Leveraged / Acquisition Finance Origination- Associate

Leveraged / Acquisition Finance Origination- Associate

ING's Acquisition Finance team, established in the 1990s, supports Private Equity clients by providing debt financing solutions for Leveraged Buyouts and recapitalisations. Ranked among the top five banks in the European leveraged loan market, the team originates and executes transactions for sophisticated investors and monitors portfolio companies for which the bank has provided financing. The team works with businesses across a wide variety of industries and lends ING's own capital alongside capital markets colleagues to structure and underwrite loan and bond solutions. Approximately 100 professionals cover the UK, Italy, the Nordics, Central Eastern Europe, North America and Asia.

Position

The Acquisition Finance Origination team in London seeks an Associate with 2-5 years of relevant experience (Leveraged Finance preferred). The London based team covers LBO candidates in the UK, Italy, the Nordics and Central Eastern Europe. The role involves executing sponsor backed leveraged finance transactions and leveraged corporates, supporting origination initiatives, working in live deal teams led by senior bankers, and gaining credit experience across various sectors.

Responsibilities

• Business Analysis - Research potential targets including company, market and valuation analysis, debt and equity analysis.
• Financial Modelling - Verify financial analysis and models prepared by Analysts for accuracy; recommend appropriate sensitivities based on credit analysis and due diligence findings.
• Presentations - Prepare pitch book presentations with senior support to communicate key insights to clients and the benefits of working with ING.
• Credit Papers - Prepare credit papers and present the deal outline to credit committees; ensure completion and accuracy of system and compliance requirements for credit packs.
• Due Diligence - Review full suite of reports, including financial and commercial due diligence, highlight issues and ensure findings are presented in credit packs.
• Legal - Support seniors on confidentiality letters, release letters, hold harmless letters; follow negotiation of terms sheets and loan documentation to build knowledge.
• Syndication - Work with Analysts to prepare syndication materials including Information Memorandum and management presentations; respond to investor questions in conjunction with senior colleagues.

Management / Operations

• Support seniors in managing the deal funding process and liaising with internal teams as necessary.
• Take responsibility for managing the KYC process, including obtaining KYC information in line with internal and regulatory standards.
• Make recommendations for process improvements and obtain support from senior colleagues.
• Collaborate and develop relationships with internal stakeholders including Risk Management, Loan Capital Markets, Debt Capital Markets, Legal, Portfolio, Deal Execution and Compliance teams, and other AF teams globally.
• Proactively manage and provide guidance to junior team members, including Analysts, graduates and interns, to support their development.
• Assemble client marketing presentations and internal presentations as needed.

Qualifications and Competencies

• A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Mathematics or a related quantitative field.
• 2-5 years of Leveraged Finance experience.
• Understanding of accounting principles and financial statements.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Driven individual able to work under limited direct supervision.
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Highly detail oriented and able to handle several projects simultaneously in a fast paced setting.