Associate, Asia Direct Lending

Job description

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry. Job Description We are seeking a high-calibre investment professional with a strong analytical foundation and a genuine interest in private credit and direct lending. The Associate will be an integral member of Ares' Asia Direct Lending team, supporting the full investment lifecycle across sourcing, underwriting and credit analysis, transaction execution, and post-closing portfolio management. The role provides exposure to the end-to-end investment process, from opportunity screening and underwriting through execution and ongoing portfolio monitoring. This is a highly interactive role that combines rigorous financial analysis and modelling with investment judgement, transaction execution, and external engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with senior investment professionals, management teams, and sponsors while gaining meaningful responsibility throughout the investment lifecycle. Candidates with less experience may be considered for the Analyst level. Primary Functions & Essential Responsibilities Perform detailed financial and market research and analysis to support investment decisions across new credit opportunities Screen and assess new investment opportunities Build and maintain complex Excel financial models, including cash flow analysis, debt sizing and structuring Preparation and presentation of investment committee materials Prepare presentations and pitches for internal and external use Analyse investment and portfolio performance, including maintaining and updating investment valuations and financial models and monitoring relevant market activity, including providing internal pipeline updates Prepare portfolio reporting, including summarising changes in performance and updating forecasts Assist with negotiating and preparing legal documentation and supporting investment closings Meeting with management teams and sponsors in connection with new investment opportunities and ongoing portfolio monitoring Additional duties, including providing direct support as deemed necessary by senior management Qualifications A relevant Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent from a top-tier institution Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, with backgrounds in private credit, leveraged finance, investment banking and/or principal investing particularly relevant Strong intellectual ability, with excellent quantitative, financial and analytical skills Advanced Excel modelling capability with strong PowerPoint skills A self-motivated, driven approach and the ability to operate effectively in a collegial, fast-moving, demanding and dynamic environment Appetite to invest in and build a scaled direct lending business in Asia Creative problem-solving ability and sound judgement Strong team player Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage with colleagues, management teams and sponsors Impeccable integrity and trustworthiness Reporting Relationships Partner, Head of Asia Direct Lending There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.