institutional funds management clients. CIM invests across private and public credit markets and is a leading originator and manager of assets in various asset classes.

About the role

As an Associate, Credit Risk you will play a key role in assessing and managing credit risk across a diverse portfolio of private credit and fixed income investments. Working closely with investment teams, you will conduct due diligence, financial modelling, and risk analysis to support high-quality investment decisions.

You’ll be an integral part of the Group Credit Risk Management team reporting to the General Manager - Credit, and will provide independent credit research, assessment, analysis and reporting on:
- Private and public debt investments within the CIM managed fixed income portfolio.- Counterparty risk across Challenger’s other business lines.

Key responsibilities- Due Diligence of investment opportunities including evaluation of business and industry- Identify, analyse, and communicate risks and mitigants to stakeholders.- Prepare papers and present analysis to Investment Committee(s)- Financial modelling and analysis including detailed scenario analysis.- Input into structure and transaction documents.- Analyse counterparties and assign credit ratings across the fixed income portfolio, taking into consideration evaluation of financial statements, industry knowledge and qualitative factors.- Ongoing and regular monitoring of CIM’s broad fixed income portfolio with focus on private credit investments in corporate and real estate lending sectors, in addition to mezzanine securitisation investments.- Ad-hoc projects and tasks supporting Challenger’s other business lines.

The skills and experience you will need

You’ll have around 4 - 8 years’ experience in institutional or corporate/commercial banking, transaction services, credit research or credit risk management roles and strong knowledge and interest in a broad range of industries, local and international credit markets.

You’ll be driven, and have a genuine interest in debt, investment, private credit etc. You pride yourself on your high standards and are known as someone who takes accountability and ownership for their work, all whilst being part of a collegial team, who work collaboratively to deliver the best outcomes for the business.

As well as- Experience with leveraged finance, institutional credit/lending and/or private real estate debt will be viewed favourably.- Familiarity with credit documentation and facility agreements- Proficiency in Excel (intermediate level)- Strong verbal and written communication skills - with the capability capable to explaining complex credit risks clearly and concisely.- Strong organisation skills with the able to multi-task and balance competing demands.- Tertiary qualified preferably in Accounting, Commerce, Finance or Business- Alignment with Challenger’s purpose to build a talented team and capability with outstanding skills and way of working.

Additional Information

Working at Challenger means being part of a diverse, connected team that has fun and loves what they do. We’re small enough, but big enough to accelerate bold ideas, realising what’s possible for our customers and partners.

At Challenger, we provide access to a range of exclusive employee benefits that will support you both personally and professionally and a hybrid work environment including.Discretionary bonus scheme.- Flexible working, including hybrid work with time in the office and time at home allows individuals to make the most of their work and personal lives.- Eighteen weeks pai