Role Purpose
The Head of Retail Credit is responsible for formulating and executing the overall credit risk management strategy for the Retail Banking Division. This role ensures that asset quality remains robust and aligned with the Bank’s risk appetite, while balancing responsiveness to customer needs. The incumbent will oversee credit approval and processing functions, maintain credit costs within budgetary targets, and provide senior management with timely, actionable intelligence on portfolio performance and emerging risk trends.
Responsibilities
• Devise and direct comprehensive credit risk management frameworks for retail banking portfolios, covering unsecured personal loans, mortgage lending, credit cards, and other consumer finance products as well as private banking portfolios. Drive a risk-reward culture by embedding sound underwriting standards across all business lines.
• Oversee the end-to-end credit approval and processing functions, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to service-level agreements. Streamline workflows to enhance customer experience without compromising risk control.
• Review, approve, and periodically update credit-related policies, guidelines, and procedural manuals developed by the department. Ensure all practices comply with regulatory requirements and internal risk parameters.
• Assess and adjudicate special or exception credit proposals that fall outside standard policy parameters. Collaborate closely with business units to structure viable solutions that optimise both risk and commercial returns, fostering a constructive dialogue between risk and revenue teams.
• Implement business and credit initiatives that translate risk appetite into operational practice. Continuously fine-tune underwriting policies based on portfolio performance analytics, market conditions, and feedback loops. Monitor approval outcomes, delinquency trends, and loss rates to proactively adjust strategies.
• Ensure that senior management and relevant committees receive accurate, timely, and insightful reports on asset quality, concentration risks, early warning signals, and portfolio migration patterns. Provide expert recommendations for corrective actions where required.
• Working with other relevant departments and external vendors to develop and/or fine-tune credit scorecards to facilitate straight-through credit approval and enhance approval effectiveness.
Requirements
• A recognised university degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Quantitative Analysis, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline. Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA) would be an advantage.
• Minimum of 12 years of solid, progressive experience in retail credit risk management, credit underwriting, or related functions within the banking industry.
• At least 5 years of proven people management and leadership experience at a supervisory or managerial level, with demonstrable ability to mentor teams and drive performance.
• In-depth knowledge of personal lending products, credit risk methodologies, and regulatory frameworks governing retail banking in Hong Kong.
• Hands-on experience in developing, implementing, and managing credit scorecards, decision engines, and statistical models for origination and account management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into strategic actions.
• Candidates with experience gained from international banks, major local banking groups, or well-established financial institutions are highly preferred. A proven track record in navigating diverse economic cycles and adapting credit policies accordingly is essential.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to balance risk and reward effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels and building consensus across functions.
• Decisive, resilient, and able to manage pressure in a dynamic environment.