Group Credit Officer (GCO) for Banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, Senior Director- New York

As one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in global capital markets by providing 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, resulting in 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.

About the role

The Credit Officer Group (COG) works in partnership with analytical, operations, legal, and compliance groups to ensure Fitch’s ratings are timely, robust, and consistent. COG forms part of Fitch’s Risk group, acting as the second line of defense to monitor and maintain controls, ultimately reporting to the Chief Credit Officer. The group serves as a challenger function, focusing on risk identification, ratings performance, criteria application, and oversight of unique or complex ratings proposals.

The focus of this role will be on North American (U.S. and Canadian) banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs). The position adheres to Fitch’s onsite flex policy, with a strong preference for the successful candidate to be based in a North American Fitch Ratings office.

Responsibilities

• Identify immediate and developing risks that deserve additional analytical focus
• Challenge the credit thinking of Fitch’s analytical groups with alternative viewpoints
• Assess Fitch’s rating performance and monitor the application of criteria and variations
• Attend committees and participate in the criteria development process
• Create a strong credit culture by modeling Fitch’s values of transparency, independence, timeliness, rigor, integrity, and diversity & inclusion
• Communicate with analytical groups on key credit topics impacting the rated portfolio
• Discuss ratings and risks with key market participants to exchange views and gather information on credit matters
• Facilitate communication across regions to ensure a consistent approach to similar credit issues, including organizing and providing training on credit matters
• Lead and contribute to research on important credit themes
• Work closely with GCOs covering other asset classes and Regional Credit Officers to identify, discuss, and address credit matters and economic issues impacting multiple sectors

Requirements

• Extensive 10+ years of credit experience with a Financial Institutions focus
• Prior experience in a rating environment is a strong plus but not essential
• Prior criteria development skills are desirable
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong data analysis skills
• Ability to engage stakeholders in alternative viewpoints constructively
• Demonstrated independence of thought

Benefits

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development, and mentorship programs
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings covering physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan
• Inclusive Work Environment: Collaborative workplace with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower colleagues globally

Pay

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $180,000 and $220,000. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors. Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits.