Credit Risk Management Vice President - Fund Finance

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

We are seeking a Vice President to join our Second Line of Defense (2LOD) Fund and Finance Risk team. This role is crucial for ensuring the integrity and compliance of our Fund Finance activities by providing independent oversight and challenge to the First Line of Defense (1LOD).

• Risk Oversight & Challenge: Independently review and challenge the risk assessments, underwriting standards, and ongoing portfolio management of Fund Finance transactions including margin finance, back leverage and GP finance structures originated by the 1LOD.
• Policy & Framework Management: Contribute to the development and maintenance of the firm's Fund Finance risk policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure they align with regulatory requirements and internal risk appetite.
• Credit Analysis: Conduct detailed credit analysis and due diligence on new and existing Fund Finance transactions, including margin lending, and back leverage, NAV and GP Finance, Hybrid finance and other structured fund and sponsor facilities.  
• Regulatory & Compliance: Stay informed of evolving regulatory landscapes (e.g., Basel, CRR, Solvency II) and ensure Fund Finance activities adhere to all relevant legal and regulatory standards.
• Reporting & Communication: Prepare and present risk reports to senior management and risk committees, highlighting key risks, trends, and mitigation strategies. Act as a subject matter expert for Fund Finance risk within the bank.
• Special Projects: Lead or support ad-hoc risk-related projects and reviews, contributing to the continuous improvement of the firm's risk management capabilities.

Qualifications and Skilss

• Experience: Significant experience in Fund Finance, or related asset level disciplines (RE, Infra, LevFin) with a strong focus on NAV finance and/ or Lev Fin. Experience in a 2LOD risk management or credit risk role is highly preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of Fund and Sponsor Finance structures, including Hybrid structures, Margin Finance combining deep collateral analysis, and legal documentation analysis. Familiarity with various asset classes (e.g., Private Equity, Infra, Real Estate).
• Analytical Abilities: Excellent quantitative, analytical, and financial modelling skills.
• Regulatory Acumen: Solid knowledge of global and regional Fund Finance regulations and risk management principles.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex risk concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field. CFA or FRM certification is a plus.

Accountabilities and 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 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 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 the 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!!