Associate, Project Finance & Corporate Banking

Role Description

The Global Structured Finance and Corporate Banking team is looking for a Toronto-based Associate to support the origination and execution of new project finance and corporate banking transactions in the sectors of renewable energy, conventional power & utility, natural resources, and infrastructure including TMT. This is a dynamic portfolio and the willingness to adapt to new industries will be key. The Associate will provide analytical and marketing support through the preparation of financial models, complex credit analyses, credit applications, term sheets, presentation materials (pitch books), industry research, as well as through ongoing monitoring and review of the loan portfolio.

Role Objectives

• Support the negotiation, structuring, and execution of new transactions, and cross-selling products (derivatives, DCM, trade finance, etc.) in collaboration with global team members in SMBC Group.
• Support the due diligence of new transactions (legal contracts, third party reports, credit documentation, etc.) with an emphasis on identifying and assessing risks arising from due diligence and supporting the structuring of transactions to mitigate risk.
• Assist in preparing and presenting internal memos for new transactions, assessing profitability, preparing credit applications, and completing all internal workflow required for approvals, middle/back-office checks, etc. to facilitate the timely execution of new transactions.
• Build and manipulate financial models for purposes of projections and sensitivity analyses.
• Continuously monitor and manage existing transactions, including credit reviews and processing of waivers and amendments, internal reports, and special credit requirements.
• Coordinate AML/KYC and client onboarding activities to ensure that all business activities are in full compliance with all Bank policies and procedures, including Anti-Money Laundering policies, and the requirements of the relevant regulatory bodies as communicated by SMBCCB’s Compliance Department.
• Ensure compliance of all internal and external matters in accordance with banking regulations, bank policy, and best practices.
• Undertake research and analytics related to specific sectors, regions or loans, and stay abreast of industry trends, opportunities, and general market conditions.
• Assist with the preparation of budgets and account plans for future business and prepare other analyses or reports as required.
• Support marketing and origination of new transactions by preparing pitch books and marketing materials and attending client meetings with senior colleagues.
• Attend bank meetings, industry events, conferences, and seminars.

Qualifications and Skills

• University degree in Business or Economics.
• Able to quickly learn and adapt to new processes and systems. Works well in a culturally diverse and team-oriented environment. Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and an interest in continuouslearning. Knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and foreign banks in general are desirable.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, ability to synthesize large amounts of information, analyze risk, and identify mitigating factors.
• Self-driven and motivated; takes personal ownership of specific assignments with the ability to work independently with minimal guidance under time constraints. Committed to developing high-end financial modeling skills and competency in the review and negotiation of financing documentation.
• Highly collaborative and flexible in a team and client environment and ability to form good relationships internally and externally. Excellent communication and presentation skills both written and verbal; comfortable presenting and negotiating externally with clients and key industry contacts and internally with senior management and credit department. Able to coordinate and communicate with various internal departments across the bank.
• Ability to organize thoughts and clearly articulate points and provide summaries and explanations of transactions, verbally or in writing to management or other internal departments.
• Experience in preparing credit applications, performing cash flow analysis, ability to read and interpret financial statements, and strong accounting skills. Must be proficient in the use of MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail and an ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner against strict deadlines.
• Good understanding of, and interest in Project Finance, Power and Energy industry as well as Infrastructure including TMT such as data centre.
• 2-5 years of relevant professional experience in project finance or corporate/investment banking viewed positively.

Interpersonal/Communications

Internal: All Toronto Staff
External: Customers – relationship and business opportunities
Other Banks – syndications / exchange of information
Counterparts in SMBC affiliates
Advisors (Lawyers / Accountants / Engineer / Insurance Consultants) - advisory

Working Conditions

Attention to details Significant
Deadlines Significant
Environment Open office / Hybrid Work Model
Other Availability for weekday evenings and weekend on-call schedules required to support critical operations.

About SMBC

SMBC Group is a top-tier global financial group. Headquartered in Tokyo and with a 400-year history, SMBC Group offers a diverse range of financial services, including banking, leasing, securities, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Group has more than 130 offices and 80,000 employees worldwide in nearly 40 countries. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMFG) is the holding company of SMBC Group, which is one of the three largest banking groups in Japan. SMFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York (NYSE: SMFG) stock exchanges. In the Americas, SMBC Group has a presence in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. Backed by the capital strength of SMBC Group and the value of its relationships in Asia, the Group offers a range of commercial and investment banking services to its corporate, institutional, and municipal clients. It connects a diverse client base to local markets and the organization’s extensive global network. The Group’s operating companies in the Americas include Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC), SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., SMBC Capital Markets, Inc., SMBC Rail Services LLC, Manufacturers Bank, JRI America, Inc., SMBC Leasing and Finance, Inc., Banco Sumitomo Mitsui Brasileiro S.A., and Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd. SMBC provides reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities consisted with applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation during the application process, please let us know as [email protected]. SMBC is an EO employer – M/F/Disability