Credit Risk Specialist

Credit Risk Specialist

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: London

Reporting To: Steve Allen

Description

Overview

We are looking for a Credit Risk Analyst to own the assessment, approval, and ongoing monitoring of client credit limits and forward facilities. You will sit at the intersection of commercial growth and risk control: enabling the sales and dealing desks to win and serve clients, while protecting the firm from credit losses. This is a hands‑on role with real ownership of decisions, ideal for someone who enjoys combining rigorous financial analysis with fast‑moving, market‑driven judgement.

Key Responsibilities

Review Credit Application Requests

• Assess the creditworthiness of new and existing clients using financial statements, management accounts, credit reference data, and qualitative factors.
• Recommend, set, and document appropriate credit limits, tenor, and margin terms for forward contract facilities in line with the firm’s risk appetite.
• Partner closely with sales and dealing teams to balance commercial opportunity against risk, providing clear, timely credit decisions that support deal velocity.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Manage margin and collateral requirements; identify, initiate, and track variation margin calls when client positions move out of the money.
• Track limit utilisation daily and elevate breaches, deteriorating credit quality, or concentration risks promptly.
• Conduct periodic credit reviews and annual facility renewals, adjusting limits as client circumstances and market conditions change.
• Support stress testing and scenario analysis on the forward book (e.g. adverse FX moves, single‑name default, sector shocks).

General

• Aide credit assessment of counterparties and other key suppliers.
• Maintain credit policy and procedure documentation, and ensure decisions are compliant with internal policy.
• Prepare and contribute to credit and exposure reporting for the Risk Committee and senior management; implement process improvements, automation and simplification.
• Respond to ad‑hoc requests, investigating specific risk issues and providing insight to support business decisions.

Success Measures

• Credit losses contained within appetite – bad debt and default‑related losses kept within agreed risk‑appetite thresholds.
• Decision turnaround – credit applications assessed and decided within agreed SLAs, supporting commercial speed without compromising rigour.
• Exposure accuracy and control – MTM monitoring and margin calls executed accurately and on time, with limit breaches detected early.
• The general Credit portfolio book provides a good return on capital, compared to other investment opportunities.
• Stakeholder confidence – sales, dealing, and senior management view the role as a trusted, commercially aware partner rather than a blocker.
• Audit and regulatory readiness – clean, well‑documented credit files and policies that stand up to internal audit and external stakeholders.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Experience in credit risk analysis, ideally within FX, payments, banking, or another financial services environment.
• Degree in finance, economics, accounting, mathematics, or a related discipline – or equivalent practical experience.
• Understanding of Credit Reference Agency data and its practical application.
• Strong financial statement analysis skills – able to interpret company accounts, assess liquidity and solvency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A true team player with a winning mentality and strong work ethic committed to continuous improvement and high performance.
• Adaptable, tenacious and flexible who can perform under pressure.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• An extra day off for your birthday.
• Holiday loyalty scheme rewarding long‑term service.
• Work abroad scheme for added flexibility.
• Competitive pension scheme via salary exchange.
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme (eligible after probation).
• Financial education, planning & coaching platform.
• Interest‑free Season Ticket Loan for London travel.
• Salary exchange nursery fee scheme.
• Life Insurance.
• Healthcare platform including:
  • Cashback on dental, optical & physio.
  • Virtual GP access.
  • Mental health and stress support helplines.
  • Additional wellbeing resources.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Flexible benefits that support everyday life.
• Career development and progression tools.
• Opportunities to grow within a fast‑scaling international business.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to our success. We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, identity or experiences. By embracing diverse perspectives and promoting equity, we aim to create an environment where all employees can perform and reach their full potential.