Credit Risk Lead

Credit Risk Lead

Department: Credit Risk

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Atlanta

We are seeking a Credit Risk Lead to oversee and drive the next phase of growth in our US business. Whilst the role is US market focused, it is based out of our global headquarters in London.

In this role, you will lead the US credit risk and underwriting team, owning, developing and innovating our credit strategy ensuring consistent, high-quality credit decisions aligned with the company’s risk appetite and regulatory obligations. You will partner closely with senior risk leadership, Product, Data, Compliance, and Commercial teams to strengthen credit policies, optimize decisioning frameworks, and maintain strong portfolio performance.

This role requires deep credit risk expertise and an ability to thrive in a fast paced environment. Outstanding interpersonal skills will be required both to lead the team and collaborate with business partners and senior management. You will be empowered to manage and be accountable for team performance, underwriting quality, operational efficiency, and the delivery of key risk outcomes in this strategically critical and high profile market.

• Overall market Credit Risk
  • Ownership of the Credit Strategy for the US market
  • Directly contribute to delivery of business KPIs as part of the wider US management team (e.g. growth, profitability, loss rate etc.)
  • Collaborate with Credit Risk leads across all geographic markets contributing to global targets by sharing toolkit, insights, innovations and emerging risks
• Credit strategy development and innovation
  • Ownership and delivery of the US Credit Strategy development and innovation roadmap socialised and agreed with business partners and senior leadership
  • Continuous development and innovation of our Credit Strategy to maintain a market leading strategic capability
  • Close collaboration with capital markets, product, tech, legal, compliance and operational teams to ensure strategic alignment, regulatory compliance and an integrated customer proposition
• Portfolio performance monitoring and management
  • Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends in credit quality, losses, and early risk indicators.
  • Prepare and present risk reporting and insights to senior management including preparing for and leading Credit Committee discussions
  • Recommend actions to mitigate emerging risks and optimise portfolio outcomes
• Team Leadership & Management
  • Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a small team of credit risk analysts and underwriters.
  • Recruit for and develop the team in line with our culture and values creating a tenured, talented and recognised centre of Credit Risk excellence
• Governance, Compliance and Quality Assurance
  • Own and maintain the Risk Governance Framework including Credit Risk Policy and Process documentation in relation to the US market and federal / state regulatory requirements
  • Oversee credit underwriting and risk assessment processes to ensure consistent application of credit policies and risk appetite including calling out issues and collaborating with 2nd line Quality Assurance teams
  • Review complex or escalated cases and provide guidance on structured risk decisions

• 5+ years of experience in credit risk, underwriting, or a related risk management function within financial services, fintech, lending, or commercial credit
• Strong understanding of credit underwriting principles, data science model application, risk appetite frameworks, and portfolio risk management.
• Outstanding quantitative and deductive reasoning skills; quickly able to identify insights in complex multi‑dimensional data sets and autonomously develop and pursue solutions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain risk concepts to non‑technical audiences
• Proven ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and influence cross‑functional stakeholders
• Ability to evaluate financial statements, cash flow, and credit data to inform structured risk decisions
• Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment

• Experience in SME Lending
• Familiarity with…