Head of Emerging Markets & Sovereign Analysis

London Area, United Kingdom

11/28/2024

Who are we?

We are not your typical financial institution. It’s our people who make us a cut above. Here, every person is respected because of their differences, not in spite of them.

We pride ourselves on a culture of purpose, passion and compassion. At Mizuho, we provide the stability of an international industry leader with the career trajectory of a growing business. Our steady, strategic growth gives our people at all levels rewarding degrees of responsibility and a richer work experience than a boutique firm or an established giant could offer alone.

Working for Mizuho opens doors not just to a rewarding career with excellent prospects, but to lasting friendships with colleagues from diverse cultures. It’s the local expertise of our employees that makes our global network so powerful. By collaborating with colleagues and clients who have your same ambition, you can amplify your sphere of influence and base of knowledge as part of one of the largest—and growing—banks in the world.

What is the opportunity?

Europe Credit Department (ECD) Is An Independent Credit Control Function. Its Principle Responsibility Is To Maintain And Monitor The Quality Of That Part Of The Lending Book Falling Within Its Jurisdiction (Europe, Africa And The Middle East), In Accordance With Internal Policy And Procedures Contained In Standard Instructions. Specifically, ECD Will

• Approve facilities in accordance with internal policies.
• Review and monitor the loan portfolio to maintain a balanced and quality driven asset base
• Disseminate and ensure compliance with internal credit policies, regulatory requirements, and local laws.
• Act as a point of reference and maintain a constructive and supportive relationship with the front offices for all matters relating to credit extension.
  
  

What will you be doing?

• To manage individuals in the Emerging Markets Credit & Sovereign Analysis team and workflow on a day-to-day basis; maintain and promote high quality lending standards throughout the Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB); and assist members of staff within ECD and other departments on all credit related matters
• To approve new and increased credit facilities and renew existing lines of finance to customers in line with internal policies and within designated discretionary limits. Specifically, to carry out analysis of credit applications for regulated banks, government related entities (GREs) and sovereigns in emerging markets in the EMEA region.
• To assist the Head of ECD in the decision-making process with regard to credit applications in excess of personal designated discretionary limits and, where necessary, provide supporting summary opinions / recommendations to Senior Management and Head Office (HO).
• To monitor developments by Country and across the Financial Institution sector, identifying major risk factors and investigating any adverse trends that may affect existing clients / quality of book; bringing these to the attention of Senior Management.
• To support the ongoing development of a high calibre group of EM credit risk and Sovereign risk professionals, including the provision of training and mentoring as necessary. Ensuring team structure and coverage model is optimized to provide best support of CIB business strategy from a risk management perspective.
• To assist the Head of ECD in the running of the Credit Department function, including, as requested, attendance at internal and external Bank meetings.
• To develop and maintain information sources relevant to emerging market countries in EMEA to the extent of being ready to exchange views and/or opinions with external organizations such as other banks, institutions, rating agencies and so on.
• To initiate and/or undertake projects that will contribute to improved risk assessment of emerging countries.
• To research and establish policy guidelines and lending limits for countries which pose a heightened risk profile in the portfolio, liaising with HO Tokyo and other departments as necessary.
• To review and consider ways of improving upon existing credit procedures and guidelines (including, as necessary, systems for rating, monitoring and reporting on portfolio quality).
  
  

What do you need to succeed?

Essential

• 15 years + experience in relevant banking and/or other financial services roles
• Strong credit analysis and research skills. Experience of analysing banks, in particular emerging market banks.
• Experience in emerging market country risk analysis.
• Experience in International Banks, Central Banks, Government Ministries, Authorities, and/or Research Institutions. Some knowledge of financial crises and bank failures over the last two decades.
• A strong understanding of lending and derivatives products, including relevant documentation.
• Sufficient knowledge of Mizuho culture, philosophy, structure and policies (including rating systems and procedures and lending / pricing guidelines), or equivalent in an external institution
• Superior oral and written communication / presentation skills.
• Computer literate - word-processing / spreadsheet.
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment.
• Previous management experience; comfortable leading and motivating a team.
• Knowledge of Rating Agency methodologies.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience of lending and executing derivatives in emerging markets (Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East)
• Knowledge of UK/European legal systems and insolvency law
• Experience of other banking systems and procedures.
  
  

What Mizuho Can Offer You

Here at Mizuho, there are fantastic progression opportunities and clear paths to promotion. We will give you ample opportunity to affect change and to help grow our business.

In addition to the great opportunity outlined above we are also currently able to offer:

• Competitive starting salary, plus discretionary bonus
• Non-contributory pension
• 27 days’ annual leave
• Core working hours*
• Hybrid working - office and home based*
• Virtual GP
• Wellbeing benefits, including Mental Health Allies and First Aiders
• For applicable roles only
  
  

At Mizuho, we embrace flexible ways of working when the role permits. We offer different working arrangements like part-time, job-sharing and hybrid (office and home) working. Our purpose-led culture and global infrastructure help us connect, collaborate, and work together in agile ways to meet all our business needs.

At Mizuho we are committed to supporting equality, diversity and equality, and seek to create a workplace that is fully inclusive. We welcome applications from all sections of the community that we operate in and from all ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, beliefs, gender identities and disabilities

If you require more information about our equal opportunities policy or wish to discuss any accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments please contact the recruitment team – recruitment@mizuhoemea.com and we will be happy to help.