Data Scientist - Credit Risk

Role Overview

We are seeking a Data Scientist – Credit Risk to support and enhance credit decisioning strategies within our Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) business. The role will focus on developing, validating, and optimizing credit risk models to manage portfolio performance, and support sustainable growth in compliance with SAMA regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain credit risk models (application scorecards, behavioral models, fraud models).
• Build predictive models for default probability, loss forecasting, and customer segmentation.
• Analyze large structured and unstructured datasets to generate risk insights and actionable recommendations.
• Monitor portfolio performance, delinquency trends, roll rates, and vintage analysis.
• Collaborate with related teams to enhance credit decisioning engines.
• Implement A/B testing and champion/challenger strategies.
• Ensure compliance with SAMA regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.
• Automate reporting dashboards and performance tracking using BI tools.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3–6+ years of experience in credit risk modeling (preferably in fintech, BNPL, or banking in KSA).
• Strong understanding of credit lifecycle, underwriting, and collections analytics.
• Experience working under SAMA regulatory framework is preferred.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, and data visualization tools (Power BI/Tableau).
• Hands-on experience with machine learning techniques
• Knowledge of local credit bureau systems (SIMAH)
• Experience with big data tools
• Arabic language proficiency

Technical Skills

• Statistical modeling & hypothesis testing
• Feature engineering & model validation
• Model performance monitoring
• Data wrangling & ETL processes
• Version control & documentation best practices

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex insights to non-technical stakeholders
• Attention to detail and high ownership mindset
• Ability to work in fast-paced fintech environment