Edward

Analyst, GFRM - Credit Risk Management, London
Year of Hire: 2010

I work in GFRM Credit Risk Management. Credit Risk arises because the bank’s customers, clients or counterparties may not be willing or able to fulfil their contractual obligations and therefore losses could occur.

My typical day involves coming in about 7.30 am and reading through the financial news. After that, each day is different. My job as a Credit Officer covers a portfolio of industrial counterparties. This involves conducting full credit reviews on the companies (looking at their financial profile, business profile, management profile etc), working with the Front Office on new counterparties, and reviewing deals that are currently ongoing. I spend a lot of time talking to various areas of the bank (IBD, Sales, Trading, Legal etc) on the deals that are currently being negotiated and get the opportunity to interact with a number of very senior people from around the firm, as well as meeting with the management teams of the clients of the companies that I work with.

Meeting clients is my favourite part of the role. I’ve travelled to a number of cities in Europe and met with a wide variety of companies. I really find it useful to meet our clients and hear about their businesses first-hand.

I joined Barclays Capital in 2010 on the Graduate Programme. The ten week Initial Training Programme (ITP) was a great introduction to the firm and the variety of products that Barclays Capital offers. Whilst having gained a variety of experience working in global investment banks, this was an intense Programme that really pushed us into learning about financial markets and what drives them. The Programme goes into the detail of pricing and structuring products so was extremely useful. I also made a number of friends along the way (including my fiancée!).

The process was very efficient and the campus recruitment contacts were responsive and helpful. There were 3 interviews along with the other aspects of the assessment centre (testing, presentations, group exercises etc). The process was transparent, fair and you were interviewed by senior people in the areas that were hiring.

Upon completion of the Graduate Programme, I joined the GFRM European Corporates team in the Utilities division as a Sanctioner but quickly moved into the newly formed Industrials team where I'm currently a Sector Head of a portfolio of around 50 high profile clients. The Industrials team covers a variety of sectors including Airlines, Shippers, Manufacturers, Aerospace & Defense and Construction, and being in such a diverse team has taught me a lot about different industries and key risk factors to look out for. The Continuous Professional Education (part of the Graduate Scheme) allowed me to continue my classroom-based training, building on my ITP knowledge throughout my first year in the job. All in all, the Graduate Programme was an excellent introduction, not just to GFRM Credit Risk, but to the wider firm and its different business areas and set me up well for a career in GFRM.

I chose Barclays over the other firms I received offers from because of the strong reputation the firm has. I have a number of peers who work in the industry and have only heard positive things about Barclays Capital.

I was also impressed by the fact that Barclays Capital is still growing. Whilst other banks have reached their end business models, Barclays Capital is still evolving and we are fast on our way to becoming the leading global investment bank.

I like the fact that the management team are very approachable and involve people at all levels in many different aspects of decision making. The firm has a very collegiate culture and there is a definite level of respect for one another’s backgrounds and points of view.

You’re really pushed to go the extra mile and you’re rewarded for doing so. The work/life balance too is excellent and employees are encouraged to pursue sports and hobbies outside of the working environment. Indeed there are many clubs in which you can participate.

In addition to my normal role I am also actively involved in the AAA Forum and gradate recruitment exercises, which have allowed me to build my network within the department and the wider business. I know that all of the firm wide diversity and inclusion initiatives are very well regarded and many people I know are actively involved.

I’ve done a lot of work as a travel photographer and spend much of my time out taking photographs. I am also training for the Marathon des Alpes-Maritime in France and enjoy playing the piano and guitar.