Credit Research Head

About the role

Job Description Hello future Credit Research Head Ashburton Investments is a new generation investment manager, which offers investors access to diverse sources of return and ways to manage risk. In both the South African institutional space and globally. We pride ourselves on offering solutions to address clients' holistic needs, and to support business strategies in the reallocation of investment capital in the face of increasing regulatory pressures. We see institutions as but not limited to, pension funds, long and short-term insurers, re-insurers, as well as medical aid schemes. The Credit Research function oversees the credit exposures within the Ashburton Investments portfolios/mandates. This includes but is not limited to credit funds as well as full discretionary mandates for both local and offshore in both the listed and unlisted space. This role reports to Ashburton Investments Chief Executive Officer. The Head of Credit Research will also be a member of the investment committee, chaired by Ashburton's Chief Investment Officer. The Head of Credit Research will ensure that the investment process is implemented by driving the research effort by analysts in order that credit applications are submitted timeously to Ashburton Investments Credit Committee. This role entails working closely with the Risk function in Ashburton Investments to ensure all breaches per credit limits are reported timeously, and specific action is taken to address the breaches. In addition, the Head of Credit Research will work alongside the Senior Portfolio Management team to ensure that credit names that are being considered for inclusion in the portfolio are prioritized. Critical to this role is the management of credit default rates. This role requires the incumbent to display strong analytical insight coupled with in-depth credit knowledge to thoroughly assess the risk inherent in counterparties. The role will include the following responsibilities: Management All existing functions performed by the Head of Credit Research. The candidate must take full responsibility for the Credit Research function. Propose and oversee the credit research strategy and framework for the Ashburton Investments business. Ensure that the research process is congruent with Ashburton Investments Credit Charter. The successful candidate will be required to manage a team of credit analysts and their submissions to the relevant investment committees and report to governance committees within Ashburton Investments related to Credit risk. Management of all credit exposures which are owned by Ashburton Investments portfolios and being considered for future inclusion. Responsible for assessment of new transactions where Credit risk is undertaken across the business. Interaction with the relevant Legal Advisor to ensure that Legal agreements are concluded in alignment with the Credit Committee approval. Management and scheduling of investment submissions to the Ashburton Investments Credit Committee and Ashburton Investments Credit Governance Committee to ensure smooth running of the committees. Management of distressed counterparties. Chairing of the Ashburton Investments Delegated Credit Committee. Management of exposure limits, ratings, and systems for Credit exposures. Work closely with the Risk department and directly report any breaches in terms of concentration and risk limits. Attendance, input and interaction at relevant forums, committees etc. related to Credit Risk. Preparation, assessment and reporting of all credit names in terms of Ashburton Investments ESG framework. Ad hoc requests related to Credit Research function. Stakeholder Engagement Providing key stakeholders with pro-active research insights into trends, market risk appetite, issues, threats, and opportunities in all credit portfolios. Be proactive in sharing insights to the investment teams and relevant committees in respect of counterparties where credit exposure is taken. Work in collaboration with the Head of Credit and Portfolio Managers, to ensure alignment in thinking about credit exposures. Asset Class Knowledge Provide insight and keep stakeholders in the credit business appraised of names on the surveillance and watchlists. Facilitate the understanding of the suitability of instruments for specific portfolios in accordance with their mandates. Propose strategies for managing identified risks in existing and potential new credit names. Analysis Creation of appropriate credit risk models used for performance monitoring oversight. Proactively manage credit risk metrics that are identified via risk dashboards and reporting. You will be an ideal candidate if you: Have completed Mcom / MSc Hons degree in finance, investment management and/or mathematics - other qualifications can be considered. CA(SA), CFA an advantage Minimum 8 years relevant experience in an asset management or investment banking environment and exposure to credit portfolio

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