Director- Capital Markets

We are currently working with a hedge fund looking to add to their Capital Markets team in London. The ideal candidate would be sitting within the Syndication team of an investment bank focusing on emerging markets debt.

Key Responsibilities:

Primary Market Access & Syndication:

• Lead the sourcing and execution of new debt issuances in Emerging Markets Investment Grade (EM IG) across sovereigns, quasi-sovereigns, and corporates.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with syndicate desks at investment banks to ensure priority access to primary market issuances, managing the order book process, and negotiating allocations.
• Identify and assess new issuance opportunities in EM IG, focusing on relative value, new issue premiums, and market positioning.

Transaction Structuring & Execution:

• Work closely with internal teams (portfolio managers, analysts, traders) to evaluate and execute investment opportunities in EM IG bonds.
• Participate in the bookbuilding process for new debt offerings, ensuring the fund receives favorable allocations in oversubscribed issuances.
• Lead pricing and term negotiations for EM debt deals, ensuring the fund achieves competitive pricing and positioning within the capital structure.

Market Intelligence & Relationship Building:

• Maintain strong relationships with investment banks, sovereign issuers, and corporate clients to stay ahead of upcoming EM IG debt deals and market trends.
• Act as the key point of contact for capital markets transactions within the EM IG space, liaising with external parties and building relationships across syndicate desks.
• Stay updated on market developments, including macroeconomic and geopolitical factors impacting EM IG debt markets, providing insights and recommendations to the investment team.

Risk & Portfolio Management:

• Monitor risk exposures related to EM IG positions, including credit risk, liquidity risk, and country-specific risks, and collaborate with the risk management team to mitigate these risks.
• Work with portfolio managers to adjust strategies based on market conditions and new issuance flows, ensuring alignment with overall fund objectives.
• Perform credit analysis and valuation of new issuances, assessing yield spreads, risk premiums, and comparative bonds in secondary markets.

Strategy Development:

• Contribute to the development and execution of the capital markets strategy for the Emerging Markets IG space, identifying market dislocations and alpha-generating opportunities in both primary and secondary markets.
• Support broader investment and portfolio strategy discussions by providing expert insights on EM IG issuance trends, yield curves, and investor sentiment.

Key Qualifications:

• Syndication Desk Experience: Minimum 12-18 years of experience on a syndication desk at a major investment bank, with deep knowledge of EM debt markets and the primary issuance process.
• Emerging Markets Expertise: Strong understanding of the macroeconomic, political, and market-specific factors that impact Emerging Markets Investment Grade debt.
• Primary Market Relationships: Demonstrated ability to leverage a network of syndicate banks, issuers, and institutional investors to access new issuance opportunities.
• Analytical Skills: Strong financial analysis skills, particularly in credit analysis, relative value analysis, and debt pricing. Familiarity with EM debt covenants and legal structures.
• Execution and Negotiation Skills: Proven track record of leading the execution of EM IG bond issuances, including managing the order book and securing favorable allocations.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Ability to communicate complex market insights clearly and persuasively to internal stakeholders (portfolio managers, analysts) and external counterparties (banks, issuers).
• Risk Management: Experience with monitoring and managing risk exposures in EM IG bond portfolios, including credit, interest rate, and country-specific risks.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA/CFA) preferred but not required.

Attributes:

• Strong relationships across emerging markets-focused syndication desks at top investment banks.
• In-depth knowledge of new issue pricing, bookbuilding processes, and market dynamics.
• Proactive, self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced investment environment.
• Ability to handle multiple transactions simultaneously while maintaining high attention to detail.