Michael J. Ainge, CFA

Managing Director @ Fitch Ratings

About

I have solid industry expertise in designing and managing investment research policies and processes. I am an experienced people manager with deep experience in building teams, finding investment talent and ensuring consistent, repeatable research product. I am very knowledgeable of market participants and solution providers in the asset management space, regulatory compliance, and technology used in the industry. I am a client champion with the ability to educate and advise about best options based on thorough needs analysis and transparent communication. Key Skills: Financial Statement Analysis Financial Modeling Investment Research ESG Research and Investment Portfolio Management Quantitative Analysis Asset Management People Management Communication Skills Budgeting Presentations / Speaking Scenario Analysis Financial Reports Previous Roles: JP Morgan Investment Management, Performance Analyst Segal Advisors, Senior Analyst Bankers Trust, Plan Administrator When I'm not doing investment research, portfolio management, or building and running research teams, I enjoy trail running (occasional ultra-marathoner), tennis, and the outdoors.

Country

United States

City

Westfield

Industry

Financial Services

Skill

Capital Markets, Investment Management, Credit Analysis, Analysis, Risk Management, Portfolio Management, Finance, Valuation, Asset Management, Fixed Income, Financial Analysis, Loans, Corporate Social Responsibility, Financial Forecasting, Cash Flow Forecasting, Energy, People Management, Team Leadership, Leadership, Teaching

Experience

Managing Director

Fitch Ratings

2026-4 - Present · 6 mos

New York, United States

Managing Director and Energy Sector Team Lead. Led North American Chemicals coverage from December 2021 through October 2022. Led North American High Yield Energy coverage from November 2022 to April 2026. Analyze company financials and interact with issuer management teams to provide and publish credit ratings. Publish independent topical research.

Senior Director

Fitch Ratings

2021-11 - 2026-4 · 4 yrs 6 mos

New York, NY

Senior Director and High Yield Energy team lead. Led North American Chemicals coverage from December 2021 through October 2022. Analyze company financials and interact with issuer management teams to provide and publish credit ratings. Publish independent topical research.

Adjunct Professor

Fairleigh Dickinson University

2021-10 - 2021-12 · 3 mos

Teach online. Develop course content in Blackboard course management system. Lecture and work closely with students. Course taught: Portfolio Management (graduate level).

Adjunct Professor

Kean University

2021-1 - 2021-12 · 1 yr

Teach both online and face-to-face. Develop content in Blackboard course management system. Lecture and work closely with students. Courses taught: Introduction to Corporate Finance; Preparation and Analysis of Financial Statements.

Managing Director, Head of Leveraged Finance Research

TIAA-CREF

2015-9 - 2020-12 · 5 yrs 4 mos

NYC

Manage a team of 23 Leveraged Finance Research Analysts providing research content supporting the portfolio management of over $35BB in Leveraged Finance Assets.

Managing Director

TIAA

2003-3 - 2020-12 · 17 yrs 10 mos

NYC

Analyze a $2BB portfolio of high yield bonds and loans in the Energy, Chemical, and Utility sectors. Make investment recommendations across numerous mandates including buy and manage and total return strategies.

Managing Director, Head of Credit Research

TIAA

2013-12 - 2015-8 · 1 yr 9 mos

NYC

Manage a team of 20 credit research analysts providing research content for numerous investment strategies. Coordinate the interaction between research analysts and Risk Management. Set policies regarding research process and documentation of that process for Federal Reserve and audit compliance.

Managing Director, Co-Head of Structured Product Research

TIAA-CREF

2011-10 - 2013-12 · 2 yrs 3 mos

NYC

Manage a team of 11 structured product research analysts providing research content for numerous investment strategies. Coordinate the interaction between research analysts and Risk Management. Set policies regarding research process and documentation of that process for Federal Reserve and audit compliance.