Head, EMB Credit Risk Approval

Job Purpose

To provide strong credit risk leadership over Emerging Business (EMB) credit approvals, ensuring sound credit decisions, disciplined adherence to risk appetite, regulatory compliance, and efficient delivery of approval outcomes that support sustainable portfolio growth.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Approval & Risk Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction to a team of credit approvers, ensuring consistent application of credit policies, standards, and approval discipline.
• Assess credit standing, structure facilities, and approve all Emerging Business (EMB) credit applications, including credit exceptions.
• Evaluate and approve trade transaction exceptions, current account excesses, end-financing empanelment proposals, and other ad-hoc exceptions, where required.
• Review and approve rescheduling and restructuring proposals in line with credit policy and risk appetite.

Governance & Compliance

• Oversee the timely review and enhancement of the EMB Credit Procedure Guide, ensuring alignment with business developments, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, internal controls, and audit expectations.
• Act as the key point of contact for internal, external, and regulatory audits relating to credit approval matters.

Portfolio Reviews

• Conduct post-mortem reviews on delinquent or problem accounts to identify root causes, systemic issues, and control gaps.
• Partner with Policy and Collections teams to ensure early identification of credit deterioration and timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Provide clear and constructive risk feedback to business stakeholders to support prudent and sustainable EMB portfolio growth.

People & Operational Management

• Manage departmental capacity and resources to ensure credit approval turnaround time are consistently delivered within agreed service level targets.
• Continuously enhance credit approval processes to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Build a strong risk culture through coaching, mentoring, and effective performance management of the credit approval team.

Job Requirements

• A recognised Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant credit risk or credit approval experience, with proven senior-level decision-making capability.
• Strong credit judgement with high integrity and sound risk awareness.
• Proactive, adaptable, and open to change, with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent planning, organisation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Independent, self-motivated, resourceful, and confident in exercising authority.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English