Credit Risk Management Director

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We’re looking for a Director for our Credit Department ("CD") to join our Credit Supervision Group - Financial Institution ("FI") Team. 

A second line of defence role providing credit risk management / oversight of new credit transactions for Non-Bank Financial Institutions ("NBFI", e.g. Insurance, Asset Managers, Hedge Funds, etc), Fund Finance (e.g. NAV Finance) and Securitization. 

ESSENTIALS OF THE ROLE

• Senior level critical challenge, detailed review of credit submissions from Front Office, providing recommendations to Senior Approvers within CD, EMEA or Tokyo HQ.
• Exercising Credit Officer level delegated authority, with appropriate skill and judgement. (Authority would be considered after clearing 6+ months test period.)
• Provide effective credit management of client relationships and exposures within designated sectors within the FI credit portfolio across EMEA.
• Contribute to the development of our strategic business growth areas (Hedge Fund / Fund Finance / Securitization portfolio, NBFI team and wider FI team within CD, to support the Business Strategy of EMEA.  

REQUIREMENTS

• Seasoned credit professional with extensive credit risk experience leading and negotiating deals either in a front office or second line credit role, likely to have been gained from a market leading bank with experience over more than one credit cycle.
• Deep knowledge and experience managing credit risk with solid understanding of Hedge Fund clients (particularly due diligence, rating assessment of hedge funds, limit setting) being essential, and understanding of other NBFI types is desirable (such as insurance, funds, investment trusts, asset managers, and non-bank lenders in developed countries).
• Extensive product knowledge covering all major derivative instruments and repo, knowledge of trading credit risk and experience leading complex legal negotiations for associated documentation (including ISDA/CSAs, MRA, GMRA, MSLA).  Product and legal documentation knowledge in wider FI types highly preferred (lending, trade finance, fund finance, etc).
• Degree level education and / or relevant professional qualifications (eg: ACA, ACCA, ACT, CFA), and a track record of continued learning and development.

Business Area

A second line of defence role providing credit risk management / oversight of new credit transactions for Non-Bank Financial Institutions, Fund Finance (e.g. NAV Finance) and Securitization. 

• The team’s coverage includes, Banks, Sovereigns, all NBFIs (e.g. Insurance, Funds, Asset Managers, Securities Firms, Broker Dealers, Consumer Lending, etc.), Fund Finance and Securitization in all the EMEA regions.
• Manage the portfolio from a credit perspective, including applications and approval process, and proactively monitor emerging credit developments in conjunction with Front Office (first line of defence).
• Act as a senior within the team, primarily focusing on either NBFIs, Hedge Funds, Fund Finace and/or Securitization. Secondary coverage includes Banks and Sovereigns.
• Engage with Front Office professionals, help shape risk appetite, participate in credit due diligence sessions and provide appropriate challenge on risk issues / develop workable solutions to mitigate risk issues.

Position Description

Structure

• The role sits within CD and ultimately report into the JGM/MD, Head of FI Team.
• Team Structure (12 specialist Credit professionals):  2 Executive Direcotrs, 2 Directors, 2 VP, 5 AVPs, with 1 MD having JGM responsibilities. The team has a plan to grow rapidly by welcoming more professionals.

Acountabilities & Responsibilities

• Review & authorise transactions in accordance with the Credit Officer Approval Authority Policy and Portfolio Management Rules, subject to the approval limits delegated from the General Manager of CD.
• Exercise strong risk assessment methodology toward new transactions and management of a portfolio of FI clients across a variety of sectors, geographies, and asset / product types.
• Working as a trusted partner with Front Office deal teams to ensure delivery to clients whilst maintaining high credit quality. Articulate CD risk perception and appetite for a transaction in line with bank policy and procedures, manage the interaction and communication with front office teams, and attend meetings with clients where necessary.
• Experience and capability to take a complex FI transaction from inception to approval with limited supervision. 
• Flexibility to work to tight deadlines under pressure (including ability to work outside of contracted hours from time to time / as workflow demands), to give prompt responses to customers.
• Collaborate with other risk and compliance functions where appropriate to ensure enterprise wide view of risk is considered. 
• Support pipeline management of the team and assist other members of the team by proactively taking work in a manner which ensures work is fairly distributed, particularly in times of strong workflow / staff absences.
• Develop relationships within the team: seek guidance and advice from colleagues; express well-reasoned arguments and influence senior management; and assist in recruitment and training of more junior staff.
• Willingness / flexibility to be involved in ad hoc projects supporting the strategy of FI credit team and the wider department / institution.
• Draw on expertise and professional knowledge to propose innovative solutions / improvements to status quo.

Competencies

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working 
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance 
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services  
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities 
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!