Head, Strategic Lending

AFFIN Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

AFFIN Group in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a senior leader to guide the Division's strategic lending portfolio. The role drives origination, development, and execution of lending strategies that align with business objectives and risk controls.

You will lead teams, manage client relationships with corporate clients, and collaborate with risk, coverage, and product partners to deliver differentiated lending solutions.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years in banking/finance, with strong corporate lending exposure.
• Proven track record in originating and managing large lending portfolios.
• Deep understanding of credit risk, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics.
• Experience engaging with C-suite and high-net-worth clients.

Responsibilities

• Originate and pursue strategic corporate lending opportunities.
• Lead end-to-end execution from origination to credit approval and disbursement.
• Collaborate with coverage, product teams and senior management to structure solutions.
• Monitor portfolio performance and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide strategic insights to executive committees and stakeholders.

Skills

Origination

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Corporate lending

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Job description

Create the future with Affin! You too can make a difference.

We continuously innovate to transform our financial services landscape - making banking better and easier. Join us at AFFIN, where the open minds meet and be inspired by a shared commitment to great work. You too can make a difference.

Job Purpose

To lead and drive the Division’s strategic lending portfolio ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. This role is responsible for origination, developing and executing lending strategies that optimize portfolio growth, profitability, strategic direction and risk management. The incumbent will spearhead innovative lending solutions, foster strategic partnerships, and enhance client experience across corporate banking clients.

Job Responsibilities

1. Origination and Business Development

• Drive origination of strategic and high-value corporate lending opportunities across priority sectors and client segments.
• Identify, evaluate and pursue complex, structured and large ticket lending transactions aligned with the Group’s risk appetite and growth targets.
• Build and maintain strong relationship and rapport with key corporate clients, promoters, sponsors and internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with coverage teams, product partners and senior management of the Group to originate and structure differentiated lending solutions.
• Leadership and Execution
• Lead and manage the end-to-end execution of strategic lending business from origination and structuring to credit approval, documentation and disbursement.
• Provide strong leadership to the team, fostering a high performance, collaborative and accountable culture.
• Portfolio Management & Risk Optimization
• Monitor lending portfolio performance, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal governance.
• Drive initiatives to optimize capital usage, asset quality, mitigate credit risks, and enhance profitability.
• Collaborate with Risk Management and Credit teams to maintain robust credit assessment frameworks.
• Market Intelligence & Innovation
• Stay abreast of market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging lending technologies.
• Introduce innovative lending products and digital solutions to enhance competitiveness.
• Provide strategic insights to senior management for informed decision-making.
• Governance & Stakeholder Alignment
• Ensure all lending activities adhere to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and risk frameworks.
• Present business cases, portfolio updates, and strategic recommendations to executive committees.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in banking or financial services, with at least 10 years in investment banking, corporate banking, or business development preferably within the financial services industry.
• Proven track record in originating and managing large-scale lending portfolios.
• Strong understanding of credit risk, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics.
• Experience working directly with C-suite stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels.
• Professional presence, tact, and diplomacy in representing the Group Corporate Banking and the Bank externally.