AVP & Lead- Credit Management

Company Description

Join the UAE’s largest bank and one of the world’s largest and safest financial institutions. Our focus is to create value for our employees, customers, shareholders and communities to grow through differentiation, agility and innovation. We are looking for top talent and your success is our success. Accelerate your growth as you help us reach our goals and advance your career. Be ready to make your mark a top company, in an exciting and dynamic industry.

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE:

The purpose of this role is to take credit ownership from underwriting to obtaining necessary approvals for the assigned portfolio of clients within the Wealth Banking.  Aside of ensuring all propositions are in compliance with Group Credit Policy and guidelines, the role’s purpose is also to provide guidance and expertise across full spectrum of product offering(s) working with Coverage & Product teams as also engaging with the client, where necessary, in structuring and propositioning so that the twin objective of client needs and Bank requirements are met in a swift and expeditious manner.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Generic Accountability

• Actively participate in client relationships through client visits / conference calls as part of transaction origination/structuring.
• Provide ongoing feedback and expert inputs into the deal structure intermittently and as required based on Bank Risk Appetite for products/ industry / sector / geography / counterparty.
• Advises Relationship Managers on the risk factors associated with complex transactions, and the clauses imperative in mitigating these.
• Participate and represent credit in the due diligence process for prospective deals  in collaboration with Coverage/ Product teams and ensure that emerging risk factors are identified and are suitably addressed with appropriate mitigants.
• Ensures that appropriate Target Market Risk Acceptance Criteria and Credit Policy guidelines are followed as part of approval process.
• Conduct and where appropriate, guide a team of analyst(s), to conduct  robust credit analysis and obtain appropriate approvals.
• Ensures timely availability of required information to Head of Credit / Unit Head for credit decision making.
• Guides Coverage / Product teams on credit appetite and way and means to optimize the same to achieve optimal risk-reward balance as per established guidelines.
• Coordinate with internal counterparties (CAD, Legal etc.) to provide guidance on risk assessment, risk rating, and documentation.
• Ensure accuracy of data being presented to various stakeholders including senior management
• Obtain accurate and current information and update the Risk systems (Risk rating models, collateral management system etc) that allow for accurate identification of risk profiles/ratings in all asset categories.
• Recommend amendments to the Bank’s credit policy, procedures, Risk Rating models, credit memorandums, risk criteria etc based on lending experience and market expediencies ensuring it is aligned with overall Bank’s risk strategy & policy
• Ensure satisfactory rating in audits through proactive actions and ensure all recommendations are implemented

Job Specific Accountabilities

• Preparation of comprehensive credit papers clearly outlining key risks, mitigations and recommendation for presentation to the Approving Authority for prospective and existing clients under assigned portfolio
• Coordinates with the Relationship Managers well in advance of due dates of annual reviews to obtain necessary information from the borrower to facilitate a comprehensive review of the credit facilities.
• Ensure credit processing & approval turnaround times as per agreed SLAs with Business Segment.
• Periodic meetings / conference calls with clients to be undertaken along with RMs for prospective and existing clients
• Monitor accounts regularly and follow-up with Business units on terms and conditions to ensure compliance with the approval conditions.
• Ensure all excesses, exceptions, overdue annual reviews, covenant deficiencies, ensuring current collateral valuations and deficiencies in terms and conditions vis-à-vis lending portfolio are monitored, controlled and addressed.
• Oversight the mark-to-market revaluation and margin monitoring process and liaise with the respective RMs to rectify any margin call situations. 
• Review exception and portfolio reports as applicable and keep abreast of the clients account conduct, financial standing and  latest developments occurring in their respective segment/market so as to provide appropriate recommendations with regards to change in risk appetite / ratings /classification.
• Monitor early warning indicators in order to identify potential problem accounts and liaise with Business Units for ensuring suitable action plans are in place to rectify the situation at an early stage.
• Manage problem credits closely, and recommending appropriate strategies and remedial action plans. Identify defaulters and recommend immediate remedial arrangements for maintaining a quality credit portfolio.
• Ensure asset classification and provisioning is in line with statutory and policy guidelines including any risk downgrades.
• Providing senior level advisory support on credit policies, lending structures, documentations and guidance to business heads/units in managing complex credit risks, providing practical solutions.
• Contribute to enhancement of knowledge and expertise of other team members by participating in training and development initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification

• Must have Bachelor’s degree.  
• Desirable: - Chartered Accountant/ Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or any other relevant finance degree, professional certification charter (CFA/FRM etc) or diploma.  

Minimum Experience & Skill Set

• Minimum 10 years relevant experience in the banking sector with at least 4-5 years in Credit function.
• Expert knowledge of various credit products such as Lombard lending, Real Estate financing, FX and Derivatives.
• Expert knowledge of various Investment products such as bonds, sukuks, stocks, mutual funds, structured notes etc.
• Ability to look into and beyond Personal Net Worth Statements/financials and see business proposition.
• Strong structuring skills
• Good understanding of legal and regulatory framework.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong communication skills – written and spoken.