Bilingual Credit Risk Associate

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

This role is responsible for the underwriting and portfolio management of a portfolio of Japanese 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.

• 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.

• 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 transactions.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.