Associate Director or Director, Africa/Middle East/Asia Sovereigns Ratings, Based in Hong Kong

Fitch Group

  • Central, Hong Kong
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
Fitch Ratings is currently seeking a Credit Analyst, at Associate Director or Director level, to be the lead analyst for a portfolio of sovereign ratings in Africa/Middle East/Asia, this position will be based out of our Hong Kong office.As one of the world's top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in global capital markets by providing supplementary credit analysis, ratings, research, and commentary to financial market participants. For over 100 years, Fitch Ratings has been creating value for global markets through its rigorous analysis and deep expertise, which have resulted in a variety of market leading tools, methodologies, indices, research, and analytical products. Fitch Ratings is part of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries, which also includes Fitch Solutions. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.At Fitch Ratings, credit analysts play a pivotal role in moving markets, as quality credit analysis is the lifeblood of our organization. With a legacy of over a century, our unique approach to credit ratings offers unmatched opportunities for professional growth. Embracing a “challenger mindset,” you'll join a team dedicated to innovating service to our clients. Our people-driven analysis thrives on collaboration across all levels and locations, surpassing traditional financial modeling. Lastly, as part of our global community, you'll find inspiration, challenge, and support, with ample opportunities for visibility and influence in the global financial marketplace.Want to learn more about a career as a credit analyst at Fitch Ratings? Visit:About the RoleThe Fitch Ratings Sovereigns Group assigns ratings to sovereign governments that account for virtually all sovereign international debt issuance. As an Associate Director/Director in the Sovereigns team you will act as the lead analyst for maintaining a portfolio of sovereign ratings in Africa/Middle East/Asia, developing deep analytical knowledge on these sovereigns and working with significant independence, reporting to the Africa/Middle East team head.We'll Count on You To:
  • Analyze all aspects of creditworthiness for the sovereigns in your portfolio. This includes reviewing and forecasting macroeconomic policies and trends, including GDP growth, inflation, the impact and consistency of monetary and fiscal policies and risks to macroeconomic stability.
  • Study trends in the sovereigns' public and external finances, conduct debt sustainability analyses and explore risks stemming from contingent liabilities.
  • Study the structure of public finances and external debt and forecast external flows (BOP) and assets and liabilities (IIP, debt structure).
  • Analyze to cover governance and domestic political and geopolitical risks and risks to the sovereign stemming from the financial sector.
  • Maintain good working relationships with relevant officials in central banks and government, as well as third party experts, be able to regularly update Fitch's credit view and country economic databases and forecasts.
  • Organize and lead annual rating visits and teleconference calls as well as prepare. recommendations, supporting research and presentations for the Sovereign Rating Committee.
  • Provide support to colleagues on the ratings of other sovereign governments as a 'secondary analyst'.
  • Initiate and produce topical research on economic and credit developments on the countries in your portfolio. This will typically take the form of brief topical commentary such as Fitch Wire articles and more substantive special reports.
  • Represent and communicate Fitch's views externally, such as by speaking at conferences, holding meetings with investors and other market participants and interacting with print and broadcast media.
You May be a Good Fit if You Have:
  • A strong understanding of macroeconomics, typically underpinned by a master's degree in economics or a very closely related discipline.
  • Several years' experience of country/sovereign risk analysis and/or applied economics gained from within a top institution such as a finance ministry, central bank, private research house or financial institution.
  • Excellent Analytical and numerical skills - You must be able to identify, initiate and undertake rigorous quantitative and qualitative economic, financial and political risk analysis and to reach sound judgments. You should be proficient in Excel.
  • Excellent Communication skills - You must be able to marshal arguments in a coherent and concise manner and communicate effectively both orally and in written research; and to represent Fitch externally in a credible, effective and professional manner.
What Would Make You Stand Out:
  • Working level competence in French would be advantageous.
  • Experience in speaking at conferences and investor events; making TV and media appearances
What We Offer and Why Fitch:
  • Highly visible work and regular interaction with high-level officials from the public, private and official sectors.
  • Significant professional development and international business travel opportunities.
  • Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required.
  • A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
  • Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
  • Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
  • Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
  • Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community
Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch's credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.#li-vc1
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Fitch Group