Local Head of Credit Risk Management, Corporates

Executive Summary

The Head of Credit Risk Management, Corporates is responsible for overseeing the credit risk for a broad range of Corporate and Investment Banking products, that are managed from Singapore Branch and booked either in Singapore Branch or in a foreign branch. Holds responsibility for the maintenance of credit risk processes to mitigate potential losses while supporting the banks growth targets.

The Position is leading and managing a Singapore based team, with the objective of ensuring effective assessment, approval, monitoring, and management of credit exposures. Developing and implementing credit risk strategies aligned with the bank's overall objectives, collaborating with senior management /stakeholders, always ensuring that there is a strong risk culture.

The Position is Singapore based the scope broadly covers Commerzbank's target markets in Asia. It does not cover China and Japan these have separate branches and risk teams. Nevertheless, the job holder will frequently interact with these teams.

The Position is a Senior Management Role in accordance with the Guidelines on Individual Accountability and Conduct, of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Main Job Purposes

Responsible for all operative Credit Risk Management tasks in area of responsibility. Decides independently within the limits of lending authority. Exercises lending authority in accordance with the 4-eyes principle and casts a vote as the final, decisive instance that cannot be overruled by the Front Office. Authorities also comprise a right to declare dissent with respect to pricing decisions as an element of shared responsibility for performance. Recommends proposals to higher approval authorities ensuring presentations are of the required high standard.

Responsibility encompasses all Credit Risk Management activities with respect to corporate customers and in the lead function for defined groups worldwide. Management tasks also include qualitative elements such as improving risk quality, managing, identifying and classifying risks, fixing ratings and controlling and reporting for quantitative and qualitative targets. Assists the respective Front Office unit in its sales responsibility by regularly participating in customer meetings.

Direct managerial responsibility for the team of Credit Officers with the aim of achieving high quality decision-making, productivity and functionality. Promotes interaction & cooperation with other Risk Management units to improving knowhow and decision quality.

Distributes and delegates tasks in a transparent manner and provides appropriate information and thus encourages the Credit Officers to show self-motivation, dedication, cooperation, and team spirit. Serves as a role model in cooperative dialogue and fosters career progression, considering individual potential and the possibilities provided within the bank. This also includes the initiation and implementation of employee-oriented professional training measures.

Responsible for the risk management of corporate credit exposures for corporate customers which show signs of increased credit risks according to the bank's standard definition known as Intensive Care Loans. Assesses whether the case should be transferred in accordance with the Bank's guidelines.

Organizes and chairs credit meetings with the respective Front Office units where complex credit synopses can be discussed and decided. Together with the General Manager/ Country Manager, holds the highest lending authority in the risk area, decisions cannot be overruled at the same authority level.

Acts as Chair of the Singapore Credit Risk Review Committee, Corporates. Manages audits related to credit risk processes and controls.

Ensures that credit risk management is in line with relevant legislation and regulations in Singapore, and in line with the groups risk management directives, policies regulations etc. Responsible for the occupational health and safety of all employees in area of responsibility.

Required specialist knowledge, experience and qualifications.

• Excellent English language communication skills. Fluent in English language both written and oral. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Evidence strong leadership skills and confidence. Self-motivated and resourceful. Experience at handling strategic staff planning, effective management and development of team members and to encourage teamwork.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role, at Director /Managing Director or equivalent level, overseeing credit risk teams and strategies. Long standing experience in the analysis and decision making of complex credit exposures in corporate lending operations, ideally supplemented by special preparatory credit training.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in high quality decision making regarding corporate exposures, with in depth knowledge of Commodities / Trade Finance, Loans, Structured Finance, Debt Capital Markets, and Derivatives products. With the broad geographic and product scope of the Singapore Branch coverage, experienced in managing teams and projects in multiple countries /jurisdictions with varied operating environments / cultures.
• Understanding of credit related documentation including legal and fiscal issues. Strong judgment and decision-making capabilities are essential, particularly when working under time pressure.
• Familiarity with local Singapore regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements relevant to credit risk management would be advantageous.
• High level of own initiative and drive, strong own view, quick grasp of concepts, ability to make decisions and handle large quantities of information. Experience in leading organizational change initiatives.
• An Eye for detail is required.