Credit Risk Manager (Private Banking)

Title: Credit Risk Manager (Private Banking)Location: DubaiAbout the ClientOur client is a well-established regional bank with a strong and growing presence in Dubai. As it continues to expand its Private and Consumer Banking business, it is seeking a Credit Risk Manager to provide independent credit oversight across its high-net-worth, retail and SME lending portfolios. This role suits a credit professional from a private banking or wealth management background who combines rigorous risk judgement with a practical, business-focused approach that supports sustainable growth.Key ResponsibilitiesDeliver independent credit risk assessments for new and existing HNWI, consumer and SME clients, covering new facilities, renewals, increases and amendments, and prepare recommendations for approvers and committees.Evaluate repayment capacity, facility structure and collateral strength, so that lending stays within the bank’s risk appetite, credit policies and CBUAE requirements, including market conduct standards.Assess a broad product range, including securities-backed and Lombard lending, real estate–backed lending, mortgages, credit cards, personal loans and SME finance, and assign internal risk ratings to borrowers.Support the Credit Committee process, including preparing credit packs, recording minutes and communicating decisions to the business.Monitor portfolio health by tracking excesses, past dues, collateral shortfalls and covenant breaches, and manage the watchlist and stressed accounts using early warning signals.Oversee IFRS 9 staging and ECL provisioning, and carry out grading of shares, bonds, sukuk and issuers held as collateral.Own the review of credit policies, procedures and lending authority frameworks, and produce portfolio MIS for senior management, Board committees, regulators and auditors.Contribute to credit automation, system enhancements and process improvement initiatives across the Risk function.Key RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline. CA or CFA would be advantageous.5–7+ years’ credit underwriting experience within UAE banking, ideally gained in a private bank or the private/wealth division of a larger institution.Strong hands-on experience in securities-backed lending, including assessment of equity and fixed-income collateral. Exposure to mortgages, credit cards and SME cash-flow lending is highly desirable.Solid understanding of Private Banking, Wealth Management, Consumer Banking and SME products.Advanced financial statement and cash flow analysis skills.Sound working knowledge of CBUAE regulations, including credit risk management standards, consumer protection, mortgage lending rules and IFRS 9.Advanced Excel skills, strong organisational ability and the confidence to provide independent challenge to the business.