Credit voices: Rebecca Combe

Rebecca is an accomplished credit analyst working in the Fund Finance Team at Fitch Ratings. With over eight years of industry experience, she has navigated a career trajectory that highlights her passion for finance, continuous learning, and supporting others to thrive in the workplace.

Currently, Rebecca plays an integral role in Fitch’s analytical division, focusing on ratings for Money Market Funds, Investment Manager Quality Ratings, Subscription Finance Facilities, and NAV loans. Her work is dynamic, providing her with ample opportunities to lead in a fast-evolving field. “I feel very fortunate to work on the analytical side and be at the forefront of the ratings process,” she explains. Rebecca is particularly proud of her contributions to criteria development in the rapidly growing fund finance space, which allows her to shape Fitch’s approach and decision-making in this vibrant market.

From languages to finance

Rebecca’s career in credit began after graduating from her modern languages’ degree, when an opportunity came up S&P Global. “I’ve always been interested in capital markets, macroeconomics and geopolitics, so I jumped at the chance,” she says.

The graduate program at S&P Global allowed her to combine her language skills with financial training. Over the years, she has thrived across commercial and product roles before transitioning to the analytical division at Fitch Ratings. Along the way, she credits each role for equipping her with the tools and knowledge to succeed. “I am grateful for each role, team, manager, and experience which opened the door for me to the fund finance space,” she reflects.

Career highlights

Rebecca’s enthusiasm for her work is rooted in her curiosity. “I am a self-confessed nerd,” she admits with pride, sharing that she thrives on the opportunity to constantly learn—from research, industry events, and colleagues. For her, this ongoing stimulation is one of the most enjoyable aspects of her role. She describes her team culture as a highlight of her career, explaining, “I also love my team and company culture, which makes it a very rewarding place to work and somewhere I feel supported and appreciated.

“In my current role, I feel fortunate to work on the analytical side and be at the forefront of the ratings process. Our team covers a range of rating types – from money market funds (MMFs), to investment manager quality ratings (IMQRs), to subscription finance facilities and NAV loans. We are updating and creating new criteria as well as producing industry research. I work on ratings, adhering to deadlines and contributing to team projects, all to maintain Fitch’s positive and trusted business reputation in the space.”

One of Rebecca’s standout contributions lies beyond her day-to-day analytical work. Since joining Fitch in 2022, she has been an active advocate for diversity and inclusion as part of the Fitch Women’s Network (FWN). She is passionate about empowering women in finance and fostering an inclusive workplace culture, viewing the FWN as a vital platform to inspire and guide women considering careers in a traditionally male-dominated field. “I am a great believer in the power of diverse thinkers in a team,” Rebecca shares, stressing that differing perspectives and experiences are crucial for success in the credit space.

Advice for aspiring professionals

Rebecca’s advice for those pursuing a career in credit is clear. “Don’t let your undergraduate degree limit you,” she advises. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. “If you want a career in credit, it is important to be able to work to strict deadlines and pay attention to detail as we work in a highly regulated space, so our integrity is of the upmost importance. Also, teamwork skills are important as you will work on many group projects and initiatives.”

Rebecca also recommends that aspiring professionals take a proactive approach to networking. “Be bold and reach out to people. LinkedIn is there to be used!” she advises. Alongside technical skills such as attention to detail and the ability to meet tight deadlines, she highlights the value of teamwork and adaptability in this highly collaborative field.

Final reflections

Rebecca’s story is a testament to the value of passion, adaptability, and continuous growth. From her first step into the credit world to her leadership roles, she exemplifies a commitment to making meaningful contributions to her field. For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Rebecca’s advice is both encouraging and actionable. “If you find the space interesting and are willing to work hard, then nothing else should limit you,” she says.