Head of Credit, Emerging Corporates

Operating in the UAE for over 50 years, CBD manages the financial requirements of some of the largest corporates and businesses operating in the country, driving the UAE economy. Over the years, CBD has transformed into a progressive and modern banking institution winning multiple awards for its digital initiatives, credit cards, bank accounts, mobile app features and services.

CBD has been recognized as the number one bank in the UAE on the Forbes list of The World’s Best Banks 2022.

As we continue to build upon our successes, we are looking for ambitious individuals who are passionate about the banking and finance industry and the markets in which CBD operates. Just as important to us is your ability to demonstrate a talent for dealing with people - your colleagues and our customers - and delivering service that really goes the extra mile.

JOB PURPOSE

Lead and manage the credit underwriting and portfolio monitoring functions for Emerging Corporate segments, covering customers with annual turnover from Aed 100 million up to AED 500 million and exposure up to AED 125 million. Ensure sound credit decisions, disciplined portfolio oversight, timely risk identification and effective stakeholder engagement, in line with the Bank’s risk appetite, credit policies, delegated authorities and applicable regulatory requirements.

The role supports the Head of Business Banking Credit in maintaining asset quality and strengthening the end-to-end credit risk framework for the assigned segments, including judgemental and programme-based lending, portfolio analytics, policy implementation, process enhancement and team capability development.

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead the end-to-end credit appraisal and underwriting process for SME and Emerging Corporate proposals within the defined portfolio scope.
• Ensure proposals are complete, accurate and supported by appropriate financial, account conduct, industry, management, security and due-diligence analysis.
• Assess obligor and group risk, repayment capacity, facility structure, collateral, covenants, pricing adequacy and key downside risks.
• Ensure credit recommendations clearly articulate the request, rationale, key risks, mitigants, policy exceptions and conditions of approval.
• Approve or recommend credit proposals in accordance with delegated authority, and escalate proposals to the appropriate sanctioning authority where required.
• Oversee annual reviews, interim reviews, renewals, amendments, waivers, deferrals and other credit actions to ensure timely and robust decisioning.
• Promote consistent application of credit standards across judgemental, programme and scorecard-based lending.
• Own the portfolio monitoring framework for the assigned SME and Emerging Corporate portfolios and maintain effective oversight of asset quality.
• Monitor early warning indicators, excesses, past dues, covenant breaches, deterioration in account conduct, adverse market developments and other emerging risks.
• Ensure timely identification, classification, escalation and action planning for weak or deteriorating credits, in coordination with Coverage and relevant control functions.
• Conduct periodic portfolio reviews, risk segmentation, concentration analysis, vintage and trend analysis, stress testing and thematic reviews.
• Recommend and track risk mitigation actions at customer, sector, product and sub-segment level.
• Ensure timely completion of annual reviews and ongoing monitoring requirements, with appropriate controls over overdue reviews and monitoring exceptions.
• Provide portfolio-level risk analytics, management information and periodic updates to the relevant credit and portfolio governance committees.
• Partner with Business Banking and Emerging Corporate Coverage teams while maintaining independent and objective credit judgement.
• Act as the primary credit risk point of contact for the assigned segments and liaise with Product, Portfolio Management, Legal, Compliance, Operations, Finance, ERM and Collections/Remedial teams as required.
• Provide clear and constructive guidance on facility structuring, information requirements, policy interpretation and risk mitigation.
• Participate in customer meetings where senior credit input is required, including discussions with owners, finance directors, CFOs and other authorised representatives.
• Support the Head of Business Banking Credit in management reporting, committee submissions, regulatory or audit responses and special projects.
• Lead, organise and supervise the Emerging Corporate Credit underwriting and portfolio monitoring teams.
• Set clear objectives, service standards, quality expectations and accountability for team members.
• Monitor workload, productivity, turnaround time, decision quality and control effectiveness, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Coach and develop team members through structured feedback, technical guidance, succession planning and targeted capability building.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree and/or a relevant professional qualification in banking, credit or risk management is preferred
• Typically 12+ years of relevant banking experience, with substantial experience in corporate, commercial, SME or Emerging Corporate credit underwriting and portfolio management.
• Proven experience in leading credit teams and handling complex credit proposals at a senior level.
• Strong understanding of UAE banking practices, regulatory expectations, credit documentation, collateral structures and sector risks.