Head of Credit Risk Policy, Quality Assurance and Frameworks

Senior Head of Credit Risk Policy, Quality Assurance and Frameworks

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Hampshire Trust Bank is a specialist bank, staffed by experts focused on helping UK businesses realise their ambitions. We offer niche specialty lines, as a SME bank, targeting under-served segments. Our dedicated Wholesale Finance, Bridging Finance, Development Finance and Specialist Mortgages teams ensure that businesses receive the outstanding service, lasting relationships, integrity and expertise they need to prosper. We also provide savings accounts to individuals and businesses and since we lend to SMEs, our savers can be sure their money will help boost the British economy.

Our vision is to be the go‑to bank in our chosen markets; to deliver positive customer outcomes, rewarding careers and great shareholder value through a high‑performing culture grounded in excellence and integrity.

The Credit Risk Team sits within the 2nd Line of Defence Risk and Compliance function, and provides management, control and execution of Credit Risk policy and related processes across HTB’s portfolio of lending exposures in its chosen specialist industry sectors including Real Estate Investment and Development Finance (including bridging finance/short term lending), Asset Finance, and Wholesale Finance (including Structured and Funds Finance and Block Discounting).

The incoming hire will directly support the Chief Risk Officer and Bank Executive by making a significant contribution to the design and execution of credit risk strategy/related processes, providing a centre of excellence for underwriting and credit approvals, undertaking credit quality assurance, and maintaining a detailed oversight and understanding of HTBs growing portfolio of lending exposures.

The working pattern of this role is hybrid, with an expectation to be in the London office a minimum of 50% of the time.

• Maintain a credible and coherent framework for the management and oversight of credit risk, including supporting the CCO with maintaining the Credit Risk Management Framework and supporting Credit Risk Policies.
• Support the CCO to manage ICAAP requirements for Credit Risk. Ensure that regulatory requirements, as required to support strategic aims including liquidity and capital support schemes (e.g. ILTR funding), are in place from a credit risk view.
• Manage credit risk assurance activity for the Second Line.
• Support the effective running of Credit Committee and Transactional Credit Committee.
• Manage, challenge and aid in the design, updating and maintaining Credit Risk Framework, Policies and Processes.
• Support to ensure Credit Risk reporting and reviews are appropriate and timely.
• Provide early visibility of emerging credit risks including regulatory driven risk effects.
• Support the development of an appropriate risk culture within the business.
• Develop a strong, positive and open working relationship with the Bank’s lending businesses.

• Significant leadership experience in senior credit risk roles including Credit Sanctioning and Credit Risk Frameworks (candidates will ideally have experience gained across both Challenger Bank and mainstream bank roles).
• Strong awareness of the regulatory framework (including IFRS9, risk weighting methodologies and potential changes). Diverse knowledge of the financial, business, economic and property markets with an emphasis on SME markets.
• Proven analytical skills with a strong working knowledge of risk control systems, processes and reporting.
• Demonstrates a good understanding of portfolio data, analytics and risk profiling (ideally alongside a good awareness of risk modelling techniques including PD/LGD models).
• Strong leadership capabilities alongside proven communication abilities evidence by management and motivation of risk and front line relationship teams.
• Evidence of industry qualifications – ACIB or similar related qualifications.

• Competitive remuneration
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Private Medical Insurance (Bupa)
• Pension scheme – 8% employer contribution (non-contributory)
• Mental health & wellbeing support via YuLife & Bupa
• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) + Holiday Buy Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Green Car Scheme
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Study support & professional membership
• Hybrid working (50/50)
• YuLife Rewards – discounts on retail, lifestyle & experiences
• Interest‑free season ticket loan
• Annual volunteering day & Net Zero employer commitment

Executive

Full‑time

Other

Banking