Loan Closer - Syndicated Loans

Keywords: syndicated loans, loan settlements, LMA documentation, credit portfolios, trade lifecycle, settlement operations, portfolio management An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Loan Closer to join a highly regarded investment management firm in London, working at the very centre of its dynamic operations team. 3 - 4 years experience required. Must be fine with 5 days in office.

This role offers you the chance to take ownership of the end-to-end settlement and administration of syndicated loan trades across diverse credit portfolios, ensuring seamless execution and accuracy in every transaction. You will collaborate closely with portfolio managers, traders, and external counterparties, making your expertise essential to the smooth functioning of the investment process.

What you'll do:

• Oversee the complete closing process for syndicated loan trades, including primary allocations, secondary market assignments, and participations under LMA documentation.
• Review and negotiate trade confirmations, transfer certificates, and assignment agreements in partnership with agent banks, law firms, and counterparties to ensure all terms are accurately reflected.
• Interpret complex credit agreements to identify key economic terms, consent requirements, lender eligibility provisions, and settlement mechanics relevant to each transaction.
• Coordinate closely with treasury and finance teams to arrange settlement funding while ensuring precise cash flow calculations at the point of closing.
• Monitor an active pipeline of open trades by proactively following up on outstanding documentation and escalating any settlement delays as needed.
• Communicate regularly with portfolio managers and front office colleagues to provide updates on settlement status and highlight any issues that may impact profit and loss or portfolio positions.
• Maintain meticulous records of trade details and settlement progress using advanced loan administration systems to support transparency and compliance.
• Act as the main point of contact for TRS counterparties regarding settlement queries, coordinating prompt resolution of any issues or delays in associated loan trades.
• Supervise external settlement teams by ensuring their work meets agreed service levels while escalating concerns when necessary to maintain operational excellence.
• Support broader loan operations through ad hoc tasks such as TRS resets, interest period rollovers, day-to-day administration activities, and ongoing process improvement initiatives.

What you bring:

Your background should include deep familiarity with industry-standard documentation (particularly LMA forms), practical knowledge of both par/distressed loans processes as well as exposure to alternative structures where possible. You will have demonstrated skill in navigating complex credit agreements—extracting crucial economic terms—and applying these insights throughout the trade lifecycle. Your ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy under pressure will set you apart. In addition to technical expertise around settlements mechanics/cash flows/documentation review/record-keeping systems usage (such as Sentry), you will possess excellent interpersonal abilities enabling effective collaboration across internal/external networks.

• A minimum of four years’ experience working in syndicated loan closing or loan agency roles within buy-side firms, investment banks or specialist servicing environments is required for success in this position.
• Demonstrated familiarity with LMA standard form documentation (including par and distressed loans), transfer certificates, assignment agreements; exposure to non-LMA structures such as LSTA or bespoke bilateral facilities is advantageous.
• Comprehensive understanding of the entire syndicated loan lifecycle encompassing origination, syndication processes, drawdowns, interest periods management, amendments/waivers handling as well as secondary market transfer mechanics.
• Proven ability to read and interpret complex credit agreements—identifying key economic provisions such as lender consent thresholds or restricted lender clauses—and apply them effectively during settlements.
• Experience managing high-volume trade pipelines independently while maintaining strong prioritisation skills alongside exceptional attention to detail even under time constraints.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills developed through regular liaison with agent banks’ operations teams plus legal counsel on transactional matters.
• Desirable: Understanding of P&L concepts related to loan trading (accrued interest calculations/fee income/OID amortisation/impact of timing on fund books) would be beneficial for this role.
• Desirable: Experience handling distressed or non-par loan trades—including credit bid mechanics/restructuring situations/trade claims—would add value to your application.
• Desirable: Familiarity with Sentry or similar advanced loan administration platforms would be helpful but not essential; training can be provided if required.
• Desirable: Prior experience gained within hedge funds/alternative credit managers/CLO managers—especially where there is close interaction between loan operations/portfolio management/fund reporting—is welcomed.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where every team member’s input is valued and recognised. Operating within a lean structure means your efforts are highly visible—offering genuine opportunities for personal growth alongside direct access to senior professionals across investment functions. The company fosters a culture built on collaboration rather than hierarchy; knowledge sharing is encouraged at all levels so that everyone benefits from collective expertise. Professional development is actively supported through tailored training opportunities designed around your career aspirations. The business also places great emphasis on flexibility—enabling you to balance work commitments with personal needs wherever possible—and takes pride in being an equal opportunities employer welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. If you are seeking an environment where your skills make a tangible difference while enjoying meaningful connections with colleagues who share your passion for excellence in financial services operations then this could be the ideal next step for you.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates