Associate Director, Bank Ratings, Japan

Fitch Ratings is seeking an Associate Director, Financial Institution Ratings based out of Tokyo.  

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.

Becoming a member of our Fitch Ratings Asia Pacific team places you at the heart of a best-in-class organization, recognized by InsuranceAsia, FinanceAsia and Corporate Treasurer for its excellence and leadership in the credit rating industry. Our accolades and awards in the region are a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. As one of our colleagues, you'll engage with a diverse and dynamic community, gaining valuable experience and opportunities for growth in one of the world's largest financial markets.

About the Team

As a part of the APAC Financial Institutions Ratings Group, you would be responsible for the credit ratings of financial institutions in Japan and report to the Japan team head in Tokyo.

Fitch Ratings Japan Limited was established in 2010, with the Japan office established back in 1989.

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

• Analytical coverage of the portfolio of rated Japanese banks and non-bank financial institutions, presenting and supporting your credit views and recommendations to rating committees
• Maintain analytical relationships with rated entities, including through regular meetings and communication of rating outcomes to senior management
• Produce timely market commentary in support of analytical work, and present views and maintain relationships with market participants, including investors, bankers, regulators and the media.
• Actively participate in rating committees for entities in other markets and contribute to robust internal analytical discussions and regional research projects
• Strictly adhere to Fitch’s internal policies and procedures and regulatory requirements, including preparation of reports as required/requested
• Collaborate closely with a team of local and international credit analysts from the region, and mentor junior analysts

You May be a Good Fit if:

• You have a minimum of six years of relevant credit experience in FI analysis from a credit rating agency, bank, regulator, investment manager (or similar institution), or consulting/accounting firm
• You demonstrate a strong ability to distill and explain forward-looking analytical insights through a deep understanding of rated entities and analysing their financial data and filings, working both independently as well as collaboratively in an international environment
• You are confident and persuasive in articulating your analytical views with internal and external stakeholders. Excellence in spoken and written English, as well as in Japanese, is essential.
• You have a strong understanding of Japan’s financial system, with up-to-date knowledge of macroeconomic, regulatory and market developments
• You have proficiency in use of Excel/Word/PowerPoint/AI

 What Would Make You Stand Out: 

• You speak and write well, making persuasive arguments that convince others to your credit views. This would include challenging the viewpoints of other senior analysts through compelling analysis.
• You are a strong team player and have good communication skills to work effectively with colleagues from offices across the region.
• You have a broad international perspective in credit matters, employing not just in-depth analysis, but also lateral and strategic thinking.

Why Choose Fitch: 

• Hybrid Work Environment: a minimum of 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated training, leadership development and mentorship programmes designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: 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. 

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