Criteria Officer, Risk - New York & US Offices (Chicago, IL, US) at Homepage | Fitch Group

As one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in global capital markets by providing credit analysis, ratings, research, and commentary to financial market participants. For over 100 years, Fitch Ratings has been creating value for global markets through its rigorous analysis and deep expertise, which have resulted in a variety of market leading tools, methodologies, indices, research, and analytical products. Fitch Ratings is part of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries, which also includes Fitch Solutions. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst.

Explore a career at Fitch Ratings and you’ll join a collaborative network of curious minds. Here, our differences are our strengths - in life as well as our work. Together we work with integrity and objectivity to provide clarity to the world’s financial markets. We pride ourselves on our ability to harness the ideas, expertise, and professionalism of our global workforce, which is integral to our continued success. The accessibility and depth of experience of our industry leading analysts, combined with our broad sector credentials, allow us to help market participants make important credit decisions with confidence.

Fitch Ratings is currently seeking a Criteria Officer based out of one of our major North American or European offices.  

About the Team

The global Criteria Review and Approval Group (CRAG) independently reviews and approves all of Fitch’s criteria and models, to ensure that they are rigorous, systematic, and can be objectively validated. Through our independent reviews, we seek to drive analytical excellence, ensure Fitch’s criteria are market-leading, and control Fitch’s risk.

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

3-5 bullets on responsibilities this role will have. Tie these to larger goals within the organization and avoid generic statements.

• Work with senior members of the analytical team, including global group heads, and others such as credit officers, to drive the review and approval of market-leading criteria and models at Fitch;
• Work across all asset classes and geographies and to broaden your understanding of all sectors and the global credit markets;
• Collaborate with a strong senior team that works closely together, sharing knowledge and providing support, in a very dynamic environment. 

You May be a Good Fit if:

• You have a strong credit background and at least 10 years experience in Structured Finance credit analysis, preferably with exposure to different securitization techniques;
• Broad experience chairing rating committees and/or influencing credit decisions by insisting on robust, evidence-based arguments with the courage of conviction to challenge proposals where necessary;
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and a network within Fitch that supports driving criteria results with many stakeholders involved. 

What Would Make You Stand Out: 

• ‘Hard’ quantitative and/or modeling skills to support the group’s evaluation of quantitatively complex model and criteria proposals;
• Prior experience in model or criteria development.

Why Choose Fitch: 

• Hybrid Work Environment: 2 to 3 days a week in office required based on your line of business and location
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interests or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. 

FOR NEW YORK ROLES ONLY: Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $170,000 and $200,000 per year. Actual salaries will be determined on an individualized basis and may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors.  Base pay is one part of Fitch’s total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, discretionary bonuses, long-term incentives, and other benefits sponsored by Fitch.