Head of Credit - Wholesale Banking

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and approve wholesale credit proposals (new facilities, renewals, amendments and cancellations) in line with internal policies, market dynamics and financial analysis, escalating those beyond delegated authority.
  
• Analyse and verify credit documentation, including financial statements and bank records, liaising with Wholesale Senior Relationship Managers and Relationship Managers for clarifications or additional information.
  
• Conduct client visits, independently or with Relationship Managers, to gain deeper insight into the client’s business, operations and market environment.
  
• Review credit decisions made by delegated authority holders within the unit to ensure consistency and adherence to policy.
  
• Respond to audit requirements and ensure timely resolution of audit findings relating to the wholesale credit function.
  
• Monitor the corporate credit portfolio, tracking renewals, limit expiries, early vintage performance indicators, migration and portfolio at risk (PAR).
  
• Ensure compliance with turnaround times (TATs) and service level agreements for credit processing and approvals.
  
• Support the development and continuous improvement of credit policies, manuals and risk frameworks.
  
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of product standards and guidelines for wholesale lending programmes.
  
• Prepare and deliver periodic reports on the wholesale credit portfolio, covering performance trends, risk indicators, limit utilisation and compliance metrics.
  
• Ensure timely submission of reports to senior management, regulators and internal stakeholders, supporting strategic decision-making and portfolio oversight.
  
• Lead and mentor the wholesale credit team, ensuring high performance, accountability and a culture of proactive risk management and compliance.
  

Other Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field from a recognised institution.
  
• Certified Credit Professional (CCP) or Diploma in Credit Management.
  
• Professional certification in AKIB/CIB, CPA (K) or ACCA.
  
• A Master’s degree in a business-related field from a recognised university is an added advantage.
  

Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in credit risk, corporate banking or wholesale lending, of which at least three (3) years must be in a supervisory or team leadership role.
  
• Experience with complex credit structures, syndicated loans or sector-specific lending is an added advantage.
  

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of banking operations (international and domestic).
  
• Credit risk principles and regulatory frameworks.
  
• Wholesale credit analysis.
  
• Portfolio oversight.
  
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
  
• Good policy development and management capabilities.
  
• Financial acumen.
  
• Financial regulations (domestic and international).
  
• Risk management and financial standards (domestic and international).
  
• Project management.