Introduction:

Our client is a leading global asset management firm seeking an experienced Credit Analyst Manager to join its Japan investment team. This is an opportunity for a credit professional to contribute to investment decision-making across Japanese corporate bond issuers, combining fundamental credit analysis, market analysis, ESG integration, and active engagement with issuers and market participants.

About the Role:

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting in-depth credit analysis of primarily Japanese companies and providing timely investment recommendations to Portfolio Managers. The role covers the full credit research process, including fundamental and industry analysis, capital structure and covenant analysis, relative value assessment, and ESG-integrated credit research.

The position also involves close collaboration with internal investment professionals and external market participants, including corporate issuers, rating agencies, and sell-side analysts. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of investment ideas and to work collaboratively with colleagues across overseas offices.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct fundamental credit analysis of primarily Japanese corporate bond issuers, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Prepare fully ESG-integrated credit research reports based on internal credit assessment frameworks, with some reports prepared in English.
• Conduct industry and semi-macro analysis to support individual credit assessments.
• Analyze capital structures, including covenants, subordination, and other structural considerations.
• Conduct relative value and spread valuation analysis using fundamental credit views and relevant market information.
• Provide timely and actionable investment recommendations to Portfolio Managers.
• Participate in issuer IR meetings and maintain relationships with external resources, including rating agencies and sell-side equity and credit analysts.
• Contribute to active stewardship activities, including ESG-related engagement with issuers.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports and materials for internal investment meetings.
• Develop explanatory and presentation materials for external meetings, with some materials prepared in English.
• Collaborate with peer analysts and investment professionals across international offices to develop and share investment ideas.

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience in credit or equity analysis within a financial institution, asset manager, or rating agency.
• Strong credit analysis experience is preferred, particularly within an active fixed-income investment management environment.
• Equity analysis experience is also considered relevant.
• Strong understanding of corporate credit fundamentals, financial markets, and investment analysis.
• Ability to conduct independent research and translate analysis into timely investment recommendations.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Native-level Japanese and fluent English are required.
• CFA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent qualifications are preferred.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, international environment.

Why Apply:

• Join a global investment platform with an established presence in Japan and international collaboration across investment teams.
• Take a central role in credit research and investment decision-making, with direct exposure to Portfolio Managers.
• Gain broad exposure across fundamental credit research, industry analysis, relative value, capital structure, and ESG-integrated investment analysis.
• Work closely with corporate issuers, rating agencies, sell-side analysts, and other market participants.
• Contribute to active stewardship and ESG engagement activities alongside traditional fundamental credit research.
• Develop and share investment ideas within a collaborative, global research environment.
• Hybrid working arrangement with compensation based on experience and capabilities, including base salary and annual incentive bonus.