Associate, Specialist Credit Approval

Business Function – Risk Management Group (RMG)

RMG works closely with our business partners to manage the bank's risk exposure by balancing its objective to maximise returns against an acceptable risk profile. We partner with origination teams to provide financing, investments, and hedging opportunities to our customers. To manage risk effectively and run a successful business, we invest significantly in our people and infrastructure.

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the mortgage underwriting team, ensuring the prudent evaluation and approval of credit applications, effective risk management, and compliance with internal policies and regulatory guidelines. The role is critical in maintaining the quality of the bank's mortgage exposure in India and driving business growth with a focus on a nil delinquent book.

Key Accountabilities

1. Credit Application Evaluation & Approval: Recommend and/or approve credit applications in line with agreed process workflows and policies, ensuring all significant risks are highlighted and considered.
2. Delinquency Management: Proactively track delinquency levels and ensure timely follow-up with Collections and Business teams to regularize overdues.
3. Market & Product Expertise: Possess and apply sound knowledge of the Indian Western market, specifically Mortgages (Home Loan and Loan Against Property), including associated risks. Expertise in other location markets is an added advantage.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Apply in-depth knowledge of RBI Regulations/MAS Guidelines governing credit dispensation, including Loan Grading, Provisioning, and Asset Classification regulations.
5. Legal Framework Understanding: Maintain a working knowledge of the general legal framework in which the bank operates in India and apply the same to underwriting processes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Team Management & Development: Manage and monitor the regional underwriting team, providing support and guidance to meet business targets and adhere to policies and processes.
2. Policy & Process Framework: Frame lending policy frameworks, processes, and workflows, and assist in setting up and maintaining error-free processes across all locations.
3. Judicious Credit Approval: Approve credit applications as per the Delegation of Authority (DOA) judiciously, ensuring a balanced approach to risk and business objectives.
4. Portfolio Quality Assurance: Ensure that the quality of the bank's mortgage exposure in India remains acceptable at all times, striving for a nil delinquent book across the region.
5. Audit & Compliance: Ensure zero audit lapses and findings, collaborating with relevant teams to uphold compliance standards.
6. Guidance & Training: Provide guidance to Mortgage counselors on policy and process matters, fostering continuous learning and adherence.

Experience

• 10+ years of comprehensive mortgage experience is required.

Education/Preferred Qualifications

• Preferably a Chartered Accountant or an MBA in Finance.

Core Competencies

1. Locational Expertise: Must be based in Mumbai with expertise in Pune, Gujarat, and other markets, capable of handling cross-locational underwriting requirements.
2. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective team leadership, stakeholder interaction, and policy articulation.
3. Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex credit applications and mitigate risks.
4. Leadership & Team Building: Proven ability to manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing underwriting team.
5. Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in credit assessments and policy implementation.

Work Relationship

• Extensive interaction with Business teams, Collections, HO Credit team, Risk Audit Team, and product teams.
• Collaboration with external auditors and regulatory bodies as required.