At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a cutting-edge risk management framework for a fast-growing fintech.
- Company: Exciting global fintech lender with ambitious expansion plans.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary, bonus potential, and full ownership of the risk function.
- Why this job: Shape the future of risk management in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Senior risk leadership experience in SME lending and fintech required.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow and mentor your own international risk team.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Our client is an exciting global fintech Commercial Finance lender who have recently launched in the UK. They combine deep sector expertise with cutting‑edge technology to deliver fast, flexible and responsible funding to SMEs globally. With strong backing and an ambitious international expansion strategy, the business is scaling rapidly.
This is a brand new role so this is a rare opportunity to build the entire risk framework from scratch - the policies, the governance, the models, the team. You will be the strategic leader shaping the UK risk agenda, with scope to grow into global. You’ll build and evolve a best‑in‑class risk framework that supports high‑growth lending, analyses and manages new and existing portfolio risk, and underpins the business’s international expansion. This is a high‑visibility role with direct influence over the executive team and Board.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead the UK risk function, setting the vision for operational risk, market and regulatory risk.
- Work closely with credit, operations and sales teams.
- Build and enhance the enterprise‑wide risk framework to support rapid, scalable growth.
- Own credit risk strategy, including underwriting standards, portfolio performance, risk appetite and early‑warning systems.
- Develop advanced risk models, scorecards and decisioning tools to drive automation and smarter lending.
- Monitor global portfolio trends, identifying emerging risks and shaping proactive mitigation strategies.
- Ensure regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, partnering closely with legal and compliance teams.
- Act as a key voice in executive and Board‑level risk committees, providing clear, commercially balanced insight.
- Embed risk thinking into product development, operations and technology initiatives.
- Build, mentor and inspire a high‑performing international risk team.
Experience/skills required:
- Senior risk leadership experience within SME lending and fintech.
- Deep understanding of credit risk, portfolio management and SME lending.
- Proven ability to build or transform risk frameworks in a fast‑paced, multi‑market environment.
- Strong regulatory knowledge across UK and/or international markets.
- Highly analytical, with experience using data, modelling and MI to drive decisions.
- Confident communicating with senior stakeholders, including Board and investors.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to balance growth and risk discipline.
What’s on Offer:
- Highly competitive base salary with excellent bonus potential.
- Full ownership to build and own the global risk function.
- Ability to grow your own team from the ground up.
- Joining a team of highly reputable and experienced individuals.
Ready to lead one of the most exciting fintech launches in the UK? Please apply or get in touch to hear more about this exciting opportunity.
Head of Risk Management employer: Fintellect Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Fintellect Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Risk Management
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend fintech events, and engage on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Risk Management role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of risk frameworks and regulatory compliance. Be ready to discuss how you would build a risk function from scratch – they’ll want to see your vision!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data and modelling to drive decisions in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to manage portfolio risks effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Risk Management role. Highlight your experience in building risk frameworks and managing credit risk, as these are key for this position. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
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. Share specific examples of your past achievements in risk management and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include any relevant data-driven projects you've worked on. We love seeing how you’ve used data to drive decisions and improve risk strategies in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fintellect Recruitment
✨Know Your Risk Frameworks
Before the interview, brush up on various risk management frameworks and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you would build a risk framework from scratch, as this role requires you to set the vision for operational risk and more.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Bring examples of how you've used data and modelling to drive decisions in previous roles, especially in SME lending or fintech. This will show that you can handle the high-growth environment they’re operating in.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves communicating with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of scenarios where you’ve successfully influenced decision-making at an executive level and be ready to share those stories.
✨Emphasise Your Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory landscape in the UK and any international markets relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance while supporting rapid growth, as this is crucial for the position.