Funds Ratings - Director (Dublin)
KBRA Europe Limited is seeking a Director to join our growing Funds Ratings team in the Dublin office. The Funds team assigns and monitors credit ratings on various debt instruments issued by funds and other fund vehicles. KBRA evaluates financing instruments that support fund operations, enhance liquidity, and optimize capital structures. These include subscription credit lines, NAV-based loans and credit facilities, and feeder fund rated notes. KBRA’s growing ratings portfolio encompasses funds leveraging a variety of investment strategies, including fixed income securities, private equity, private credit, direct lending, real estate, infrastructure, and asset-based financing. A strong candidate will have extensive experience and interest in fund investment and credit strategies and how funds operate, deploy capital, and generate cash flows.
The Director will lead the new issuance rating process, evaluating key factors such as an issuance’s capital structure, legal protection, collateral quality, cash flow dynamics, and the manager’s experience and track record. Responsibilities include conducting due diligence meetings with issuers and managers to assess their investment process, experience, risk management skills, and overall ability to execute strategies. The role also involves preparing rating memos and new issuance reports, making recommendations to the rating committees, and leading ongoing monitoring and surveillance processes to keep abreast of developments on outstanding issuances and ratings. Additionally, the Director will develop and maintain complex spreadsheets and databases, collaborate with KBRA experts in other sectors, supervise and mentor junior team members, and represent KBRA at industry conferences, panels, and investor meetings.
Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or Math-related fields or any subject that results in strong analytical skills. A minimum of eight years of work experience in fund finance, investing, or structured finance is required. Experience with investment strategies in private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, and asset-based lending facilities is essential. Understanding of subscription lines, NAV financing, hybrid facilities, rated feeders, or other fund finance products is necessary. Proficiency in Excel is required to build and analyze financial models to assess asset cash flow projections and debt repayment under stress scenarios. Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills to work as an integral part of a highly collaborative team, are also important. A CFA designation or interest in obtaining a CFA is a plus.
KBRA offers a flexible hybrid work schedule, with Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the office. Competitive benefits and paid time off are provided, along with a pension plan and educational and professional development financial assistance. An employee referral bonus program is also available.
KBRA (Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC) is a full-service credit rating agency registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority pursuant to the Temporary Registration Regime. In addition, KBRA is designated as a designated rating organization by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe is located at One George's Quay Plaza, Dublin 2, Ireland.