Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the credit risk profile for a new Speciality Finance function.
- Company: Join a Challenger Bank focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a strategic role within a dynamic financial environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or extensive experience in credit risk and Speciality Finance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
My Challenger Bank client is recruiting for a 2LOD Head of Credit to set up and manage their new Speciality Finance Credit function.
The Head of Credit Risk – Speciality Finance (SF) is accountable for overseeing and shaping the credit risk profile of the Speciality Finance business within the Bank. This is a senior, strategic second-line role, supporting the development, launch, and long-term sustainability of the SF product offering. The role ensures lending activity remains aligned with the Group’s risk appetite, capital framework, and regulatory obligations, while enabling sustainable growth and strong returns.
As a key credit leader, the postholder will set and govern credit policy, ensure consistently high-quality lending decisions, and play a critical role in the successful establishment and scaling of the SF proposition in the market. The role is intended to be a member of Credit Committee and is designated as a Material Risk Taker (MRT), operating in full compliance with FCA and PRA requirements.
Responsibilities- Credit Strategy & Governance
- Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance the Speciality Finance credit policy and risk appetite.
- Ensure lending decisions comply with approved policy, legal documentation standards, and regulatory requirements (including CDD, KYC/KYB).
- Act as a Credit Committee member, exercising delegated authority in line with approved mandates.
- Performance & Risk Management
- Optimise portfolio performance by minimising provisions and write-offs while maximising Return on Equity (RoE) within agreed risk parameters.
- Oversee the structuring, approval, and ongoing management of complex SF transactions.
- Partner with the Restructuring Director to manage and resolve distressed assets effectively.
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Speciality Finance Credit team, promoting an inclusive, approachable, and appropriately challenging risk culture.
- Support the Head of Business Finance Credit on strategic initiatives and change activity.
- Provide additional support to the wider Credit team on deal flow and sanctioning as capacity allows.
- Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
- Produce and present Speciality Finance MI to monthly Executive Risk Committees.
- Engage constructively with senior stakeholders, providing credible challenge and insight.
- Work closely with Group functions (Finance, Risk, Compliance, Marketing, Change, People) to ensure effective mobilisation and ongoing alignment of the SF credit function.
- Qualifications
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification; or significant, demonstrable experience in credit risk and Speciality Finance / bridging finance.
- Experience
- Minimum of 15 years’ experience in credit risk, with strong exposure to Speciality Finance or comparable lending models.
- Experience of transactions structured as borrowing base facilities and/or block discounting facilities.
- Proven track record of delivering robust credit judgments and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Skills & Knowledge
- Deep expertise in Speciality Finance and credit risk management.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance prudent risk management and business growth.
- In-depth knowledge of FCA and PRA regulation, including AML, KYC/KYB, and related compliance requirements.
- Strong capability in structuring complex transactions and managing in-life credit risk.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, challenge, and collaborate across functions.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in credit policy, processes, and controls.
Location: London (hybrid working)
Competitive salary
Head of Credit - Speciality Finance (Contract or Permanent) in London employer: Buckden Partners
Contact Detail:
Buckden Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Credit - Speciality Finance (Contract or Permanent) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in credit risk. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to Speciality Finance and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past successes in credit risk management to the table. Whether it’s optimising portfolio performance or leading a team, concrete achievements will make you memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Credit - Speciality Finance (Contract or Permanent) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Credit role. Highlight your experience in credit risk and Speciality Finance, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your strategic vision for the Speciality Finance credit function and how you plan to align it with our risk appetite. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve optimised portfolio performance or influenced senior stakeholders. Numbers speak volumes, and we’re all about results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Buckden Partners
✨Know Your Credit Risk Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of credit risk management, especially in the context of Speciality Finance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to develop and enhance credit policies while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Credit, you'll need to lead a high-performing team. Think about how you've built and developed teams in the past. Prepare to share your strategies for promoting an inclusive culture and how you've successfully managed challenging situations within a team.
✨Prepare for Complex Transaction Discussions
Expect to dive deep into discussions about structuring complex transactions. Have a few case studies ready where you've successfully managed such transactions, particularly those involving borrowing base facilities or block discounting. This will show your expertise and ability to handle in-life credit risk.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
You'll be interacting with senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your insights and challenges clearly. Think of examples where you've influenced decision-making or provided credible challenges in previous roles. This will highlight your communication skills and commercial acumen.
