Head of Credit - Boutique Foreign Bank
Location: Hong Kong Institution
Type: Boutique Foreign Corporate Bank
Our client, a well-established boutique foreign bank with a focused corporate and commercial banking platform in Asia, is seeking a Head of Credit to lead its credit risk function in Hong Kong. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing credit governance, portfolio quality, and risk appetite across the bank's Greater China corporate lending activities.
Key Responsibilities - Lead the end-to-end credit risk function, including credit policy, underwriting, portfolio monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
- Oversee the approval and review of credit proposals for corporate clients, including mid-cap, large corporates, and cross-border entities.
- Act as the final credit authority in Hong Kong, ensuring alignment with global credit standards and local regulatory expectations.
- Provide strategic input to senior management on risk appetite, sector exposure, and portfolio diversification.
- Collaborate with front office, risk, and compliance teams to ensure a balanced risk-return approach.
- Represent the bank in regulatory engagements, internal audits, and credit committee meetings.
- Mentor and develop a small team of credit analysts and reviewers.
Requirements - 15+ years of experience in credit risk, credit approval, or credit portfolio management within international or regional banks.
- Strong understanding of Greater China corporate credit, including SOEs, conglomerates, and cross-border structures.
- Proven track record in leading credit teams and making sound credit decisions under pressure.
- Familiarity with HKMA regulations, IFRS 9, and internal risk rating frameworks.
- Fluent in English and Mandarin; Cantonese is advantageous.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Why Join? - Join a nimble and entrepreneurial platform with direct access to senior decision-makers.
- Lead the credit function with strategic autonomy and visibility.
- Be part of a stable, well-capitalized institution with a long-term commitment to Asia.
