Head, Strategic Lending (Group Corporate Banking)

AFFIN Group; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

AFFIN Group in Kuala Lumpur seeks a senior banker to head Strategic Lending in Corporate Banking. You will originate, structure, and assess complex financing opportunities, while steering risk management and governance across the portfolio. Lead client engagement with C‑suite teams and financial institutions to drive growth and returns.

The role demands deep credit expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to negotiate and close large‑ticket transactions within a compliant banking framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, banking or related field.
• Professional qualifications (CFA/ACCA/CPA/ICAEW/MBA) add advantage.
• Minimum 12–15 years of banking experience in corporate banking or related areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of strategic lending initiatives to support growth.
• Originate, structure, and evaluate complex corporate lending transactions.
• Drive client relationships with corporate customers and financial institutions.
• Provide guidance on credit structuring, pricing, and portfolio optimization.
• Oversee credit proposals to authorities with sound risk assessment and governance.
• Monitor portfolio quality and risk-adjusted returns and lead risk management actions.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Treasury and Operations.
• Identify industry trends and opportunities to diversify the portfolio.
• Lead negotiations on financing structures and documentation.
• Coach and develop team members to maintain high performance.

Skills

Leadership

Credit risk assessment

Financial analysis

Syndicated lending

Negotiation

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Presentation to credit committees

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics/Banking

CFA/ACCA/CPA/MBA (advantage)

Job description

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

Join us at AFFIN, where the open minds meet and be inspired by a shared commitment to great work. Here, you don’t just stay at the forefront of the industry – you can make a difference too.

Job Summary

The Head, Strategic Lending, Corporate Banking is responsible for driving the Bank’s strategic lending agenda by originating, structuring, evaluating, and managing complex financing opportunities within the corporate and commercial segments. The role provides leadership in developing lending strategies, maintaining portfolio quality, enhancing risk-adjusted returns, and strengthening relationships with key corporate clients while ensuring compliance with the Bank's credit, regulatory, and governance requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic lending initiatives to support the Bank’s Corporate Banking growth objectives.
• Originate, structure, and evaluate complex lending transactions across corporate, commercial, syndicated, project, acquisition, and structured financing segments.
• Drive business acquisition and deepen relationships with key corporate customers, industry players, financial institutions, and strategic stakeholders.
• Provide strategic guidance on credit structuring, financing solutions, pricing strategies, and portfolio optimization.
• Oversee credit proposal preparation and presentation to relevant approving authorities, ensuring sound credit assessment and risk mitigation.
• Monitor and manage the overall strategic lending portfolio to achieve targeted growth, profitability, asset quality, and risk-adjusted returns.
• Collaborate closely with Relationship Managers, Credit Risk, Legal, Compliance, Treasury, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution of financing transactions.
• Identify emerging industry trends, market opportunities, and sector developments to support business growth and portfolio diversification.
• Ensure compliance with internal credit policies, regulatory requirements, and governance frameworks.
• Lead negotiations with clients, advisors, legal counsel, and financial institutions on financing structures and transaction documentation.
• Drive portfolio reviews, early warning monitoring, remedial actions, and risk management initiatives to maintain portfolio quality.
• Manage, coach, and develop team members while fostering a high-performance and customer-centric culture.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Banking, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualifications such as CFA, ACCA, CPA, ICAEW, or MBA will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 12-15 years of banking experience, with significant exposure to Corporate Banking, Strategic Lending, Structured Finance, Credit Analysis, or Corporate Finance.
• Proven track record in originating and managing large-ticket corporate lending transactions and complex financing structures.
• Strong understanding of credit risk assessment, financial analysis, loan structuring, syndicated lending, project financing, and regulatory requirements.
• Extensive experience engaging senior corporate clients, C-suite executives, and key market stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance business growth and risk management objectives.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills with experience presenting to senior management and credit committees.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a dynamic banking environment.