Job Description

The Head of Retail Credit is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing the bank's retail credit portfolio in the UAE. This position plays a crucial role in developing and implementing retail credit policies, managing credit risk, and ensuring the quality and profitability of the bank's retail loan portfolio. Reporting to the Chief Credit Officer, the Head of Retail Credit will be instrumental in aligning retail credit strategies with the bank's overall risk appetite and business objectives while navigating the dynamic landscape of the UAE's retail banking sector and adhering to regulatory requirements.

Main Accountabilities (Maximum of 10)

1. Retail Credit Strategy and Policy Development:

Develop and implement comprehensive retail credit policies and procedures aligned with the bank's risk appetite and UAE Central Bank regulations. Collaborate with senior management to establish credit risk frameworks and lending guidelines for various retail banking products.

2. Portfolio Management and Optimization:

Oversee the bank's retail credit portfolio, ensuring diversification, quality, and alignment with strategic objectives. Implement strategies to optimize the risk-return profile of the retail credit portfolio.

3. Credit Scoring and Underwriting:

Lead the development and implementation of credit scoring models and underwriting criteria for retail banking products. Continuously refine and enhance credit assessment methodologies to improve decision accuracy and efficiency.

4. Risk Monitoring and Reporting:

Develop and maintain robust systems for monitoring credit risk across the retail portfolio. Provide regular reports and insights to the Chief Credit Officer and senior management on portfolio performance, trends, and potential risks.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Relationship Management:

Ensure compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations, Basel guidelines, and international best practices in retail credit risk management. Manage relationships with regulators, external auditors, and rating agencies on matters related to retail credit.

6. Team Leadership and Development:

Build and lead a high-performing retail credit team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and risk awareness. Implement strategies for talent acquisition, retention, and development, with a focus on building specialized expertise in retail credit analysis.

7. Process Automation and Digital Transformation:

Drive the adoption of advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI technologies to enhance credit decision-making processes. Collaborate with IT and Digital Banking teams to implement automated credit approval systems and digital lending platforms.

8. Collections and Recovery Strategies:

Oversee the development and implementation of effective collections and recovery strategies for retail credit products. Monitor and optimize the performance of collections activities to minimize credit losses.

9. Cross-functional Collaboration:

Work closely with Retail Banking, Marketing, and Product Development teams to align credit strategies with business growth objectives. Collaborate with Risk Management, Legal, and Compliance departments to ensure a holistic approach to risk management.

10. Emiratization and Knowledge Transfer:

Champion Emiratization initiatives within the Retail Credit department, fostering the development of local talent. Implement knowledge transfer programs to build UAE national expertise in retail credit risk management.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Basic Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Master's degree in finance, Economics, Statistics, or a related field from a globally recognized institution. Minimum 12 years of experience in banking or financial services, with at least 8 years in senior retail credit risk management roles. Comprehensive understanding of retail credit analysis, risk management principles, and UAE banking regulations. Strong knowledge of credit scoring models, portfolio management techniques, and retail banking products. Proven track record in developing and implementing credit policies and risk management frameworks. Excellent leadership and team management skills with a focus on driving performance and innovation. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels. Fluency in English is essential; Arabic language skills are highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Professional certifications such as FRM, CFA, or relevant credit risk management qualifications. Experience working in multiple GCC markets or international retail banking environments. Track record of successfully managing retail credit portfolios through economic cycles and market volatilities. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and manage relationships with regulatory bodies. Published thought leadership in retail credit risk management or related fields. * Experience in implementing advanced credit risk modelling techniques and AI/ML technologies in credit decisioning.