Structured Finance - Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities, Associate Director (New York)
New York, NY, US
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Fitch Ratings is a leading provider of credit ratings, commentary and research. Dedicated to providing value beyond the rating through independent and prospective credit opinions, Fitch Ratings offers global perspectives shaped by strong local market experience and credit market expertise. The additional context, perspective and insights we provide have helped fund a century of growth and enables our clients to make important credit judgments with confidence.
About the Team:
The U.S. RMBS group is seeking an Associate Director to help lead transaction coverage and contribute to criteria, research, and market engagement. In this role, you will lead end‑to‑end analysis and presentation of complex RMBS transactions; independently assess credit, cash flow, legal, and structural risks; chair or present at rating committees; mentor junior analysts; engage with issuers, arrangers, and investors; and contribute to thought leadership and criteria enhancements.
How You’ll Make an Impact:
- Lead primary and surveillance analysis of RMBS transactions, including collateral, structural, legal, and counterparty assessments
- Own cash flow modeling, scenario design, and sensitivity analysis; oversee model deployment and results interpretation
- Present recommendations at rating committees; chair committees as needed and document decisions to a high standard
- Drive criteria application and contribute to criteria development and methodological enhancements
- Produce high‑quality research, market commentary, and issuer/investor communications
- Manage and deepen assigned issuer and transaction relationships; represent Fitch in external meetings and conferences
- Coach and review the work of junior and senior analysts to ensure analytical rigor and consistency
- Monitor market developments, performance trends, and regulatory changes; translate insights into analytical viewpoints
You May Be a Good Fit if:
- You have 5–8 years of relevant experience in RMBS/ABS, mortgage credit, structured finance, or closely related capital markets roles
- You hold at least a bachelor’s degree; advanced degree and/or CFA/FRM is a plus
- You possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, including proficiency with cash flow modeling and large datasets
- You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and are comfortable engaging senior external stakeholders
- You thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and can manage multiple transactions and deadlines
What Would Make You Stand Out:
- Direct lead experience on RMBS new‑issue and surveillance mandates, including presenting or chairing rating committees
- Deep knowledge of U.S. mortgage products, origination/servicing practices, due diligence, and performance drivers
- Hands‑on experience with RMBS cash flow engines, loan‑level analytics, and scenario/sensitivity frameworks
- Demonstrated contributions to criteria, methodology consultations, or thought‑leadership publications
- Established relationships with RMBS issuers, arrangers, servicers, and investors
- Experience mentoring and reviewing the work of junior analysts; strong quality control and documentation discipline
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
- Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community
Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interest or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.
Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.
FOR NEW YORK AND CHICAGO: Expected base pay rates for the role are between $110,000 and $135,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individual basis and may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related considerations. Base pay is one component of Fitch’s total compensation package, which may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch, depending on the position.
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Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City