Director & Head of Corporate Banking

Job Title: Executive Vice President & Head Corporate Banking

Reports to: Managing Director & Head of Wholesale Banking Group

Coverage Division: Wholesale Banking Group

Job Purpose: The Director of Corporate Banking will be responsible for leading and expanding the bank’s corporate banking franchise in Abu Dhabi. The role will focus on managing relationships with large corporates, government-related entities (GREs), and institutional clients while driving balance sheet growth, profitability, and disciplined risk management.

The position will play a key role in strengthening the bank’s market presence across priority sectors while developing strategies to expand corporate banking capabilities and deepen client relationships.

Business & Revenue Leadership:

• Own the P&L for Corporate Banking in Abu Dhabi, including assets, liabilities, and fee-based income.
• Drive growth across large corporates, government-related entities, family groups, and selected multinational clients.
• Develop and execute sector-focused strategies across key industries such as energy, infrastructure, real estate, government, trade, industrials, and services.
• Increase client wallet share through cross-selling products including transaction banking, trade finance, treasury, cash management, FX, and capital markets solutions.

Client Relationship Management:

• Act as senior relationship sponsor for key strategic clients.
• Maintain strong relationships with senior executives, business owners, boards, and government stakeholders.
• Lead complex credit discussions, deal structuring, and syndication opportunities in collaboration with investment banking and risk teams.

Risk & Credit Oversight:

• Ensure disciplined credit growth aligned with the bank’s risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in credit committees and approve large exposures within delegated authority.
• Monitor portfolio quality, identify early warning signals, and implement remediation strategies when required.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead and develop a team of relationship managers and corporate banking professionals.
• Build a strong, high-performance culture focused on client delivery and prudent risk management.
• Establish clear performance metrics across business development, client engagement, and portfolio quality.
• Develop succession planning and leadership pipelines within the team.

Stakeholder & Governance Management:

• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Risk, Compliance, Legal, Operations, Treasury, Trade Finance, and Investment Banking teams.
• Represent the bank with regulators, government entities, and key market participants in Abu Dhabi.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.
• Monitor industry developments, market trends, and technological innovations to maintain a competitive corporate banking platform.

• The role requires strong analytical and strategic thinking to navigate complex client situations, manage credit risk, and develop solutions that balance growth with prudent risk management. The role holder will be expected to address evolving market conditions, regulatory requirements, and client needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.

• Minimum 15 years of experience in banking or financial services with a strong focus on corporate banking.
• Extensive knowledge of lending, trade finance, cash management, treasury, and corporate banking solutions.
• Strong understanding of the regional corporate banking landscape and regulatory environment.
• Proven track record in developing client relationships and delivering revenue growth.
• Experience managing senior corporate banking teams and complex client portfolios.