[Remote] Senior Research Analyst, US Small Business Portfolio Strategy at Forward Financing

United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Financial Technology, Fintech, Small Business LendingIndustries

Requirements

Strategic rigor of an equity research analyst combined with economic forecasting skill of an economist
Ability to conduct deep-dive research into the US economy and specific sectors occupied by small business customers
Comfortable as a hands-on senior individual contributor navigating modern research tools (e.g., Bloomberg, AI-enabled platforms) without dedicated junior staff

Responsibilities

Generate actionable insights by conducting in-depth research on macroeconomic variables, industry trends, and regulatory changes (e.g., fuel prices, consumer spending, tariffs) to predict their future impact on small business profitability and stability
Help set portfolio risk appetite by providing clear, data-driven recommendations to Senior Leadership (SLT) on increasing, limiting, or pulling back exposure across industries and portfolio dimensions (deal size, new vs. renewal)
Develop proactive risk methodologies by partnering with the Analytics team to define variables and subject matter expertise for forward-looking risk assessment models and scorecards tailored to specific industries
Create a top-down portfolio view by owning the development and regular delivery (monthly minimum) of a structured view of portfolio exposure, highlighting growth, underperformance, and overall risk trajectory across key segments
Develop and maintain an internal G/Y/R (Green/Yellow/Red) framework or similar tool to rapidly communicate risk status and trajectory of largest industries to stakeholders
Continuously monitor industry news, emerging risks, and competitive shifts, providing timely, high-impact updates to underwriting and risk teams
Translate complex analytical findings into simple, coherent, and decisive presentations and reports for SLT to support critical capital allocation decisions
Collaborate across the organization (Underwriting, Analytics, Finance, Strategy) to embed economic and industry insights into credit policy, financial forecasting, and corporate strategy discussions
Serve as the independent, forward-looking economic and industry expert to transform complex data into actionable strategic recommendations for managing credit risk appetite and capital deployment

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

economic researchmacroeconomic analysisindustry analysisdata analysisfinancial modelingrisk assessmenteconomic forecastingequity researchportfolio strategyregulatory analysis

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this position remote?

Yes, this is a remote position.

What is the salary range for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Senior Research Analyst role?

The role requires deep-dive research skills in the US economy and small business sectors, strategic rigor like an equity research analyst, economic forecasting abilities, and expertise in transforming complex data into actionable strategic recommendations.

What is the company culture like at Forward Financing?

Forward Financing is recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In Boston and certified as a Great Place To Work, with a focus on investing in employees, technology, and customer experience for long-term success.

What makes a strong candidate for this Senior Research Analyst position?

A strong candidate combines the strategic rigor of an equity research analyst with the economic forecasting skill of an economist, excels at generating proactive insights from complex data, and can provide data-driven recommendations to senior leadership on portfolio risk.

Forward Financing

Provides fast funding solutions for small businesses

About Forward Financing

Forward Financing offers fast and flexible funding solutions to small businesses in the United States, focusing on those who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. Their main product is a merchant cash advance, which provides a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of future sales, allowing for quick funding often within 24 hours. Unlike traditional lenders, Forward Financing operates in the alternative lending space, providing a more accessible application process, though at higher fees due to the increased risk. The company's goal is to support small business growth by offering reliable funding while adhering to high ethical standards.

Boston, MassachusettsHeadquarters

2012Year Founded

$365MTotal Funding

DEBTCompany Stage

Fintech, Financial ServicesIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Company Match

401(k) Retirement Plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Wellness Program

Professional Development Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Remote Work Options

Risks

New fintech startups in Boston may challenge Forward Financing's market share.

CEO Jason Mullins' strategic shifts could disrupt operations or alienate clients.

Expansion of $450 million credit facility may increase financial risk if not managed well.

Differentiation

Forward Financing offers fast, flexible funding with approvals within minutes.

The company has provided over $1.9 billion to 45,000 small businesses since 2012.

Forward Financing is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and has a 4.9-star Trustpilot rating.

Upsides

Increased demand for alternative lending boosts Forward Financing's market potential.

AI and machine learning enhance Forward Financing's risk assessment and underwriting processes.

Digital-first financial services trend aligns with Forward Financing's online application model.

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