Private Credit Associate, Specialty Finance

About the Role

A leading global investment firm with approximately $20B in AUM is seeking a Private Credit Associate to join its Specialty Finance investing team in Chicago, IL. The platform provides creative and flexible capital solutions across a broad range of specialty finance sectors, partnering with both established and emerging asset originators to structure and finance portfolios of financial assets. Backed by significant institutional capital and a long-term investment horizon, the team focuses on sourcing, underwriting, and managing complex asset-based and specialty finance investments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed due diligence and underwriting of specialty finance and asset-based investment opportunities.
• Analyze collateral performance, asset-level cash flows, portfolio characteristics, and structural credit protections.
• Build and maintain complex financial models to evaluate investment opportunities and portfolio performance.
• Prepare comprehensive investment memoranda and present recommendations to senior investment professionals.
• Monitor existing investments and assess ongoing credit performance, covenant compliance, and risk factors.
• Perform industry, market, and competitor research across specialty finance sectors.
• Support transaction structuring, documentation, and execution processes alongside legal and external advisors.
• Assist with portfolio management initiatives and participate in strategic projects across the platform.
• Collaborate with senior team members, originators, and counterparties throughout the investment lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 2-4+ years of relevant experience in private credit, specialty finance, asset-based finance (ABF), structured credit, investment banking, or other credit-focused investing roles.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, including experience evaluating credit risk and complex financing structures.
• Understanding of specialty finance asset classes such as consumer finance, equipment leasing, commercial finance, receivables, transportation, mortgage-related assets, or other asset-backed opportunities is preferred.
• Experience conducting detailed due diligence and preparing investment recommendations.
• Strong academic credentials with a demonstrated track record of achievement.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial and collaborative investment environment.

About the Team

This is an attractive opportunity to join a growing specialty finance platform with significant capital to deploy and exposure to a diverse range of asset-based and specialty credit investment opportunities.