AVP & Lead, Credit Management

Role Overview

AVP & Lead, Credit Management at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), based in Abu Dhabi. The role takes credit ownership from underwriting through to obtaining necessary approvals for an assigned portfolio of Wealth Banking clients.

Company Overview

First Abu Dhabi Bank is pursuing a strategic objective to become a market leader across the GCC in the priority banking arena. The Wealth Banking segment serves High Net Worth Individuals and Ultra High Net Worth clients, including all of their group entities representing diverse interests from operating businesses to investments across various asset classes.

Role Purpose

Ensure all credit propositions are in compliance with Group Credit Policy and guidelines while providing guidance and expertise across the full spectrum of product offerings. Work with Coverage and Product teams to structure propositions and engage with clients where necessary, meeting both client needs and Bank requirements in a swift and expeditious manner.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Ownership & Approvals

• Own credit decisions from underwriting through to obtaining necessary approvals for assigned portfolio clients.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of products, industry, markets, and financial statements to work across all product groups and respond in a timely manner.

Product & Structuring Expertise

• Provide expert guidance on credit facilities structured around loan size, collateral type, tenor, and borrower financial strength.
• Advise on Leveraged Investments, Lombard facilities, Commercial and Residential Real Estate financing, and Insurance Financing structures.
• Display strong structuring skills to meet both client needs and Bank requirements.

Compliance & Policy

• Ensure all propositions comply with Group Credit Policy and guidelines.
• Demonstrate good understanding of legal and regulatory framework.
• Apply thorough understanding of collateral valuation and monitoring processes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Coverage and Product teams in structuring and propositioning.
• Engage with clients where necessary to ensure swift and expeditious completion of transactions.
• Play a strong partnership role as a member of the second line of defense.

Problem-Solving & Advisory

• Demonstrate strong initiative and interactive approach to problem solving while displaying flexibility and independence in a demanding environment.
• Adopt a solution-oriented mindset with out-of-the-box thinking while maintaining high standards of credit.
• Look beyond Personal Net Worth Statements and financials to understand the underlying business proposition.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Desirable: Chartered Accountant, Master's in Business Administration (MBA), relevant finance degree, or professional certification charter (CFA, FRM, or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years relevant experience in the banking sector with at least 4–5 years in Credit function.

Skills & Competencies

• Expert knowledge of credit products including Lombard lending, Real Estate financing, Foreign Exchange, and Derivatives.
• Expert knowledge of investment products including bonds, sukuks, stocks, mutual funds, and structured notes.
• Hands-on knowledge of capital market products, derivatives, and margin requirements.
• Thorough understanding of collateral valuation and monitoring processes.
• Good understanding of documentation and legal requirements for different types of credit facilities.
• Strong structuring skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, written and spoken.