Oct 15, 2024

Specialty finance

Hi all

I am looking to move to NYC this year and have 6 years experience in direct lending / special situations in APAC. I have gotten an offer for a specialty finance role in Nyc which is a way for me to get my foot into the US. 
 

I think ultimately my goal is special situations or opportunistic credit but those roles are hard to come by, especially when you are currently working in another country. 
 

What would peoples advice be? Will 1y specialty finance experience in NYC preclude me from future opportunistic credit roles? Has anyone had experience going from 1y of speciality finance back into direct lending/special sits?

Should I pass on this role and try find a direct lending / corporate credit related role instead?

thanks!

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

  1. Transitioning to NYC:

    • Moving to NYC with 6 years of experience in direct lending/special situations in APAC is a strong background. The specialty finance role can serve as a strategic entry point into the US market.
  2. Specialty Finance Experience:

    • One year of specialty finance experience in NYC will not preclude you from future opportunistic credit roles. It can actually enhance your profile by adding US market experience to your resume.
  3. Career Path and Opportunities:

    • Specialty finance roles can provide valuable skills and networking opportunities that are transferable to direct lending or special situations roles.
    • Many professionals have successfully transitioned from specialty finance back into direct lending or special situations after gaining relevant experience and connections.
  4. Advice on Role Decision:

    • If the specialty finance role aligns with your long-term goals and provides a good entry into the US market, it could be a wise move.
    • However, if you have the opportunity to secure a direct lending or corporate credit role directly, that might be more aligned with your ultimate career aspirations.
  5. Networking and Skill Development:

    • Use the time in the specialty finance role to build your network in NYC and develop skills that are relevant to opportunistic credit roles.
    • Attend industry events, join professional groups, and seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.

In summary, taking the specialty finance role in NYC can be a strategic move to get your foot in the door in the US market. It won't hinder your chances of moving into opportunistic credit roles in the future, especially if you leverage the experience to build your network and skills.

Sources: Direct Lending --> Distressed/Special Situations Investing, Buy-side vs sell-side path to credit funds, Private Credit is Paradise, Q&A: Currently at a Credit Hedge Fund, Why corporate banking instead of investment banking?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Opportunistic Credit/Special Sits is a very broad term and includes all kinds of high octane investing including Spec Fin.

Is the role investing in pools of loan? Consumer backed/Asset backed? Royalties? Factoring? Who is originating? Will you be at a Insure Co buying these pools?
 

No Spec Fin wont be helpful if by Special Sits you mean corporate loan to own. Also will be tough to switch back to sponsor backed lending (atleast in the current market environment where there is plenty of local talent with direct skillset). Happy to chat on PM or here if you can be a bit more specific.

 

thanks for the comment. sorry im new to this platform - how do i direct message you?

asset backed specialty finance with focus on investing in lending platforms, buying consumer books (including distressed books) as well as some originated for insurance vehicles. surely some of the credit skills will be translatable to direct lending in a years time if i decide this path isn't right for me? 

By opportunistic credit i mean flexible financing solutions from private credit, rescue financings, discount to par trades, cross-capital solution to restructuring/distressed trades

 

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