Chief Group Credit Risk & Analytics Leader

SME Bank Malaysia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 350,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

SME Bank Malaysia seeks a seasoned Head of Group Credit Risk to lead the credit risk management framework, oversee risk models, and drive risk-aware growth across the Group. You will shape risk appetite, policies, and governance while guiding portfolio strategy and capital adequacy.

The role requires 15+ years in banking or financial services with deep modelling and analytics, and a proven track record in leadership and risk governance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Professional qualification in banking, finance, risk management, accounting or related discipline would be an advantage (e.g., FRM, Chartered Banker).
• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in banking or financial services with substantial experience in credit, quantitative analytics, or model development.
• Strong leadership experience in credit risk management, portfolio management, analytics, modelling, policy and governance.
• Strong understanding of credit risk frameworks, risk appetite, portfolio oversight and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in credit risk modelling, including credit rating models and MFRS 9 ECL.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to provide constructive challenge and influence senior management toward sound, risk-conscious decisions.
• Strong leadership capability with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Leads and oversees the Group Credit Risk function, providing independent oversight of the credit risk management framework, risk appetite, portfolio management, credit risk models, policies and governance.
• Monitors the Group’s overall credit portfolio performance and provides forward-looking insights on asset quality, profitability, capital and emerging credit risks.
• Drives credit risk analytics, modelling and portfolio insights to support informed, risk-conscious and sustainable business decisions.
• Ensures credit risk considerations are embedded in risk management strategy, portfolio planning and risk appetite setting.
• Leads the development and review of credit risk rating models and oversees MFRS 9 ECL model development, calibration and governance.
• Reviews sector and country limits and recommends adjustments based on portfolio and emerging risks.
• Provides early credit risk challenge and guidance on new products and business initiatives, including risk appetite, portfolio implications and risk controls.
• Ensures consistent credit risk policies, standards, practices and governance across the Group’s entities and business segments.
• Identifies and escapes material credit risks, policy breaches, emerging risks and risk appetite breaches, with mitigation measures.
• Leads thematic reviews and credit risk analytics and modelling initiatives to strengthen the Group’s risk management capabilities.
• Leads, develops and retains high-performing teams while strengthening succession planning and knowledge continuity.
• Keeps abreast of regulatory developments, translating relevant developments into enhancements to the Group’s credit risk framework.

Skills

Leadership

Credit risk management

Portfolio management

Credit risk analytics

Modelling

Policy & governance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field

Job description

SME Bank Malaysia seeks a seasoned Head of Group Credit Risk to lead the credit risk management framework, oversee risk models, and drive risk-aware growth across the Group. You will shape risk appetite, policies, and governance while guiding portfolio strategy and capital adequacy.

The role requires 15+ years in banking or financial services with deep modelling and analytics, and a proven track record in leadership and risk governance.