Head of Credit Risk Oversight

Hello, we’re Starling. We built a new kind of bank because we knew technology had the power to help people save, spend and manage their money in a new and transformative way. We’re a fully licensed UK bank with the culture and spirit of a fast-moving, disruptive tech company. We’re a bank, but better: fairer, easier to use and designed to demystify money for everyone. We employ more than 3,000 people across our London, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester offices.

Please note the closing date for this role is 12th January 2025.

The Head of Credit Risk Oversight will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective management of credit risk across the Bank. As part of our second line of defence, this position is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a robust credit risk framework which supports the Bank’s strategic objectives while meeting regulatory requirements.

As the Head of Credit Risk Oversight, you will provide independent assurance of the Bank’s credit risk practices, and establish and maintain clear policies which promote best practices. You will collaborate with senior leaders across the business to identify, assess, and mitigate credit risk while ensuring alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain credit risk policies which support the Bank’s strategic goals and are aligned to regulatory requirements.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the credit risk framework, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite.
• Lead independent assurance reviews of credit risk activities, policies, and processes, identifying areas of improvement and providing recommendations to address gaps. Produce high quality assurance reports, providing stakeholders with clear and actionable insights.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across the business to provide advice and insights on credit risk performance and emerging risks.
• Work with wider credit risk teams to produce high quality management information for the Bank’s risk committees.
• Undertake reviews and analysis in relation to credit risk, and prepare papers for senior management and Board committees, providing insights and recommendations to support effective decision making.
• Lead and develop a high performing Credit Risk Oversight team, and support a culture of continuous improvement, aligned to the Bank’s values.
• Keep track of industry trends and regulatory requirements to continually enhance the Bank’s management of credit risk.

• Extensive, proven experience in credit risk management or oversight, within a banking environment.
• Experience of developing and implementing effective risk policies and frameworks.
• Experience in conducting assurance reviews and providing independent, actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present high quality reports and papers for senior stakeholders, committees and regulators.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in influencing, negotiation and relationship management, with the ability to challenge constructively.
• In-depth knowledge of credit risk principles, policies and methodologies covering the entire credit lifecycle - acquisition, account management and collections.
• Familiarity with the UK financial services industry and regulatory landscape.
• Experience of a range of lending products (mortgages, unsecured retail lending, SME lending) preferred.