Credit Risk Analyst - DIFC

Job Purpose

This role operates within the second line of defense, specifically within the Credit Risk unit, reporting to the Head of Credit Risk. The unit supports the bank's three lines of defense operating model. The Credit Risk unit's reporting structure includes the Head of Credit Risk unit, Group Head of Corporate Credit, DIFC CEO, Group Chief Credit Officer, Group Chief Credit & Risk Officer, and ultimately the Group Chief Executive Officer. The Credit Analyst/Underwriter function will focus on three primary areas: Credit Portfolio Management (65%), Risk-Related Project Management (15%), and Development (20%).

Principal Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Deliverables of Role

Credit Portfolio Management

• Provide support to the Head of Credit Risk, acting as a primary or secondary contact for the first line of defense across various geographies. This involves handling diverse transactions including sovereign, corporate, and financial institutions.
• Assist in interpreting the Group Credit Policy, its associated Standards, and Procedures.
• Offer consultation on Credit Application Forms (CAF) to ensure they adequately address and mitigate transaction risks.
• Verify CAF compliance with group policies and requirements upon submission, providing feedback on deficiencies and indicating support levels (positive, negative, or conditional).
• Conduct sample checks (minimum 10%) to confirm the accuracy of spreadsheets, compliance with covenants, and fulfillment of additional conditions.
• Ensure that documentation outstanding on the Out of Order (OOO) report is addressed within the CAF, with clear reasons provided to mitigate potential risks.
• Monitor economic and political developments in assigned countries, undertaking annual travel to inform country exposure reviews.
• Oversee the completeness and timely delivery of annual country reviews.
• Contribute to reports on specific sectors within a country or assist in compiling broader reports across multiple jurisdictions.
• Identify relationships or sectors posing elevated credit risk or potential borrower default, ensuring these are documented in the 'Accounts Requiring Close Monitoring' report before potential downgrading to Risk Rating 8.

Risk-Related Project Management

• Contribute to risk-related projects, ranging from minor report amendments to significant transformational initiatives, as part of daily business activities.
• Document contributions to projects for career management and evaluation purposes.

Development

• Ensure continuous professional development through internal and external training, including attending at least one external course annually and regular internal seminars or presentations.

Job Requirements

Knowledge

• Proficiency in MS Office and strong presentation skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Foundational understanding of IFRS requirements.
• Familiarity with banking products and market dynamics is advantageous.
• Awareness of performance management tools is beneficial.

Education/Certificates

• A degree with a finance component or equivalent qualification.
• Associate membership of the Institute of Bankers or equivalent is preferred.

Experience

• A seasoned corporate credit professional with over 10 years of experience in UAE/GCC corporate markets, possessing in-depth knowledge of credit matters, local market dynamics, and established credit contacts within the UAE/GCC.
• Demonstrated strong stakeholder management skills.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to function effectively as a team member.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Accountability and transparency in work.