Leveraged / Acquisition Finance Origination Associate

ING’s Acquisition Finance team was established in the 1990s to support Private Equity (financial sponsors) clients by providing debt financing solutions for Leveraged Buyouts and recapitalisations and is ranked among the top five banks in the European financial sponsor-backed Leveraged Loan market (source: Bloomberg, as of Jan 2024). The team works with businesses across a wide variety of industries and is responsible for originating and executing transactions for some of the world’s most sophisticated investors, as well as monitoring the portfolio companies for which the bank has provided financing. The Acquisition Finance team lends ING’s own capital and also works alongside capital markets colleagues to structure and underwrite transactions covering loan and bond solutions. Clients are covered by ~100 professionals in offices based across Europe, North America and Asia – the London team covers clients in the UK and the Nordic and Central Eastern European regions.

The Position
The Acquisition Finance origination team in London is seeking an Associate with around 2-4 years of relevant experience (Leveraged Finance experience preferred). The London team covers UK, CEE and Nordics. This position will involve working on the execution of sponsor-backed leveraged finance transactions and supporting origination initiatives. You will work in live deal teams led by senior bankers, gain credit experience across various industries and work on a range of loan / bond transactions. The position requires a self-starter who is able to take the initiative to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team setting.

Responsibilities
Technical

• Business Analysis – Research potential targets including completion of company, market and valuation analysis, (debt and equity) analysis.

• Financial Modelling – Verification of financial analysis and models prepared by Analysts to ensure accuracy. Recommend appropriate sensitivities based on credit analysis, discussions with the deal team and due diligence findings. 

• Presentations – Prepare pitch book presentations with support from seniors which communicate key thoughts to the client and the benefits of working with ING.  

• Credit Papers – Preparation of the credit papers and presentation of the deal outline to credit committee. Ensure the completion and accuracy of system and compliance related requirements for credit packs.

• Due Diligence – Review full suite of reports including financial and commercial due diligence, highlighting issues and ensuring findings are presented in credit packs.

• Legal – Support seniors on agreeing confidentiality letters, release letters and hold harmless letters. Follow the negotiations of terms sheets and loan documentation to build up knowledge.  

• Syndication – Responsible for working with the Analysts on the preparation of syndication materials including Information Memorandum and management presentation.  Respond to investor questions, in conjunction with senior colleagues.

Management / Operations

• Support seniors in managing the deal funding process, liaising with internal teams as necessary.

• Take responsibility for managing the KYC process including obtaining KYC information in line with internal and regulatory standards.

• Make recommendations as to how processes can be improved and obtain support and assistance in implementing ideas from senior colleagues.

• Internal Relationships – Collaborate and develop relationships with other internal stakeholders including Risk Management, Loan Capital Markets, Debt Capital Markets, Legal, portfolio team, Deal Execution and Compliance teams as well as other AF teams globally. 

• Proactively manage and provide guidance to more junior team members including Analysts, graduates and interns to support their development. 

• Assemble client marketing presentations and internal presentations as needed.

Qualifications and Competencies

• A Bachelor’s or Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Mathematics or related quantitative field

• 2-4 years of Leveraged Finance experience

• Understanding of accounting principles and financial statements

• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, etc.)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• You are a driven individual with ability to work under limited direct supervision

• You are able to work in a collaborative team environment

• You are a highly detail oriented and able to handle several projects at a time in a fast-paced setting

ING’s purpose is ‘Empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business’. Every ING colleague is given the opportunity to contribute to that vision. We champion self-reliance and foster a collaborative and innovative culture. The Orange Code is our global manifesto for how we stay true to our purpose and our tradition of reinvention and empowerment. It is made up of ING Values (we are honest; we are prudent; we are responsible) and ING Behaviours: (you take it on and make it happen; you help others to be successful; you are always a step ahead)  

For us, success will only be achieved if we act with Integrity.

Some companies see diversity as a box to be ticked. We see it as fundamental to our success and we encourage a proper work/life balance.  At ING, you will be judged on your performance in line with the Orange Code. And that’s a promise.

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