Head, Credit Approval

Our Client is a leading foreign bank in Malaysia, globally recognized in the financial industry. We are seeking a suitably experienced professional in Credit Approval to join their Credit Department. The ideal candidate will play a lead role in managing independent credit assessment of all credit facilities and to provide approval if within the Credit Approving Authority or to recommend to higher approving authorities for approval.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Credit Approval function, ensuring high standards in credit due diligence, assessment, and approval processes.
• Evaluate and approve credit proposals within delegated authority, ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance and recommendations for credit applications beyond delegated authority to Credit Committees and Senior Management.
• Drive consistency, accuracy, and timeliness in credit evaluation and decision-making processes.
• Supervise and mentor a team of credit analysts/approvers, fostering professional development and performance excellence.
• Collaborate closely with business units, risk management, and other key stakeholders to support quality asset growth.
• Participate in credit policy reviews, audits, and internal projects, including non-BAU (Business-As-Usual) initiatives.
• Keep abreast of economic, industry, and regulatory developments affecting credit quality and portfolio risk.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Preferably a degree holder in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Must possess a professional qualification such as the Business Credit Professional (BCP) certification by AICB.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in credit initiation, credit approval, credit due diligence, assessment, or credit risk management.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity, with proven leadership capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills with sound understanding of financial statements, accounting, and business operations.
• Well-versed with the economic and business landscape in Malaysia.
• Excellent credit judgment and decision-making ability.
• Effective written communication skills, especially in preparing credit papers and presenting recommendations.
• Proficient in using credit assessment tools and systems.