Summary
The Head of Credit Risk leads the Bank's credit risk strategy, framework, and oversight across the lending portfolio. The role ensures alignment with risk appetite, regulatory expectations, and business objectives, while providing senior counsel on key credit risk matters.
This role leads the credit risk team, oversees policy and portfolio governance, and supports senior management and risk committees on strategic credit decisions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and execute the Bank's credit risk strategy in line with risk appetite and business priorities
- Lead the enterprise credit risk framework, including policies, limits, and governance standards
- Represent credit risk in senior governance forums and committees
- Advise the CRO, CEO, and Board on material credit risk issues
Credit Policy & Governance
- Own and periodically refresh the Bank's credit policies and related standards
- Ensure policy alignment with Basel, IFRS 9, and local regulatory requirements
- Set and oversee credit limits, concentration controls, and exception frameworks
- Oversee approvals for new credit products, methodologies, and material exceptions
Portfolio Management & Analytics
- Oversee portfolio performance, including asset quality, NPL, ECL, and RWA
- Lead stress testing, scenario analysis, and portfolio forecasting
- Monitor concentration risk across sectors, geographies, products, and key names
- Present portfolio insights and forward-looking risk views to senior management and the Board
Credit Decisioning & Approval
- Chair or contribute to senior credit approval committees
- Review and approve large or complex credit transactions within delegated authority
- Ensure credit decisions are disciplined, consistent, and aligned with policy
Model & Methodology Oversight
- Oversee credit risk models and methodologies, including PD, LGD, EAD, and IFRS 9 staging
- Partner with Model Risk Management on validation and performance oversight
- Drive the adoption of advanced analytics and data-driven credit decisioning
Regulatory & External Engagement
- Lead responses to regulatory reviews and external audits on credit risk matters
- Engage regulators on credit risk policy, portfolio, and reporting matters
- Represent the Bank in relevant external forums and industry discussions
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Build and lead a high-performing credit risk team
- Set clear objectives, performance standards, and development plans
- Strengthen a sound and consistent credit risk culture across the Bank
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Master's degree or above in Finance, Economics, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field
- Professional certifications such as FRM, PRM, or CFA are preferred
Experience
- 15+ years of credit risk experience in banking or financial services
- 5+ years in a senior leadership role
- Strong experience across retail, SME, and/or wholesale credit risk
- Deep knowledge of Basel frameworks, IFRS 9, and credit risk governance
- Proven experience engaging with regulators and senior stakeholders
- Experience in digital banking, fintech, or emerging-market lending is an advantage
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of credit risk models, including PD, LGD, EAD, and ECL
- Strong grasp of policy, classification, provisioning, and credit control standards
- Familiarity with credit risk systems, data infrastructure, and analytics tools
- Excellent written and spoken English
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic mindset with strong commercial judgment
- Credibility and influence with executive management and Boards
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capability
- High integrity, sound judgment, and resilience under pressure
