Head of Credit and Country Risk (2nd Line of Defence)

Crown Agents Bank Ltd.; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK bank is seeking a Head of Credit and Country Risk to shape their 2nd line of defence strategies. The successful candidate will enhance risk frameworks and policies, improve assessment tools, and oversee country risk analysis, playing a key role in the bank's expansion into emerging markets.

Benefits

Contributory pension plan

Life assurance

Income protection

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in Credit risk management in banking or financial services.
• Experience in developing risk frameworks and analytics.
• Deep understanding of regulatory requirements like IFRS9.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Credit risk framework and policies.
• Manage credit risk appetite and monitor portfolio performance.
• Provide oversight on country risk assessments.

Skills

Leadership

Credit Risk Management

Country Risk Analysis

Financial Analysis

Communication

Education

Degree in Economics, Finance, Risk Management

Postgraduate qualification or CFA

Job description

Head of Credit and Country Risk (2nd Line of Defence)

Crown Agents Bank is a rapidly growing and regulated UK bank that connects emerging and frontier markets to the rest of the world using FX and payments technology. We are transforming how payments and FX move through emerging markets, reducing friction so that more money reaches those who need it. Our solutions aim to address the challenges of emerging markets payments, which are often costly, unreliable, and opaque, by connecting these regions to global financial infrastructure for better prices and faster settlements.

FX and cross-border payments are complex and expensive, especially in emerging markets. Crown Agents Bank leverages its trusted relationships, extensive network, and innovative digital capabilities to enable fintechs, corporates, governments, development organizations, and banks to transfer money to, from, and across hard-to-reach markets.

You will play a key role in shaping our 2nd line of defence strategies for Credit and Country risk, enhancing risk frameworks, tools, and analytics, and balancing risk with growth as we expand across regions and support core commercial activities globally.

• Lead the development and implementation of the company’s Credit risk framework, policies, and processes.
• Manage credit risk appetite and monitor portfolio performance against set thresholds.
• Improve credit risk assessment tools, models, and decision-making processes.
• Advance portfolio, concentration, and optimization analytics to proactively manage credit risk across products and geographies.
• Collaborate with Commercial and Finance teams to ensure lending aligns with business strategy and risk appetite.
• Review and approve high-value or non-standard credit applications.
• Contribute to strategic and regulatory processes, including financial reporting (IFRS9, Pillar 3 Disclosures, ICAAP, ILAAP, etc.)

Country Risk Analysis:

• Provide oversight and guidance on risk assessments related to economic, political, legal, and social factors affecting countries of operation or entry.
• Develop and refine a dynamic country risk rating model and assessment approaches.
• Prepare regular country risk reports and briefings for senior management and the board.
• Serve as an internal expert on macro and sovereign risk, advising on current and potential risks and market developments.

Leadership & Governance:

• Lead and develop a high-performing Credit and Country risk analysis team.
• Partner with risk, compliance, business, and executive stakeholders.
• Represent Credit and Country Risk in governance forums and risk committees.
• Stay informed of global trends and best practices in Credit and Country risk management.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Economics, Finance, Risk Management, or related field; postgraduate qualification or CFA preferred.

Experience:

• Proven leadership in Credit risk management, preferably in banking or financial services.
• Experience in emerging and frontier markets preferred.
• Strong background in sovereign or country risk analysis.
• Deep understanding of credit principles, financial analysis, macroeconomic indicators, and regulatory requirements like IFRS9.
• Experience in developing risk frameworks, tools, analytics, and policies.
• Ability to manage through market disruptions and communicate risk insights effectively to executive leadership.

Benefits include a contributory pension plan, life assurance, income protection, and private medical insurance.