SVP & Head of Credit - Private Banking

First Gulf Bank PJSC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking financial institution is seeking a seasoned leader in credit risk management. This pivotal role involves shaping and executing the credit strategy for Private Banking, ensuring adherence to policies while fostering collaboration across departments. With a focus on maintaining portfolio quality and profitability, the ideal candidate will leverage over 20 years of experience, including significant leadership roles. Join a dynamic team where your strategic insights will drive success and enhance client relationships, all within a supportive and innovative environment.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in credit risk management/lending, with 10 years in leadership roles.
• Professional qualifications preferred for enhanced expertise.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement credit strategy aligned with bank objectives.
• Oversee credit approval processes and maintain portfolio quality.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Credit Risk Management

Decision-Making Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field

Master’s Degree

Job description

Work within a senior management structure to formulate, revise, and implement policies, procedures, and practices for the Private Banking Credit area that align with the bank's overall strategy and objectives.

Ensure credit approvals adhere to policy guidelines, with adequate monitoring and review to maintain portfolio quality, profitability, and desired credit risk levels.

Key Accountabilities :

Private Banking Credit Strategy

1. Contribute to the formulation and implementation of the credit strategy in line with FAB’s and Private Banking objectives.
2. Streamline Credit Risk function objectives and organizational structure to align with the Group’s overall goals.
3. Manage and develop the credit risk function, including credit analysis, assessment, approval, review, monitoring, control, and recovery for all loan types.
4. Oversee an effective credit approval process that supports the bank’s risk tolerance and asset growth objectives.
5. Make credit decisions independently up to delegated authority and serve on the Credit Execution Committee, ensuring timely provision of information for decision-making.
6. Chair or serve as a senior member of the Credit Execution Committee, ensuring decisions are within guidelines.
7. Develop mechanisms and models for accurate risk profiling across asset categories.
8. Implement monitoring systems for portfolio quality, early problem credit identification, and recovery actions.
9. Ensure timely credit processing and approval turnaround times as per SLAs.
10. Participate in complex client relationships, providing guidance on due diligence and risk assessment.
11. Guide the Private Banking team on optimal use of credit facilities without compromising quality.
12. Regularly review and update credit policies and procedures to reflect market and experience insights.
13. Support Credit Administration in documentation and collateral monitoring, and streamline processes where possible.
14. Assist in credit restructuring, classification, provisioning, and recovery efforts.
15. Participate in other committees and initiatives as required.

Industry and Sector Knowledge

• Stay informed on industry trends, economic changes, regulations, and market practices to advise senior management.

Internal Collaboration

• Enhance collaboration with business and product heads to build relationships and maximize synergies.
• Supervise service level targets and coordinate with departments to meet client expectations.
• Resolve internal issues promptly.

Liaison with Regulators / Auditors

• Facilitate audits and negotiations with regulators, ensuring timely data provision and responsive communication.

Leadership / People Management

• Achieve departmental objectives through goal setting, performance management, and development.
• Motivate staff, foster a positive environment, and develop competencies.
• Handle hiring, training, coaching, and performance appraisals.
• Balance team and individual responsibilities, promote feedback, and uphold organizational values.
• Support organizational structure and resource allocation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost efficiencies.
• Manage departmental budget and report on portfolio quality and risk metrics.

Frameworks, Boundaries, & Decision-Making Authority

• Report to the Group Chief Credit Officer, exercising full discretion within delegated authority.
• Major decisions requiring approval are escalated appropriately.

Communications & Working Relationships

Internal :

• Group Chief Credit Officer, Credit Heads, Functional Heads, and other senior leaders.

External :

• Regulators, banking associations, financial institutions, service providers, auditors, and rating agencies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Portfolio quality (NPL ratio, risk ratings, etc.),
• Processing and approval turnaround times,
• Policy compliance,
• Customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field; professional qualifications preferred.
• Preferably a Master’s Degree.
• 20+ years in credit risk management/lending, with at least 10 years in leadership roles, preferably with international experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes :

• Strategic thinking, credit risk expertise, industry knowledge, decision-making skills, integrity, leadership, and interpersonal skills.