Review: Experienced Credit Officer - Institutional Credit Management (ICM) Funds Underwriting

This opportunity within Citi's Institutional Credit Management (ICM) team presents a compelling prospect for seasoned credit risk professionals looking to make a significant impact within a crucial First Line of Defense function. The role focuses on counterparty credit risk (CCR) management for a diverse client base of Real Money Funds, including asset managers, investment advisors, and pension funds. It's a chance to engage directly with complex financial products and contribute to robust risk frameworks.

Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: As a Credit Officer, you will be at the forefront of managing and underwriting credit exposures for significant client relationships. This involves not only analyzing portfolio risk but also contributing to the approval of new clients, large transactions, and advising on risk mitigation strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role offers extensive opportunities to partner with front-office businesses, independent risk teams, and quantitative specialists. This collaborative environment fosters a holistic understanding of risk management and allows for influence over strategic risk initiatives, including model development and new product approvals.
• Client Interaction: Directly engaging with clients provides valuable real-world experience and the chance to build strong relationships, contributing to a nuanced understanding of their business and associated risks.
• Broad Product Exposure: The mandate covers a wide array of Markets and Banking products, including derivatives, financing, and direct lending. This breadth of exposure is invaluable for developing a comprehensive understanding of financial risk across multiple asset classes (rates, equities, foreign exchange, credit, and commodities).
• Career Development: This position is an excellent platform for deepening expertise in risk management, particularly in the complex world of Funds. The emphasis on utilizing cutting-edge risk models and techniques, coupled with the opportunity to influence strategic direction, makes it a strong stepping stone for career advancement in financial risk.
• Skill Enhancement: You'll have the chance to refine your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, while also gaining hands-on experience with risk management tools and potentially contributing to strategic risk infrastructure development. Proficiency in Excel with VBA and a basic understanding of Python would be advantageous.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience is Key: The role requires a minimum of 5-7 years of credit risk experience at a major financial institution, with a strong preference for experience in Real Money Funds, Asset Managers, Hedge Funds, or Financial Institutions.
• Quantitative Acumen: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field (mathematics, science, finance/economics, risk management) is essential. While an MBA, CPA, or CFA is preferred, formal credit training is also highly valued.
• Deep Product and Risk Knowledge: A solid understanding of Funds market products, relevant CCR risk measures, and credit review and analysis techniques is crucial. Candidates should be comfortable with portfolio risk analysis and its impact across various asset classes.
• Analytical Rigor: The ability to think from first principles, challenge assumptions, and assimilate data into actionable insights through quantitative modeling is a cornerstone of this role.
• Communication and Teamwork: While independent work is expected, the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, cross-functional teams and clearly communicate complex risk findings to senior management is paramount.

In summary, this Credit Officer position within Citi's ICM Funds Underwriting team offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for individuals with a strong foundation in credit risk and a passion for managing complex financial exposures. It's an ideal role for those seeking to expand their expertise, influence strategic risk management, and operate within a globally recognized financial institution.