Two banks need vice-presidents for credit team

Now is a good time to work for a bank, particularly in credit, which is a highly active sector whenever the economy is buoyant. Businesses want to expand, and they need funds to make it all happen.

Recruitment firm SuperSearch International is looking for two vice-presidents for credit approval on behalf of its clients.

The clients, who wish to remain unidentified, are a French commercial bank and a Japanese corporate bank.

Each bank has about 300 employees, 12 of them working in the banks' credit departments.

'Both are reputable international banks and provide various banking products to mid-caps, large corporations and financial institutions worldwide,' said SuperSearch associate director Ellie Lee.

'They provide a wide range of banking products to international clients in Asia and Europe.'

While the company cultures are distinct, the job duties are similar. The appointees will be responsible for approval of loan applications in compliance with credit policies.

Considered leadership roles, the positions offer a chance to oversee credit and loan administration for large corporate and financial institutions in local and overseas markets.

The new managers stand to gain wide exposure to different products and big clients.

The appointees will be leading by example, supervising a three to five-member credit team. This is a responsible post that calls for strong motivation and the technical skills required for balance sheet analysis.

A minimum of five years' hands-on experience in credit approval is required, ideally gained in a commercial or corporate bank. Those with experience in retail or wholesale banks are also encouraged to apply.

'Candidates with strong credit risk management experience, analytical skills and a good knowledge of the financial background of clients would be the best fit for these two positions,' Ms Lee said.

Experience in preparing credit proposal reports and arranging meetings with credit committees is essential. A credit committee is a management board within a company or bank that approves the sum of a loan.

In terms of promotion, there is room to grow to deputy head of the credit department or of loan administration.

According to Ms Lee of SuperSearch, the two banks are expanding all their departments and recruiting banking professionals for both frontline and back office operations.

SuperSearch is a recruitment agent for all industries, while specialising in banking and finance. The firm has years of experience finding places for banking/finance professionals. Clients include international investment banks, merchant banks, corporate banks, asset management companies and brokerage firms.