Graduate - ECM & High Yield, Capital Market

A graduate role at Association for Financial Markets in Europe supporting Equity Capital Markets and High Yield teams through research, policy work, market analysis, and coordination with industry stakeholders and regulators.

The London office of AFME is seeking a Graduate to support the Equity Capital Markets and High Yield/Leveraged Finance divisions within the Capital Markets team.

Our Capital Markets Division
AFME’s Equity Capital Markets Division promotes growth and development of the UK and EU equity capital markets, including initial public offerings (IPO), listing rules, prospectus rules, retail investor issues, provision of broker research and PRIIPs. Activities include monitoring and shaping industry developments in regulations, policy and market structure that directly and indirectly impact these markets.

AFME’s High Yield Division promotes growth and development of the pan-European high yield and leveraged finance markets, including loans and private credit (and related areas such as sustainable finance). This includes monitoring and shaping industry developments in regulations, policy and market structure that directly and indirectly impact these markets.

In all Capital Markets Divisions, AFME staff work to address market issues by identifying relevant issues and addressing member requests and concerns. These divisions also facilitate and respond to consultations with key stakeholders, including the European Central Bank and Bank of England, the European Commission, the UK’s FCA and HMT, Member State governments and regulators, the European Parliament, corporates, investor groups, and trading platforms.

We also publish standard forms and recommendations for use by the markets, as well as host several industry events during the year. All Divisions aim to build consensus within the industry and to act as bridges between market participants and the above stakeholder groups.

Due to a high volume of applications received, we may close this job advert early, therefore please apply as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing knowledge of Capital Markets (particularly Equity Capital Markets and High Yield/Leveraged Finance).

• Assisting with committee administration and governance including attending meetings, taking minutes and understudying committee secretariat management of member groups

• Helping to complete assigned Capital Markets projects and contributing to the development of resulting positions and recommendations 

• Assisting with member advocacy efforts and communications with regulators and other policymakers 

• Work may be both and qualitative and quantitative in nature and will include supporting production of draft position papers, consultation responses, standard form documents, research, data analytics and surveys 

• Assisting with conferences, seminars, webinars and other relevant AFME events

Key competencies

Essential:

• Articulate, with strong writing skills and attention to detail

• Self-motivated with intellectual curiosity, a sharp intellect and high levels of energy

• Confidence and ability to deliver in the role quickly

• An ability to work as part of a team while also being able to function well in the current “hybrid” working environment

• An ability to function effectively in a challenging, fast-paced and professional team environment

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential:

• Educated to degree level

• Interest in finance and capital markets

• Strong analytical skills

• Fluency in oral and written English

• Strong organisational skills in managing daily workload, managing deadlines and prioritising tasks

Desirable:

• Some prior work experience is helpful, but not required

• Interest in European policymaking

• Fluency in a European language other than English

Benefits

The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) provides an excellent benefits package for employees and their eligible dependents.

The benefits package includes:

• 27 days Annual Holiday Allowance + 1 day Birthday Holiday + 3 days Christmas Holiday 

• Private Medical Insurance 

• Health Cash Plan 

• Dental Insurance 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Pension Scheme – AFME contributes 10% of an employee’s basic salary 

• Life Assurance of 4x base salary 

• Income Protection Insurance

• Worldwide Business and Leisure Travel Insurance 

• Season Ticket Loan 

• Cycle to Work Scheme 

• 4pm Friday Finish 

• Hybrid working minimum 3 days in the office per week and flexi-start/finish times 

AFME offer the London Living Wage for this role, which is: £28,860 per annum.

About AFME

The Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) is the voice of the leading banks in Europe’s financial markets, providing expertise across a broad range of regulatory and capital markets issues. We represent over 150 leading global and European banks and other significant market players.

Our members play a vital role in Europe’s financial ecosystem, underwriting around 90% of European corporate and sovereign debt, and 85% of European listed equity capital issuances. Our purpose is to advocate for deep and competitive, integrated capital markets globally, which support companies and investors, facilitating economic growth.

AFME is the European member of the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA), a global alliance with the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) in the US, and the Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA) in Asia.