At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk strategy and oversee credit, operational, regulatory, and financial risks in specialist finance.
- Company: Dynamic specialist finance business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, private healthcare, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Why this job: Join the leadership team and influence key lending decisions in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Extensive credit risk experience and expertise in asset-based lending and finance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
£150-160K + car allowance + performance bonus. Flexible | Hybrid working with frequent travel required to UK offices.
At some point in your risk career, you stop just managing risk and start defining how a business lends, trades and grows. This is one of those roles. You’ll sit right at the leadership table of a specialist finance business with meaningful exposure to Asset-Based Lending, Marine Finance and Foreign Exchange. These are growing businesses and we have ambitious growth plans across the full specialist finance functions. This is not a back‑office role. It’s a seat where risk, credit, assets and currency all meet… Where judgement really matters.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll have overall responsibility for credit, operational, regulatory and financial risk across the specialist finance businesses, in practice, that means:
- Setting and leading the risk strategy across specialist finance, embedding a commercially minded, risk‑aware culture.
- Providing strong credit risk oversight across asset‑backed and marine portfolios, including ongoing monitoring and intervention.
- Designing and evolving credit policies, frameworks and risk‑based models that support growth without compromising control.
- Sitting at the front end of underwriting and sanctioning, with senior discretion over complex and high‑value facilities.
- Direct involvement in asset‑based lending, asset finance and marine finance transactions, including deal structuring and challenge.
- Assessing and managing FX risk associated with lending, assets and client activity, working closely with treasury and funding partners.
- Leading portfolio analysis, provisioning input and root‑cause reviews to refine risk appetite across asset classes.
You’ll be a member of the senior leadership team and boards, partnering closely with the CRO and Managing Director to shape lending decisions at source.
What you’ll bring
- You’re a senior risk leader from specialist finance, comfortable operating where assets, credit and currency risk intersect. You’ll bring:
- Extensive credit risk experience within financial services.
- Deep asset finance and asset‑based lending expertise, this is essential.
- Ideally you’ll have exposure to marine finance (we understand this is niche so don’t worry if you don’t) or practical experience of FX.
- Strong background in front‑line underwriting and sanctioning.
- Experience building and overseeing risk‑based models and portfolio monitoring frameworks.
- Credibility and confidence to sit around the leadership table at lending stage, influencing outcomes rather than observing them.
- Above all, you’ll combine technical depth with commercial judgement, being able to protect the business without slowing it down.
The good stuff
- £150-160K salary + Car allowance (£7,192.50) + performance bonus (up to 30%).
- Hands‑on Risk Director role in a specialist finance environment where asset‑based lending, marine assets and FX exposure are central to how the business operates. Your expertise truly gets used and listened to.
- Private healthcare for you and your family.
- Company pension scheme.
- Flexible benefits (gym membership, tech, health assessments and more).
- Access to an online wellbeing centre.
- Discounts with a wide range of retailers.
- 30 days’ holiday plus.
Risk Director (Specialist Finance) in Cardiff employer: Bibby Financial Services
As a New Business Coordinator at our Yeadon location, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values accuracy and organisation. We offer a supportive culture with hybrid working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Risk Director (Specialist Finance) in Cardiff
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Bibby Financial Services looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Risk Director (Specialist Finance) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Bibby Financial Services. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bibby Financial Services
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Bibby Financial Services’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
