Principal: AVAF Credit Risk, Impairments & Portfolio Optimisation

At Absa, a prominent financial institution with a rich heritage spanning over a century, a pivotal opportunity has arisen within the Asset, Vehicle and Asset Finance (AVAF) division. The organisation is actively seeking a seasoned professional to step into a leadership role focused on credit risk, specifically concerning impairments, portfolio optimisation, and strategic funding. This position is based in Johannesburg and offers a chance to contribute significantly to the bank's ongoing growth and its mission to empower Africa's future.

Understanding the Core Responsibilities

The principal role is multifaceted, requiring a deep understanding of credit risk management and a strategic outlook on portfolio performance. A significant aspect of the job involves leading the insights and planning related to impairments. This entails not only analysing current impairment trends but also forecasting future outcomes and dissecting variances. A key duty is to ensure that impairment coverage levels are appropriate, taking into account regular updates to model parameters, evolving economic outlooks, and risks that might fall outside the scope of existing models.

Furthermore, the role demands close collaboration with collections strategy and operations teams. The objective here is to translate analytical insights into tangible, actionable collection strategies that yield positive results. This involves participating in each impairment planning cycle, working in tandem with collections strategy, operations, finance, and portfolio management. From a credit risk perspective, leadership in discussions surrounding rate refreshes is also a crucial part of the remit.

Strategic Portfolio and Funding Management

Beyond impairments, this position plays a vital role in optimising the AVAF portfolio. This includes identifying and coordinating operational activities related to securitisation, with a particular emphasis on risk assessment and reporting. A significant area of focus will be capital optimisation. The successful candidate will be tasked with identifying strategic opportunities within the portfolio's mix, regulatory landscape, and modelling approaches to enhance risk-weighted assets (RWA) under Basel IV, considering both Advanced Internal Ratings-Based (AIRB) and Standardised approaches.

Equally important is the strategy for portfolio funding. This involves uncovering opportunities related to strategic portfolio mix, regulatory frameworks, structural considerations, industry trends, and partnerships to improve the overall funding rate, mix, and margin. The role also extends to supporting product innovation by ensuring that new offerings align with optimal capital and funding strategies, as well as desirable loss outcomes.

Collaboration is central to this position. The incumbent will work closely with colleagues in finance, financial risk management (FRM), treasury, operations, and executive leadership. The aim of these partnerships is to enhance funding efficiency, improve loan performance, and maximise returns on deployed capital. Additionally, the role encompasses people management, including coaching, performance management, and talent development within the team.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this demanding role, candidates are expected to possess a strong academic foundation, typically a Bachelor's degree with postgraduate studies in Commerce or Risk Management. A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience is required, with a proven track record across impairments, credit risk, securitisation, and capital optimisation. This extensive experience will enable the individual to bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic insight to the team and the wider organisation. Absa is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and while preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented groups in line with DEIB and Employment Equity objectives, all suitably qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to communicate their needs.

Qualifications and Experience:

• B degree with Postgraduate in Commerce or Risk.
• 15 years’ experience across impairments, credit, securitization and capital optimization.

 

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)