VP, Credit Management

The objective of the Bank in respect of EPB is to become a pre-eminent private bank in the region and be a market leader across UAE in the priority banking arena. Clients in this segment include the High-Net-Worth Individuals &/or all of their group entities representing diverse interests ranging from operating businesses to wide range of investment across various asset classes.
The purpose of the job is to prepare, review and provide appropriate recommendation of credit facilities for private banking credit portfolio. The role also entails compliance with all credit policies and guidelines. This is senior level role where the staff will engage in high value tickets where structuring of facility is key for complex bespoke facilities. In addition to provide credit underwriting support for assigned portfolio’s for facilities in UAE and KSA, the role also assists in obtaining necessary approvals for assigned portfolio in international locations of private banking. The role required to engage with the relationship manager in structuring and propositioning so that the twin objective of client needs and Bank requirements are met in a swift and expeditious manner.
Loan facilities to the High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth clients are structured around the loan size, collateral type, tenor and the financial strength of the borrower. Credit facilities are offered under various lending structures such as Lombard facilities, Commercial/Residential Real Estate and Insurance Financing. Accordingly, the job holder is expected to demonstrate deep knowledge of products, industry, markets, financial statements so that he/she can work across all product groups and respond in a timely manner. Hence it is critical that the job holder, among other credit skills, is able to demonstrate the following EPB-specific skill set:

• A thorough understanding of risks associated complex facility structures
• Good understanding of documentation/legal requirements for different types of credit facilities
• Strong initiative and interactive approach to problem solving while displaying flexibility and negotiation skills.

He/She is expected to be solution oriented and requires out of the box thinking without seeking to dilute the high standards of credit and be strong partner for business.

Key Accountabilities

• Participate and represent credit in the due diligence process for prospective deals in collaboration with Coverage/ Product teams and ensure that emerging risk factors are identified and are suitably addressed with appropriate mitigants.
• Conduct robust credit analysis by ensuring that appropriate Target Market Risk Acceptance Criteria and PBW GCP guidelines are followed as part of approval process.
• Actively participate in client relationships through client visits / conference calls as part of transaction origination/structuring. Advises Relationship Managers on the risk factors associated with complex transactions, and the clauses imperative in mitigating these.
• Provide ongoing feedback and expert inputs into the deal structure intermittently and as required based on Bank Risk Appetite for products/ industry / sector / geography / counterparty.
• Ensures timely availability of required information to approving authority for credit decision making.
• Ensure accuracy of data being presented to various stakeholders including senior management
• Coordinate with internal counterparties (CAD, Legal etc.) to provide guidance on risk assessment, risk rating, and documentation.
• Obtain accurate and current information and update the Risk systems (Risk rating models, collateral management system etc) that allow for accurate identification of risk profiles/ratings in all asset categories.
• Recommend amendments to the Bank’s credit policy, procedures, Risk Rating models, credit memorandums, risk criteria etc based on lending experience and market expediencies ensuring it is aligned with overall Bank’s risk strategy & policy
• Ensure satisfactory rating in audits through proactive actions and ensure all recommendations are implemented

Specific Accountability

• Preparation of comprehensive credit proposals clearly outlining key risks, mitigations and recommendation for presentation to the Approving Authority for prospective and existing clients under assigned portfolio
• Coordinates with the Relationship Managers well in advance of due dates of annual reviews to obtain necessary information from the borrower to facilitate a comprehensive review of the credit facilities.
• Ensure credit processing & approval turnaround times as per agreed SLAs.
• Periodic meetings / conference calls with clients to be undertaken along with RMs for prospective and existing clients
• Monitor accounts regularly and follow-up with Business units on terms and conditions to ensure compliance with the approval conditions.
• Oversight the mark-to-market revaluation process and take ownership of liaising with the respective RMs to rectify any margin call situations.
• Review exception and portfolio reports as applicable and keep abreast of the clients account conduct, financial standing and latest developments occurring in their respective segment/market so as to provide appropriate recommendations with regards to change in risk appetite / ratings /classification.
• Monitor early warning indicators in order to identify potential problem accounts and liaise with Business Units for ensuring suitable action plans are in place to rectify the situation at an early stage.
• Manage problem credits closely and recommending appropriate strategies and remedial action plans. Identify defaulters and recommend immediate remedial arrangements for maintaining a quality credit portfolio.
• Ensure accuracy of data being presented to various stakeholders including senior management
• Contribute to enhancement of knowledge and expertise of other team members by participating in training and development initiatives.

Minimum Qualification

• Must have Bachelor’s degree.
• Desirable: - Chartered Accountant/ Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or any other relevant finance degree, professional certification charter (CFA/FRM etc) or diploma.

Minimum Experience & Skill Set

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience in the banking sector with at least 4-5 years in Credit function.

• Good understanding of various credit products such as Lombard lending, Real Estate financing, FX and Derivatives.

• Understanding of various Investment products such as bonds, sukuks, stocks, mutual funds, structured notes etc.

• Ability to look into and beyond Personal Net Worth Statements/financials and see business proposition.

• Strong structuring skills

• Good understanding of legal and regulatory framework.

• Ability to work under pressure

• Strong communication skills – written and spoken.