Senior Associate, Investments

About the Company

SIMPL operates with a commitment to foster inclusive growth in emerging and frontier markets by providing debt financing to specialized financial services providers, early-stage and tech-enabled companies that operate at the intersection of inclusion and innovation in emerging and frontier markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Bangladesh.

Saison Investment Management Private Limited (SIMPL) is the cross-border lending arm of Saison International, a global financial company with a mission to bring people, partners and technology together, creating resilient and innovative financial solutions for positive impact.

Across its business arms of lending and corporate venture capital, Saison International is committed to being a transformative partner in creating opportunities and enabling the dreams of people.

Based in Singapore, over 1,000 employees work across Saison’s global operations spanning six countries - Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico and Brazil.

Saison International is the international headquarters (IHQ) of Credit Saison Company Limited, founded in 1951 and one of Japan’s largest lending conglomerates with over 70 years of history and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Company has evolved from a credit-card issuer to a diversified financial services provider across payments, leasing, finance, real estate and entertainment. To learn more about how Saison International is driving impact across our global operations, explore our full report - IMPACT FROM THE GROUND UP.

About the Role

SIMPL is led by a specialized, driven, internationally experienced team based in Singapore. The team focuses on sourcing and evaluating impact investment opportunities, assessing and managing the associated risks and impact of those investments, as well as executing and overseeing the transactions.

SIMPL is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Associate to join our dynamic team. As a Senior Associate, you will be responsible for growing the AUM with strong institutions in the region and for supporting senior team members in new projects as deem necessary. We are looking for an individual who has a strong foundation in investment management and is eager to take on greater responsibility in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, to play a key role in driving the company’s growth and expansion initiatives through various transactions and geographies.

What You Will Do (Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs))

• Identify new business opportunities to constantly feed the funnel, actively contributing to meeting SIMPL’s AUM targets, adjusting investment objectives and market conditions.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of potential investment opportunities, including financial modelling and industry/market/regulatory research. Provide recommendations on asset allocation and portfolio strategies.
• Responsible for on and off-site due diligences of potential investments for screened prospects.
• Prepare and present investment committee materials, including underwriting model and stress testing with minimal supervision.
• Foster strong relations with internal stakeholders to ensure fluid end-to-end deal investment process, including effective coordination with Governance, Legal & Finance.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to develop and refine investment strategies across various asset classes. Monitor market trends, economic indicators, and emerging opportunities. Contribute to special projects within the team, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to the highest standards.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal processes and systems, ensuring best practices are followed.

What You Will Bring (Skills & Qualifications)

• Undergraduate/post-graduate/professional degrees in fields such as finance, business administration, investments, economics/development, or related areas of study. CFA/ CPA holders preferred.
• 5 years or more of relevant experience in private credit, investment banking, or corporate lending, with exposure to offshore private credit opportunities.
• Strong understanding of the financial sector, fintech and other alternative lending platforms within the startup ecosystem in Asia. Knowledge of other regions is a plus.
• Strong understanding of business evaluation, credit and risk analysis, and financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced and multicultural environment, as well as to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive in taking ownership of projects and initiatives, with the ability to mentor and lead junior staff.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships, with a focus on delivering superior service.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and financial modelling.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to effectively present and explain complex concepts. Proficiency in regional languages, both spoken and written, is an added advantage.