Country Credit Head

Job description / Role

Country Credit Head, Bahrain

Purpose:

* To uphold the integrity of the Group's risk/return decisions, and in particular for ensuring that credit risks arising from Retail clients are properly assessed, that risk/return decisions are made transparently on the basis of this proper assessment, and are controlled in accordance with the Group's standards and its Risk Appetite
* To ensure the Risk Management Framework and policies are effectively communicated and implemented across the Function and for administering related governance and reporting processes
* To exercise credit risk approval authority in the Retail Clients business

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy

* Inform the development of business plans with the provision of cost and impairment forecasts and a balanced judgement on the external environment
* Contribute to the development of performance management and remuneration processes, in order to encourage the development of an appropriate risk culture and discipline

Business


* Communicate the strategic intent and collective agenda for the Function [1]
* Maintain and develop risk capabilities and skills to meet ongoing business needs and plans
Processes

* Supervise all processes where a member of the Function is the identified first line process owner
* Ensure effective management of operational risks within the Function and compliance with applicable internal policies, and external laws and regulations
* Continuously improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness of risk management processes

People and Talent

* Employ, engage and retain high quality people
* Define an organisation structure aligned and scaled to the risk control needs of the Function, balancing Group & local requirements as necessary
* Set and monitor job descriptions and objectives for direct reports and provide feedback and rewards in line with their performance against those responsibilities and objectives
* Uphold and reinforce the independence of the Function from those whose primary responsibility is to maximise short-term revenues and profits
* Ensure the provision of ongoing training and development of the Function's people, and ensure that holders of all critical functions are suitably skilled and qualified for their roles
* Lead through example and build the appropriate culture and values within the Function and across the wider organisation

Risk Management

* Assess the credit risk profile of the Retail Clients business and maintain alignment with risk appetite by rebalancing of risks or controls that may be required in response to internal and external factors - Initiate, at least annually and with guidance from Group specialists, a stress test and scenario programme, review the results and assess their implications
* Initiate stress tests as required by internal and external factor and review results and assess their implications
* Ensure that effective management response plans are in place to respond to extreme but plausible scenarios
* Uphold the integrity of risk/return decisions, by challenging business and control function heads to demonstrate that risk origination and control decisions are properly informed and consistent with strategy and risk appetite
* Direct appropriate response to material events or other risk issues that come to the role holder's attention
* Ensure risk identification, measurement and modelling capabilities are objective, consistent and compliant with applicable regulations
* Ensure that material risk exposures and related issues are reported to the responsible governance committees
* Ensure appropriate judgement is applied in the discharge of risk authorities assigned to the jobholder, taking account of concentration risk across sectors, geographies and markets where applicable. Assign risk authorities to suitable named individuals in line with their skills and judgement
* Design, maintain and effectively communicate risk control parameters across the Retail Clients business, including policies, control standards, risk exposure limits and other control levers in order to maintain the business's risk profile in line with the Group's risk appetite
* Maintain a good understanding of the requirements of key external stakeholders in respect of credit risk management and ensure these are well understood internally and reflected in internal procedures
* Obtain assurance regarding the effectiveness of credit controls and compliance with applicable laws & regulations
* Actively participate in key committees through standing membership
* Ensure business and product heads understand and accept their credit risk management responsibilities
* Maintain an open and cooperative relationship in dealings with regulators

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

* Members of Regional business Team (MEPAG)
* Members of Regional risk Team (MEPAG)
* Country Retail Clients Head (who is also the CEO of the country)
* GSSC support teams
* Country Manco and Country Retail Clients support functions
* Regional Heads of Control functions
* Group Internal Audit / Country Internal Audit function
* Country Commercial/ C&I Head.
* C&I/ Commercial SCO

External:

* Central Bank of Bahrain, Oman and Qatar.
* Coordinating with finance in dealing with external auditors
* Informal discussions with other risk heads in other financial institutions

Requirements

Market Knowledge: Substantial experience at the highest level in the banking industry, including demonstrated success in a similar role

Business Strategy and Model: Sharp business acumen (including ability to assess risk and appropriate levels of return), strong leadership qualities, excellent interpersonal skills and multi-cultural awareness and sensitivity

Risk Management and Control: Demonstrated track record in successful management and ability to manage risk in geographically dispersed and highly varied product base. Expertise in process design and control

Regulatory Framework and Requirements: Awareness and understanding of the regulatory framework in which the firm operates, and the regulatory requirements and expectations relevant to the role

Non-technical Skills: Significant relationship management experience - with external stakeholders at the most senior levels, including regulators and rating agencies.

About the Company

Standard Chartered Bank started in 1958 in UAE with its first branch in Sharjah. The Group’s business gradually increased in Dubai with the opening of several branches and today, Dubai is the administrative hub of the Middle East and South Asia Region. In its 43rd year, the Bank enjoys the position of having the most extensive branch network among foreign international banks in UAE with 10 branches emirate-wide.

Standard Chartered is an international bank, focused on the established and emerging markets of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America with an extensive global network of more than 600 offices in over 50 countries. The three principal business groups are Global Markets, Personal Banking and Corporate and Institutional Banking.

In UAE, we are one of the leading banks, offering an extensive range of products and services for personal customers, local companies, multinational corporate and financial institutions.