Structured Finance - ABS, Director - Toronto

Structured Finance - Director, Asset-Backed Securities (Auto ABS)

Requisition

Business Unit:
Fitch Ratings

Category:
Credit Analysis & Research

Location:

Austin, TX, US

Fitch Ratings is adding a highly motivated credit professional to the Asset‑Backed Securities (ABS) team as a Director. This position will focus on Auto ABS, including prime and subprime auto loans, auto leases, dealer floor plan, auto fleet, and rental car securitizations – spanning the largest captive finance companies and bank lenders to specialty and emerging platforms. The candidate will need to be flexible to work within this broad auto finance space with motivation to cross‑learn other ABS sectors.

Successful candidates should demonstrate previous experience in auto lending, vehicle finance, or ABS and an ability to lead new transaction analysis and independently formulate credit views. Strong communication skills are essential to this leadership role with broad internal and external opportunities within this sector.

What We Offer:

This position offers the opportunity to lead and manage projects focusing on the oversight and strategic development of auto ABS transactions and sector coverage across major captive and bank issuers, specialty lenders, fleet operators, and emerging platforms.

We'll Count on You To:

• Oversee the monitoring of existing auto ABS ratings and direct new rating assignments across auto loan, lease, dealer floor plan, fleet, and rental car securitization structures.
• Provide leadership in analyzing credit, legal, and structural elements of complex auto ABS transaction structures, including residual value risk, fleet depreciation, and borrower credit performance.
• Ensure the production of high‑quality written reports, including credit committee presentations, criteria development, and market commentary.
• Represent Fitch in communicating rating methodologies and criteria to senior stakeholders, issuers, and investors.
• Lead major research initiatives and drive the development of new or updated criteria within the auto ABS sector.
• Cultivate and enhance relationships across the very large auto finance, fleet management, and vehicle lending market.

You May be a Good Fit if:

• You hold a BA/BS degree and a minimum of 7 years of work experience. Direct experience in auto finance or auto ABS – buy‑side, sell‑side, or at a rating agency is preferred.
• You have demonstrable understanding of auto loan and lease performance metrics and direct experience analyzing vehicle finance portfolios.
• You have understanding of capital markets, debt issuance, and securitization structures, particularly those used in auto loan term ABS, lease securitizations, dealer floor plan revolving facilities, and fleet/rental car transactions.
• You have a strong track record of analytical and quantitative skills.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including confidence to communicate with issuers, bankers, investors, and other market participants.
• You enjoy working collaboratively and have strong interpersonal skills.

What Would Make You Stand Out:

• Direct experience in auto capital markets or analysis of auto ABS portfolios — across any combination of loans, leases, floor plan, fleet, or rental car — is prized.
• Technical understanding of auto ABS structural features, including sequential and pro rata payment mechanics, residual value exposure.
• Passion for cars! and loss forecasting, borrower credit performance analytics, and vehicle market dynamics, with practical experience showcasing strong technical ability.
• Experience reviewing legal documentation relating to the issuance of ABS debt (e.g., servicing agreements, indentures, sale and contribution agreements).

Fitch Group is a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Wholly owned by the Hearst Corporation, we are comprised of three main businesses:
Fitch Ratings | Fitch Solutions | Fitch Learning.

Fitch Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affiliation 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.