Credit Risk - DIFC | Dubai, UAE

Within the Credit Analyst/Underwriter function the individual jobs will comprise different aspects and percentages of the following three broad categories:

1. Credit portfolio management – 65%
2. Risk related project management – 15%
3. Development – 20%

The bank is organized along the three lines of defense operating model. Group Credit is part of the control function in the second line of defense.

Principal Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Deliverables of Role:

The Credit Risk supports Head of Credit Risk who supports the first line of defense across a number of geographies either as a principal or secondary point of contact. The GCA is to work across all types of transactions including sovereign, corporate, and financial institutions.

The GCA is to provide support in terms of interpretation of the Group Credit Policy and its related Standards and Procedures.

The GCA is available for consultation on Credit Application Forms (CAF) as to whether the CAF is adequate in terms of its explanation and mitigation of the risks associated with the transaction under discussion.

On submission of the CAF, the GCA ensures that it is in compliance with group policies and requirements. Comments on any deficiencies and indicates a level of support, be it positive, negative, or conditional for the submission.

On a sample basis (minimum of 10%), the GCA ensures that spreadsheets have been compiled correctly, covenants have been complied with, and any additional conditionality delivered.

The GCA is to ensure that any documentation outstanding on the OOO (Out of Order) report is covered in the CAF and reasons provided to mitigate any potential risk.

The GCA is to monitor developments in the countries he/she covers. There is an expectation of travel to the countries on an annual basis with such visits informing the annual review of the bank’s exposure in that country.

The GCA is to monitor the completeness of the annual reviews from a country and ensure that they are delivered on a timely basis.

From time to time, the GCA will be required to assist in the delivery of reports on sectors within a country or assist in the compilation of a wider report across many jurisdictions.

As part of the portfolio management process, the GCA must identify any relationships or sectors that could result in elevated credit risk or non-repayment of the borrower’s obligations. All such names must appear on the report – Accounts Requiring Close Monitoring before being downgraded to a Risk Rating 8.

2. Risk related project management – 15%

Risk related projects can comprise a number of items from a single item, such as a report amendment adding to the efficiency or effectiveness of the department, to providing input on a multi-million dollar transformational project. In either instance, the GCA is to provide assistance and support as part of the general day-to-day business. The GCA is expected to record his contribution to projects for evaluation as part of the career management process.

3. Development – 20%

The GCA must ensure that they are receiving appropriate training from either internal or external sources. The GCA must attend at least one course per annum from an external provider and take regular internal seminars or presentations from subject matter experts.

Job Context:

The job holder is expected:

• Recognise the need to balance risk-prudence with actual market-practices/pressures and support growth of a sustainable well-managed risk portfolio.
• Understand risk strategy and appetite documents.
• Monitor and analyse the bank’s corporate credit portfolio and names.
• Demonstrate compliance with the bank’s policies, standards, and procedures.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements in DIFC, Bahrain, and beyond.

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge: Good knowledge of basic credit product, risks, and key aspects of legal documentation. Good knowledge of corporate and bank balance sheet analysis techniques.
• Education/Certifications: Degree with an element of finance or equivalent, Institute of Bankers associate or equivalent.
• Experience: Seasoned corporate credit professional (who understands financial as well as other key credit matters) with significant experience (10 years +) of UAE/GCC corporates, market knowledge, UAE/GCC credit contacts along with good stakeholder management skills.
• Personal Attributes: Work as a team member, good communication and presentation skills, accountability, transparent and open.