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

The Credit Officer Group (COG) works in partnership with the analytical, operations, legal and compliance groups to ensure Fitch’s ratings are timely, robust and consistent. COG forms part of Fitch’s Risk group which as the second line of defense is an important function in monitoring and maintaining Fitch’s controls. The group reports ultimately to the Chief Credit Officer.

The Credit Officer Group acts in a challenger function. COG focuses on risk identification, including offering alternative viewpoints; analyzing ratings performance and ratings comparability; linking rating trends with current fundamentals and macro-economic developments; participating directly at committee; criteria application and effectiveness; and overseeing the review of unique or complex ratings proposals.

GCOs form a global team, which consists of 17 colleagues across 12 cities, offering high visibility and direct involvement in critical credit decisions, strategy, and criteria development. The focus of this role will be on North American (U.S. and Canadian) banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), with a strong preference for the successful candidate to be based in a North American Fitch Ratings office.

The position adheres to Fitch’s onsite flex policy.

What We Offer:

The successful applicant will be part of the Group Credit Officer (GCO) function within Risk, responsible for all GCO functions covering North American banks and NBFIs. The GCO function offers high visibility through direct involvement in many important credit decisions and is a regular part of credit strategy discussions at Fitch Ratings.

We’ll Count on You To:

• 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,
• Attend committees and monitor the application of criteria and variations
• Participate in the criteria development process,
• Create a strong credit culture by being a role model for Fitch’s values of transparency, independence, timeliness, rigour & integrity and diversity & inclusion.
• Communicate with the analytical group on the most important credit topics impacting the rated portfolio,
• Discussion of ratings and risks with key market participants to exchange views and gather information regarding credit matters,
• Facilitate communication across regions to ensure a consistent approach to similar credit issues, including periodic organization and provision of training on credit matters,
• Lead and contribute to research on important credit themes, and
• Work closely with GCOs covering other asset classes and Regional Credit Officers in order to identify, discuss and address credit matters and economic issues that may impact multiple sectors.

What You Need to Have:

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

Why Choose Fitch:

• 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 designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and 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