Director, U.S. Default Research

Fitch Ratings is currently seeking a Director, U.S. Default Research (Leveraged Finance) based out of our Toronto 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.

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How You'll Make An Impact

• Develop and maintain Fitch's U.S. bond and loan default forecasts.
• Maintain and expand a suite of research on U.S. defaults and U.S. leveraged market analysis.
• Communicate forecast rationale and analytical insights to external audiences (institutional investors, sell-side analysts, media) via meetings, calls, press releases, and written research.
• Write timely, effective research on topical issues and represent Fitch at industry panels and conferences.
• Mentor and manage junior members of the Leveraged Finance team.
• Liaise with operations and IT teams in the automation of the derivation of the data necessary to produce the default forecast.

You May Be a Good Fit If

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, including coverage or knowledge of the Leveraged Finance market.
• Strong understanding of credit analysis; analytical, quantitative, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Bloomberg, Excel (including macros), Word, PowerPoint; familiarity with Python, VBA, SQL a plus.

What Would Make You Stand Out

• Exceptional writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter who owns a research portfolio and self-manages with minimal oversight.
• Strong technical skills and ability to guide product development teams; process and project management strength.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to proactively engage stakeholders internally and externally; intellectual curiosity and ability to explain complex analytical topics.

Why Choose Fitch

• 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
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• 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.