Credit Risk Lead

About the role

The role is US market focused and based out of the global headquarters in London. You will lead the US credit risk and underwriting team, owning, developing, and innovating the credit strategy to ensure consistent, high-quality credit decisions aligned with the company's risk appetite and regulatory obligations. You will partner closely with senior risk leadership, Product, Data, Compliance, and Commercial teams to strengthen credit policies, optimize decisioning frameworks, and maintain strong portfolio performance.

Responsibilities

• Overall market Credit Risk Ownership of the Credit Strategy for the US market
• Directly contribute to delivery of business KPIs as part of the wider US management team (e.g., growth, profitability, loss rate etc.)
• Collaborate with Credit Risk leads across all geographic markets contributing to global targets by sharing toolkit, insights, innovations, and emerging risks
• Credit strategy development and innovation Ownership and delivery of the US Credit Strategy development and innovation roadmap socialized and agreed with business partners and senior leadership
• Continuous development and innovation of our Credit Strategy to maintain a market leading strategic capability
• Close collaboration with capital markets, product, tech, legal, compliance, and operational teams to ensure strategic alignment, regulatory compliance, and an integrated customer proposition
• Portfolio performance monitoring and management Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends in credit quality, losses, and early risk indicators.
• Prepare and present risk reporting and insights to senior management including preparing for and leading Credit Committee discussions
• Recommend actions to mitigate emerging risks and optimise portfolio outcomes

Requirements

• Essential Skills: 5+ years of experience in credit risk, underwriting, or a related risk management function within financial services, fintech, lending, or commercial credit
• Strong understanding of credit underwriting principles, data science model application, risk appetite frameworks, and portfolio risk management
• Outstanding quantitative and deductive reasoning skills; quickly able to identify insights in complex multi-dimensional data sets and autonomously develop and pursue solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain risk concepts to non-technical audiences
• Prowess in leading teams, driving accountability, and influencing cross-functional stakeholders
• Proven ability to evaluate financial statements, cash flow, and credit data to inform structured risk decisions
• Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment

Qualifications

• Desirable Skills: Experience in SME Lending
• Familiarity with US lending regulations and compliance requirements
• Experience working in other international markets