Head of Organisational Delivery

HSBC Group; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm seeks a Head of Counterparty Risk to lead global risk management efforts. This role involves developing risk frameworks, evaluating counterparty risks, and collaborating with various teams to ensure compliance with regulations. Candidates should have extensive experience in credit risk management and strong analytical skills in tools like SQL and Python. The position offers a hybrid work model with a focus on diversity and inclusion within the team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in credit risk management within financial services or fintech.
• Strong understanding of credit risk frameworks and Basel regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing risk models.

Responsibilities

• Design and enhance counterparty risk frameworks.
• Analyze counterparty data and conduct evaluations.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Credit risk management

Analytical skills (SQL, Python)

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

Position

Head of Counterparty Risk (1st Line)

Location

London (hybrid working – 2 core office days a week, additional flexibility for staff outside London)

Hours

Full‑time – 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Purpose of the Role

Lead global counterparty risk management, serve as the first line of defence, and report to the Corporate Treasurer. This role combines strategic partnership with the Wise Platform team, rigorous risk assessment of counterparties, and collaboration with second-line risk and prudential groups to ensure regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhance counterparty risk frameworks that support product innovation while maintaining robust risk controls.
• Work closely with the Wise Platform team to evaluate counterparty risk implications for existing and new products, offering strategic insights and risk‑aligned pricing recommendations.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of the financial strength and creditworthiness of current and potential counterparties to set credit limits and terms aligned with the organisation’s risk appetite.
• Analyze counterparty data and financial documents to determine creditworthiness and risk exposure effectively.
• Collaborate with second‑line Risk and Prudential teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as ICAAP, ICARA, ILAAP, including harm assessments and residual risk identification.
• Perform comprehensive stress testing and scenario analysis to assess potential impacts on the counterparty portfolio.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with banking partners through regular reviews and risk assessments in accordance with the counterparty risk policy.
• Own and refine the global Counterparty Risk Policy framework, ensuring alignment with business needs and risk‑management best practices.
• Work with Payments and Treasury Operations teams to develop and implement automated counterparty risk controls and monitoring systems.
• Serve as the primary subject‑matter expert on counterparty risk considerations for new product expansions and initiatives.
• Provide regular, data‑driven reports and insights to senior management on counterparty risk exposures and trends, ensuring informed decision‑making.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) and Credit Risk Committee on counterparty‑risk‑related decisions and strategies.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in credit risk management within financial services or fintech.
• Strong understanding of credit risk frameworks, policies and regulatory requirements, including the Basel regulatory framework.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing risk models and controls.
• Experience working with regulatory requirements and governance frameworks.
• Experience in IFRS 9 Expected Credit Loss modelling, Unexpected Credit Loss analysis and Basel framework compliance.
• Good understanding of analytical tools such as SQL, Python or similar.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project‑management skills and ability to drive multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Adaptable mindset with ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

We build money without borders – without judgement or prejudice. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive. We celebrate our differences and empower every Wiser to progress in their careers.