Leverage Finance & Stratum - Analyst

Profile Summary

Mizuho is seeking an ambitious Analyst to join Stratum, its European leveraged loan investment platform within the CIB Structured Financing Group (CSF). The team is responsible for sourcing and executing broadly syndicated European leveraged loans for managed account vehicles on behalf of third-party investors, as well as structuring and managing the Stratum investment vehicles.

The role combines leveraged finance credit analysis and execution, financial modelling, and active portfolio management. It also offers the opportunity to contribute to the development and launch of new Stratum investment vehicles and strategies. Analysts will develop investment views across new and existing credits, support portfolio construction, and assist with product analysis and investor materials as the platform grows.

As an Analyst, you will work closely with senior team members across the full investment lifecycle to evaluate new broadly syndicated leveraged loan opportunities, monitor existing investment portfolios, and support the development of new investment vehicles. You will gain practical experience in leveraged finance, portfolio management, and structured financing, with additional exposure to direct lending, third-party capital, and investor engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyse new broadly syndicated leveraged loan opportunities to assess borrower credit quality, with exposure to selective direct lending opportunities.
• Build and maintain LBO financial models, including historical and projected financials across base-case and downside scenarios, to assess debt serviceability and deleveraging capacity.
• Contribute to approval and execution processes, including due diligence, documentation review, and liaison with internal stakeholders and investors as required.
• Support the development and launch of new Stratum investment vehicles and strategies, including product and market analysis, portfolio construction, internal approvals, and investor materials.
• Actively monitor existing Stratum vehicles, identify emerging credit risks, propose secondary trades, and escalate findings to senior team members.
• Contribute to investor materials, portfolio reporting, and performance updates.
• Coordinate with relationship teams, credit, legal, middle office, and back office.
• Liaise with investors regarding new transactions and ongoing portfolio management.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• One to two years’ experience in leveraged finance, corporate credit, ratings, debt advisory, restructuring, private credit, or a related discipline.
• Exposure to leveraged loans and sponsor-backed financings is preferred.
• Strong analytical foundation and an interest in developing leveraged finance expertise.
• Sound financial modelling and accounting capabilities, including cash flow analysis and scenario modelling.
• Interest in structured finance, portfolio construction, and the development and launch of new investment vehicles and strategies.
• Exposure to portfolio monitoring, investment products, fund structures, or investor-driven capital is beneficial but not required.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial and credit analysis concisely.
• Intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to learning and professional development.
• Progress towards, or an interest in, a qualification such as the CFA is beneficial.
• Advanced Excel skills are expected. Experience with VBA, Python, SQL, or AI tools for automation and data analysis is beneficial but not required.

What Mizuho Can Offer You

Mizuho offers fantastic progression opportunities and clear paths to promotion. You will have ample opportunity to make an impact and help grow the business.

• Competitive starting salary, plus discretionary bonus.
• Non-contributory pension.
• 27 days’ annual leave.
• Core working hours, where applicable.
• Hybrid working, where applicable.
• Virtual GP.
• Wellbeing benefits, including Mental Health Allies and First Aiders.

Flexible Working and Inclusion

Mizuho embraces flexible ways of working where the role permits. Available arrangements may include part-time work, job sharing, and hybrid office and home-based working. Mizuho’s purpose-led culture and global infrastructure help colleagues connect, collaborate, and work together in agile ways to meet business needs.

Mizuho is committed to supporting equality and diversity and seeks to create a fully inclusive workplace. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the communities in which Mizuho operates, regardless of ethnic background, sexual orientation, beliefs, gender identity, or disability.

If you require more information about Mizuho’s equal opportunities policy or wish to discuss accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@mizuhoemea.com.