Head of Credit and Country Risk (2nd Line of Defence)

Overview

About Our Client

A rapidly expanding, regulated UK bank specialising in FX and cross-border payments across emerging and frontier markets. The organisation is transforming how money moves globally by reducing friction, improving reliability, and increasing transparency. Through a combination of deep market relationships and innovative digital capabilities, the bank enables governments, development organisations, fintechs, corporates, and financial institutions to access hard-to-reach markets with speed and confidence.

Job Description

The Role

This is a strategic leadership opportunity to shape and strengthen the bank's 2nd line of defence Credit and Country Risk function. You'll lead the development of robust risk frameworks, tools, and analytics, ensuring a balanced approach to risk and growth as the bank expands across diverse geographies.

Responsibilities Credit Risk Oversight

• Lead the evolution of Credit Risk frameworks, policies, and processes.
• Own Credit Risk appetite settings and monitor portfolio performance.
• Enhance assessment tools, models, and decisioning processes.
• Drive portfolio analytics to manage risk across products and regions.
• Collaborate with Commercial and Finance teams to align lending decisions with strategy.
• Review and approve complex or high-value credit applications.
• Contribute to strategic and regulatory processes (e.g. IFRS9, ICAAP, ILAAP, Pillar 3, TCFD).

Country Risk Analysis

• Provide oversight on assessments of economic, political, legal, and social factors.
• Develop dynamic Country Risk rating models and assessment approaches.
• Deliver regular reports and briefings to senior management and the board.
• Act as an internal expert on macro and sovereign risk.

Leadership & Governance

• Lead and develop a high-performing Credit and Country Risk team.
• Collaborate across Risk, Compliance, and Commercial functions.
• Represent the function in governance forums and risk committees.
• Stay ahead of global trends and best practices in Credit and Country Risk.

The Successful Applicant Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Economics, Finance, Risk Management or related field; CFA or postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Proven leadership in Credit Risk within banking or financial services.
• Experience in emerging and frontier markets is highly desirable.
• Strong expertise in sovereign/Country Risk analysis.
• Deep understanding of Credit principles, financial analysis, macroeconomics, and regulatory frameworks.
• Track record of navigating market disruptions and escalating risk insights to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.

What's on Offer Benefits

• Hybrid working model
• Competitive pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Group Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance (including Optical, Dental, Audiology)
• Discretionary Bonus
• Generous Annual Leave
• 2 Volunteering Days
• Access to Benefit Hub