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- Tasks: Lead the development of a risk framework for institutional business and manage complex credit risks.
- Company: Join a well-capitalised global trading and investment firm scaling rapidly.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: This is a unique chance to shape a critical area in a respected financial services firm.
- Qualifications: Ideal for VP or Director-level candidates with a strong background in institutional credit or risk.
- Other info: Confidential enquiries are welcome for those interested in this career-defining opportunity.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
A well-capitalised, global trading and investment firm is seeking a Head of Institutional Risk to lead the development of a purpose-built risk framework for its institutional business — a newly created role, reporting into the CRO, with regular exposure to ExCo, including the CEO and CFO.
This is a rare chance to build something meaningful within a business that’s scaling fast — ideal for someone who combines technical expertise with strategic thinking.
🔍 Key focus areas:
- Institutional credit risk — particularly across hedge funds, family offices, proprietary trading firms, and other funds-based structures (often offshore)
- Deep understanding of ISDA documentation, counterparty risk, and traded product risk
- Working knowledge of margining practices, including portfolio margining
- Experience assessing the risk of complex legal and ownership structures
This role will involve building out and recalibrating a framework that has historically been retail-focused — requiring a strong grasp of the nuances involved in managing institutional exposures. You’ll have the support of the CRO and senior leadership, but will be expected to set the direction and take ownership.
💼 What they’re looking for:
Open to strong VP or Director-level talent from a prime brokerage, institutional credit, or FIG risk background. Candidates must combine technical depth with commercial judgement and the motivation to build, not simply maintain.
This is a career-defining opportunity to own a critical part of the institutional growth story inside a respected, well-resourced financial services firm.
If you'd like to learn more — confidential enquiries are welcome.
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Head of Institutional Credit Risk employer: Barclay Simpson
Contact Detail:
Barclay Simpson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Institutional Credit Risk
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the institutional credit risk space. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and local meetups to connect with people who are already in similar roles or companies. This can help you gain insights into the expectations for the Head of Institutional Credit Risk position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in institutional credit risk management. Read up on recent case studies, white papers, and industry reports to understand what firms are currently facing and how they are adapting their risk frameworks.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for building a risk framework tailored to institutional clients. Think about how you would approach recalibrating existing frameworks and be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead such initiatives.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with thought leaders in the field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Share your insights on relevant topics and participate in discussions to raise your profile within the industry, making it easier for recruiters to notice you when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Institutional Credit Risk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Institutional Credit Risk position. Familiarise yourself with key terms like ISDA documentation, counterparty risk, and margining practices.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in institutional credit risk, particularly if you have worked with hedge funds or proprietary trading firms. Use specific examples to demonstrate your technical expertise and strategic thinking.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your motivation to build a new risk framework. Mention how your background aligns with the company's goals and your vision for the role.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos, as attention to detail is crucial in risk management roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barclay Simpson
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to showcase your deep understanding of institutional credit risk, ISDA documentation, and margining practices. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your technical skills and how they relate to the role.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
This role requires a blend of technical depth and strategic insight. Be ready to discuss how you would approach building a new risk framework and the strategic considerations that come with managing institutional exposures.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
As you'll be reporting directly to the CRO and interacting with senior leadership, expect questions about your leadership style and experience. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in high-pressure environments.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the firm’s current position in the market and its growth strategy. Being able to articulate how your role as Head of Institutional Credit Risk fits into their broader objectives will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the business.
