Bilingual Japanese Credit Risk Associate

A leading international financial institution is seeking a Bilingual Credit Risk Associate to join its Corporate Banking team in New York.

This role is responsible for the underwriting and portfolio management of a portfolio of corporate clients, including complex lending relationships involving large credit exposures, non-investment grade borrowers, structured finance transactions, and companies with sophisticated corporate structures.

The successful candidate will work closely with Relationship Managers, Credit Administration, and other internal stakeholders to support high-quality credit decisions and prudent portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform due diligence and periodic credit reviews for assigned corporate clients
• Analyze credit risk and recommend appropriate internal risk ratings
• Prepare detailed credit memoranda and credit approval packages for new and existing credit facilities
• Evaluate borrowers' financial condition, industry trends, business performance, and legal risks
• Manage assigned credit portfolio and ensure timely completion of annual reviews and other required credit actions
• Develop a thorough understanding of commercial banking products, including loans, standby letters of credit, trade finance, foreign exchange, derivatives, securitization, and leasing
• Interview senior management of borrowers, when appropriate, to better understand their business strategies, financial performance, and risk profile
• Maintain communication with Relationship Managers and, when appropriate, directly with assigned clients
• Coordinate critical credit information with internal departments to ensure timely credit administration
• Monitor covenant compliance, reporting requirements, facility maturities, and other ongoing portfolio obligations
• Perform other credit risk management duties as assigned

Deal Support

• Support new lending opportunities from the credit underwriting perspective
• Analyze proposed transaction structures and identify key credit risks and mitigating factors
• Recommend appropriate loan structures, terms, and financial covenants consistent with the Bank's credit policies
• Advise Relationship Managers on credit-related issues to help structure sound and profitable transaction
• Coordinate with Credit Administration and other internal stakeholders throughout the credit approval process
• Ensure compliance with applicable banking regulations and the Bank's internal credit policies and procedures
• Support portfolio monitoring, regulatory reporting, and other credit risk management initiatives
• Assist with process improvements and ongoing enhancements to credit risk management practices
• Provide guidance and on-the-job support to junior team members, when appropriate

Qualifications
Required

• Required Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in commercial banking, corporate banking, credit analysis, risk management, corporate finance, investment banking, accounting, consulting, or another related financial analysis role
• Strong knowledge of financial statement analysis and corporate credit
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English

Preferred

• Preferred experience working with Japanese corporate clients
• Experience underwriting middle-market or large corporate lending transactions
• MBA, CFA, or other relevant professional certification
• Knowledge of commercial lending products and banking operations