Asset-Based Lending Associate

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The ABL Associate works with the originations, underwriting and portfolio teams to support the overall execution process for asset-based lending transactions at Fifth Third Bank. The ABL team is responsible for pitching, structuring, and executing ABL and managing solutions across the entire Fifth Third Commercial Bank platform. 

Focused on supporting all aspects of originations, underwriting and portfolio management execution including originations support, deal screening, credit review/monitoring, loan approval preparation and presentation to credit teams, funding and operations and loan system setup and administration. Associates are involved in the deal process, providing key support to enable recommendations on appropriate credit structures, pricing, and related activities.

The ABL Associate may be responsible for indirect supervision and direction of the day-to-day activities of junior ABL professionals and may provide employee performance feedback.

Please see below for specific responsibilities and requirements for this role.  

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:  

The responsibilities for this role are below; you may support projects of varying complexity based on skill and organizational priorities.  

• Support day-to-day coverage, origination, and transaction management responsibilities for existing and prospective clients including covered Sponsors. 
• Prioritize and support a pipeline of ABL financing opportunities.
• Support underwriting approval and loan closing processes including loan systems setup and administration and preparation of presentation materials for credit approval.
• May manage the ongoing credit risk of a basic portfolio of ABL relationships and participate in portfolio meetings with senior management.
• May maintain up to date trend cards/portfolio review forms, credit files and legal files through our departments’ resources and capture and document credit decisions, conditions, and modifications.
• Supports multiple opportunities, partnerships and routines with key internal deal team members.
• Develops and maintains internal relationships with the coverage team including Relationship Managers/Credit Risk Officers.
• Develops and maintains external relationships with assigned customers, including regular client meetings and business development calls, helping to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
• Apply knowledge of credit analysis, asset-based lending and capital markets activity.
• Mentor more junior team members including analysts.
• Maintain a focus on continuous learning to keep up with ever-changing market dynamics.
• Basic familiarity with the ABL legal environment, including secured transaction laws and creditor rights, with a strong interest in further developing that knowledge.
• Required to successfully complete all required compliance training.
• Perform additional job related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor's degree required, ideally with concentration in Business, Finance or Accounting.
• 3-5 years credit analysis and/or loan review or underwriting experience in Commercial Banking including 1+ years of experience in an Asset Based Lending environment, in underwriting or field examination, or as a loan officer; or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of asset-based lending, private equity, capital markets, merger and acquisition structures, and experience with credit analysis is a plus.
• Familiarity with credit policies, procedures, and terminology.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Experience in originating and executing complex financial transactions is a plus.
• Analytical skills, critical thinking and verbal and written communication skills.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have intermediate knowledge of Word, PowerPoint and Excel spreadsheet software.  Proficient with technology and ability to learn new applications including commercial loan administration systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

Qualified candidates will bring emerging professional proficiency, generally acquired through 3-5 years of relevant work or internship experience in finance, accounting, or a related field. 

• Knowledge of asset-based lending, private equity, capital markets, merger and acquisition structures, and experience with credit analysis is a plus.
• Familiarity with credit policies, procedures, and terminology.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Experience in originating and executing complex financial transactions is a plus.
• Analytical skills, critical thinking and verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to work efficiently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS:

Successful candidates will demonstrate a higher degree of proficiency (typically from 3-5 years of practical experience or advanced academic exposure) across the following areas:

• Advanced Credit & Financial Structuring: Ability to structure ABL transactions, evaluate collateral quality, and apply knowledge of secured transaction laws and creditor rights.
• Strategic Relationship Management: Skilled in influencing stakeholders, managing client expectations, and fostering long-term partnerships to drive origination and portfolio growth.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to mentor analysts, delegate tasks effectively, and contribute to team development while ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
• Market Insight & Continuous Learning: Proactive in industry research, adaptable to changing conditions, and committed to expanding expertise in legal, tax, and regulatory aspects of ABL.

DOING THE RIGHT THING: Our employees take pride in doing the right thing for customers and colleagues as well as being accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and following policies and procedures that protect all our valuable assets —including you​.