Credit Risk - DIFC

Bank ABC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bank in the UAE is seeking a Credit Analyst/Underwriter to manage credit portfolios and support risk-related projects. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in corporate credit, strong analytical skills, and a degree in finance. This role offers opportunities for professional development and engagement in various banking functions.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of corporate credit experience in UAE/GCC markets.
• Strong credit knowledge and stakeholder management skills.
• Team-oriented and accountable.

Responsibilities

• Manage credit portfolio and ensure compliance with group policies.
• Assist in risk-related projects to improve efficiency.
• Participate in training and development activities.

Skills

Analytical problem-solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in finance or related field

Institute of Bankers or similar certification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Purpose: The bank is organized along the three lines of defense operating model. Group Credit is part of the control function in the second line of defense. The Credit Risk unit reports to the Head of Credit Risk, the Group Head of Corporate Credit, DIFC CEO, Group Chief Credit Officer, who reports to the Group Chief Credit & Risk Officer, and ultimately to the Group Chief Executive Officer. Within the Credit Analyst/Underwriter function, the role encompasses various aspects across three broad categories:

1. Credit portfolio management - 65%
2. Risk related project management - 15%
3. Development - 20%

Principal Responsibilities, Accountabilities, and Deliverables:

Credit Portfolio Management

• Support the Head of Credit Risk in overseeing first-line defense activities across multiple geographies, acting as a principal or secondary contact.
• Handle all transaction types including sovereign, corporate, and financial institutions.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with Group Credit Policy, Standards, and Procedures.
• Review Credit Application Forms (CAF) for adequacy and risk mitigation.
• Ensure CAF compliance with group policies, comment on deficiencies, and support submission decisions.
• Verify correctness of spreadsheets, covenants, and conditionalities on a sample basis (minimum 10%).
• Ensure documentation on the Out of Order (OOO) report is complete and reasons are documented to mitigate risks.
• Monitor developments in covered countries, including annual country reviews and sector reports.
• Travel annually to covered countries to inform exposure reviews.
• Identify relationships or sectors that could elevate credit risk, documenting accounts requiring close monitoring.

Risk-related Project Management

• Assist in projects aimed at improving departmental efficiency or supporting large transformational initiatives.
• Record contributions to projects for career development evaluation.

Development

• Ensure participation in relevant training, including at least one external course annually and internal seminars.

Job Requirements:

Knowledge: Excellent PC skills (MS Office), strong communication and interpersonal skills, analytical problem-solving, basic IFRS understanding.
Advantage: Knowledge of banking products and market dynamics; awareness of Performance Management tools.

Education/Certificates: Degree in finance or related field, or equivalent; Institute of Bankers or similar certification.

Experience: Over 10 years of corporate credit experience in UAE/GCC markets, with strong credit knowledge, market contacts, and stakeholder management skills.

Personal Attributes: Team-oriented, good communicator, accountable, transparent.