Credit Analyst

This is a 9 Month FTC and can be based in either Athens or London

The Credit team is a standalone function responsible for counterparty credit risk appraisal. Peninsula's approach to credit analysis combines sound counterparty risk assessment with market analysis in order to provide well-justified recommendations.

This fixed-term role focuses on marine credit risk. The Credit Analyst will lead in-depth credit reviews and underwriting of shipping and marine counterparties, including shipowners, operators, charterers and bunker buyers. They will produce clear, well-evidenced credit reports and portfolio reporting on marine exposures, with limited involvement in day-to-day credit operations.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out comprehensive credit reviews of marine counterparties, including shipowners, operators, charterers, ship managers and bunker buyers.

• Analyse financial statements, fleet profiles, vessel values, charter coverage, leverage and liquidity to assess counterparty creditworthiness.

• Use all relevant research, investigation methods and available data, including KYC, ownership structures and industry sources, to justify credit recommendations.

• Conduct periodic reviews of existing marine counterparties and recommend changes to limits, terms or security where risk has shifted.

• Underwrite new and renewing credit limits for marine counterparties within the framework of the company's risk appetite.
• Recommend appropriate credit structures and mitigants, such as parent company guarantees, letters of credit, prepayment or credit insurance.

• Prepare well-reasoned credit papers for approval by the Credit Team Lead and relevant committees.
• Work with the credit insurance portfolio and underwriters to support cover for marine exposures.

• Ensure credit recommendations are compliant with the company's sanctions policy.

• Produce timely and accurate credit reports on marine counterparties and the shipping market.

• Prepare regular portfolio reporting on marine credit exposure, concentrations and key risk trends for management.

• Proactively monitor and report on freight markets, vessel values, regulation and other developments affecting marine counterparties.

• Perform ad hoc research and analysis on marine credit topics where required.

• Engage with traders, Front, Middle and Back Office, Legal and Finance on marine credit issues as they arise.

• Contribute to improving credit review and underwriting methodology for the marine sector.
• Support the wider Credit team on day-to-day operational matters only as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in credit analysis or underwriting, ideally in shipping, ship finance, marine insurance, commodities or energy.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, e.g. Finance, Economics, Business, Maritime Studies or Science.

• A credit or shipping qualification (e.g. ICS Shipbroking, CFA, ACCA or ICM) is an advantage.

• Solid understanding of the shipping industry, including vessel types, chartering, freight markets and how they drive counterparty risk.

• Experience analysing financial statements of private and public companies, including those with limited disclosure.

• Highly proficient in MS Office, specifically Excel; proficiency in programming languages is an advantage.

• Familiarity with credit insurance, trade finance instruments or security structures is an advantage.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present credit analysis clearly and concisely in written credit papers.

• Ability to manage multiple reviews concurrently and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and in a team.
• Ability to communicate at business level in a second language is an advantage.
• An open mind and a commitment to understanding other people's points of view in a multi-cultural work environment.