Senior Credit Analyst – CIB: Global Markets Credit - VP

Absa is looking for a seasoned Credit Analyst to join their Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) division, focusing specifically on their Global Markets Credit portfolio. This is a senior role within a proudly South African organisation with a strong regional and international presence, offering an opportunity to contribute to Africa's economic growth. The successful candidate will independently manage a diverse portfolio, playing a critical role in credit risk management and the enablement of commercial solutions.

About the Role

This Senior Credit Analyst position involves taking full ownership of credit risk activities for a defined portfolio of Global Markets clients. The incumbent will be responsible for navigating the entire credit lifecycle, from initial analysis and granting to ongoing management, restructuring, and impairment. A key aspect of the role is to balance responsible risk-taking with a commercially minded approach, facilitating business growth while adhering to internal policies and external regulations. The individual will also represent the credit function in senior management committees, providing insights into portfolio risk and composition, and contributing to the development of robust risk management information.

• Evaluate the financial well-being of clients within your portfolio.
• Prepare comprehensive credit applications, including specific recommendations, and present these to various Credit Committees.
• Approve and sanction credit requests within your delegated mandate.
• Structure deals to optimise risk and commercial outcomes.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments across a wide range of CIB Global Markets products.
• Oversee and mentor a team of Junior Credit Analysts.
• Approve Structured Trade Reviews and New Products within your designated portfolio.
• Act as a central point for all credit-related requests within your portfolio, collaborating with diverse stakeholders such as Global Markets business heads, coverage bankers, and various risk teams.
• Monitor, manage, and report on the relevant portfolio to ensure alignment with defined risk appetite levels.
• Develop and deliver monthly risk management information (MI) for senior leadership, providing analysis and commentary.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key business partners to foster a culture of responsible risk-taking and commercially viable solutions.
• Contribute to the review and enhancement of internal systems and processes to improve efficiency and automation.
• Compile portfolio reviews and conduct sensitivity analyses.
• Develop, negotiate, and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of client data on relevant risk systems.
• Monitor adherence to credit policies and service level agreements (SLAs), identifying and addressing any deviations.

What they're looking for

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the operating environment and its impact on clients within the Global Markets space. Strong technical knowledge is paramount, particularly across a spectrum of Global Markets products and credit risk methodologies.

• Proven experience in credit risk management, preferably within a CIB environment.
• Advanced understanding of Global Markets products, including:
• Derivatives (Interest Rate, FX, Credit, Equity, Commodity)
• Structured Financing and Synthetic Products
• Execution and Trading Services
• Margin Lending / Prime Brokerage Financing
• Securities Lending/Borrowing
• Strong knowledge of credit risk metrics such as Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD), and Exposure At Default (EAD).
• Familiarity with Basel regulations (I, II, III, IV).
• Understanding of derivatives exposure methodologies, e.g., SA-CCR.
• Robust financial modelling and analytical capabilities.
• Familiarity with industry documentation such as ISDA, Collateral Frameworks (CSA agreements), GMRAs, and GMSLAs.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex risks to various audiences.
• A proactive approach to identifying and addressing risks, with an ability to innovate and suggest alternative lending or restructuring solutions.

Senior Credit Analyst roles, particularly within large financial institutions in Sandton, are highly sought after. They typically command competitive remuneration packages, often including performance-based bonuses. Career progression usually involves moving into head of credit functions, specialised portfolio management, or broader risk management leadership roles within the banking sector. This type of position requires a blend of analytical rigour and commercial acumen, making it a pivotal role in maintaining financial stability while enabling business growth.

Education and Experience Required

• B-degree in Business or Commerce (or similar)
• Relevant postgraduate qualification such as CA(SA) / CFA/ MBA preferable.
• 8+ years in: Credit Risk Management Global markets / Investment Banking
• Strong experience with: FI and NBFI credit analysis Derivatives and structured finance products

Knowledge & Skills:

• CIB Product knowledge
• Analytical abilities
• Professional writing and presentation
• Leadership capabilities
• Banking products and regulatory knowledge
• Risk Management principles and practices
• Stakeholder Management