AVP, Team Lead, Credit Approval, Consumer Banking

Business Function
Risk Management Group (RMG) is responsible for the development and maintenance of risk management and internal control frameworks. We provide independent review and challenge to business to ensure that appropriate balance is considered in risk/return decisions. In addition, RMG is responsible for the monitoring and reporting on key risk issues of the Bank. To manage risk effectively and deliver strong financial performance, we invest significantly in our people and infrastructure.

Job Responsibilities
• As an Assistant Vice President (AVP) and Team Lead in Credit Approval for Consumer Banking in Hong Kong, you will be responsible for leading a team in the assessment and approval of credit applications across a diverse portfolio of consumer lending products. This role requires extensive expertise in both unsecured and secured lending, coupled with strong leadership in system enhancements and audit compliance. This role is critical to maintain the quality and integrity of DBS's consumer lending portfolio in Hong Kong and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards.

Key Accountabilities
Credit Approval and Underwriting (Unsecured Lending)
o Oversee and manage the credit approval process for unsecured lending products, including Credit Cards and Personal Loans.
o Ensure all credit applications adhere to the bank's credit policies, risk acceptance criteria (RAC), and regulatory requirements set by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
o Review and make decisions on complex or high-value unsecured credit applications within delegated authority limits.
o Drive consistent and prudent credit judgment within the team, ensuring high quality of credit decisions.

Credit Approval and Underwriting (Secured Lending)
o Lead the credit approval function for secured lending products, which encompass Mortgages, Premium Financing, and Investment Loans.
o Possess in-depth knowledge of property financing guidelines, including Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios and Debt Servicing Ratio (DSR) computations
o Evaluate credit applications secured by various assets, ensuring proper collateral valuation and legal enforceability
o Manage exceptions and deviations from standard policies for secured products, seeking higher approval where necessary

Team Leadership and Development
o Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Credit Risk Managers and Credit Approval Officers
o Foster a culture of continuous learning and adherence to best practices in credit assessment and risk management.
o Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback to team members.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and System Enhancements
o Lead and manage User Acceptance Testing (UAT) plans for system changes and new credit system implementations, such as enhancements to VisionPlus (for Credit Cards and Unsecured Loans) and LEAPS (for Mortgage and Auto Loans)
o Collaborate with Technology & Operations (T&O) and other relevant departments to ensure new systems and changes meet business and risk requirements
o Provide input and expertise for the development and refinement of credit decision engines and application processing systems

Audit and Compliance
o Act as a key point of contact for internal and external audits related to credit approval processes and portfolio management.
o Ensure all credit operations and documentation are fully compliant with internal policies, regulatory guidelines (e.g., HKMA, Basel III), and legal requirements
o Implement and maintain robust control measures to mitigate credit risk and operational inefficiencies
o Participate in fraud risk management initiatives and contribute to the identification and mitigation of fraudulent credit applications

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
o Act as a key liaison between the Credit Approval team and various business units (e.g., Sales, Product, Marketing) to support business initiatives while maintaining credit quality and risk appetite.
o Collaborate with Risk Management to refine credit policies, procedures, and risk acceptance criteria in response to market changes and portfolio performance.
• Portfolio Quality and Performance Monitoring:
o Monitor key credit risk indicators and portfolio performance, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.
o Participate in periodic portfolio reviews to identify emerging risks and ensure the continued health of the consumer lending portfolio.

Process Improvement and Efficiency
o Continuously review and identify opportunities to streamline credit approval processes, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
o Drive initiatives to improve the overall customer experience within the credit application and approval journey.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in credit approval within the consumer banking sector, with at least 3 years in a team lead capacity.
• Proven expertise in both unsecured lending (Credit Card, Personal Loan) and secured lending (Mortgage, Premium Financing, Investment Loan)
• Solid understanding of relevant HKMA regulations and industry best practices in credit risk management.
• Demonstrated experience in leading UAT efforts for credit systems and driving system enhancements.
• Strong experience in managing and responding to internal and external audit requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Apply Now
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the professional advantages of a dynamic environment that supports your development and recognises your achievements.
We regret only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Location:
One Island East

Job:
Risk Management

Schedule:
Regular

Employee Status:
Full time