Head of Credit - Risk Management

Swift Search Global Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Swift Search Global Pte Ltd is seeking an experienced Head of Credit to lead its independent credit risk function in Singapore. You will manage a team of credit analysts, oversee credit assessments, lending policies and portfolio monitoring, ensuring prudent lending aligned with risk appetite and regulatory requirements.

You will drive credit strategy, governance, and rigorous financial analysis, including PD, LGD, EAD, and stress testing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in credit analysis or risk management in banking or finance.
• Proven leadership of credit teams and portfolio oversight.
• Strong knowledge of property, construction financing, and secured lending.
• Proficiency in cash flow modelling and scenario analyses.
• Familiar with MAS Notice 811 and ECL frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and govern credit strategies, criteria and exposure limits.
• Lead independent credit assessments for new and renewing facilities.
• Monitor portfolio quality, risk migration, and concentrations.
• Oversee regulatory reporting, audit inquiries and governance processes.
• Coach and develop the credit analytics team.

Skills

Leadership

Credit risk management

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge (MAS 811)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an established financial institution, is seeking an experienced Head of Credit to lead its independent credit risk function.

Reporting to the Head of Risk Management, you will manage a team of credit analysts and oversee credit assessments, lending policies and portfolio monitoring. You will help maintain prudent lending standards aligned with the organisation's risk appetite, business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Strategy & Governance

• Develop and review credit strategies, lending criteria and exposure limits.
• Lead annual reviews of credit policies and implement approved changes.
• Improve credit assessment, renewal and monitoring processes through standardisation and automation.
• Maintain effective independent challenge and credit controls.

Credit Assessment & Financial Analysis

• Lead independent assessments of new applications, annual reviews and facility renewals.
• Evaluate borrowers' creditworthiness, repayment capacity, collateral, covenants and financing structures.
• Review cash flow projections and conduct sensitivity and scenario analyses.
• Assess property development financing risks, including construction costs, completion timelines and sales assumptions.

Portfolio Monitoring & Risk Management

• Monitor portfolio quality, concentrations, arrears, risk migration, and limit utilisation.
• Oversee watchlist accounts and challenge remediation plans.
• Lead borrower and portfolio stress testing, incorporating PD, LGD, and EAD.
• Conduct sector and thematic reviews, including quarterly updates on property and vehicle financing.
• Recommend changes to exposures, lending standards, and risk mitigation measures.

Compliance, Reporting & Audit

• Oversee credit grading and provide independent input into Expected Credit Loss assessments.
• Support compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including MAS Notice 811.
• Coordinate regulatory and audit enquiries and follow up on findings.
• Present credit risks, portfolio trends, watchlist developments and policy exceptions to management and relevant committees.
• Coach and develop the credit analyst team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related quantitative discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in credit analysis, credit risk management or real estate financing within a bank or financial institution.
• Proven experience leading and developing credit teams.
• Strong knowledge of property and construction financing, mortgage lending and secured credit assessment.
• Vehicle financing experience is an advantage.
• Proficient in cash flow modelling, sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis and quantitative techniques.
• Familiar with MAS Notice 811, Expected Credit Loss frameworks and Basel-based credit stress testing.
• Sound independent judgement and strong analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to present clear credit recommendations and drive process improvements while maintaining strong governance.

We regret to inform you that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.