At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape innovative solutions for Credit Risk technology and lead architectural direction.
- Company: Join Investec, a forward-thinking international bank with a culture of curiosity and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, wellbeing benefits, and a flexible work schedule.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial sector while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in solution architecture, especially within Credit Risk in banking.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
At Investec, we do things differently. We're a leading international bank and wealth manager built on a culture of curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit and human connection. Ideas are heard, ambition is celebrated, and impact is encouraged. As part of a team that challenges convention and strives for outperformance, you'll help shape bold solutions for clients who expect something more than the ordinary.
Investec is looking for an experienced Solutions Architect to shape the future of our UK Credit Risk technology landscape. Sitting within UK Technology and aligned to Credit Risk, you will work at the intersection of regulation, data and technology. You will define how the systems, platforms and data supporting the complete credit lifecycle evolve, from origination and decisioning through to exposure management, capital calculation, impairment and regulatory reporting.
This is an influential role that combines long-term architectural direction with pragmatic delivery. You will partner with colleagues across Credit Risk, Risk Analytics and Modelling, Finance, Regulatory Reporting, Product, Engineering and Architecture, helping Investec respond to regulatory change, simplify its credit risk landscape and make effective use of emerging technology.
What will I be doing?
- Define and maintain the target-state architecture and strategic roadmap for UK Credit Risk, covering current, transition and future states.
- Provide architectural leadership across the credit lifecycle, including origination, decisioning, limits, collateral, exposure management, monitoring, impairment, capital and regulatory reporting.
- Shape solutions that support regulatory change, including Basel 3.1, the Internal Ratings Based approach and prudential reporting.
- Partner with Risk Data leadership to strengthen data lineage, quality, ownership, auditability, aggregation and reporting across the credit risk domain.
- Define solution architectures, standards, patterns and guardrails, providing consistency and continuity across technology decisions.
- Support application selection and build, buy or reuse decisions for credit risk platforms and engines, including their integration with finance, lending and data platforms.
- Help identify and govern appropriate uses of AI, ensuring solutions are explainable, secure and compliant with model risk management expectations.
- Coach engineering teams, contribute to architecture governance and build strong relationships across different geographies and business areas.
What are we looking for?
What's Essential
- At least eight years' experience in solution or enterprise architecture, with a track record of defining architectures and target-state roadmaps aligned to business outcomes.
- Demonstrable experience architecting solutions within the Credit Risk function of a bank or regulated financial services organisation.
- Strong knowledge of the credit lifecycle and its supporting systems, including credit decisioning, limits, collateral, exposure management and monitoring.
- A strong understanding of modern architecture patterns, including APIs, integration, event-driven architecture and distributed systems.
- Knowledge of the UK prudential regulatory environment, including PRA expectations and how regulation translates into technology, data and control requirements.
- The ability to translate business strategy and regulatory requirements into clear, practical architectural direction.
- An understanding of software delivery, security and resilience principles, alongside architecture frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman.
- Knowledge of responsible AI principles, including explainability, human oversight, data privacy and security.
What's Desirable
- Knowledge of the Microsoft technology ecosystem, including Azure cloud services and the Azure Well-Architected Framework.
- Familiarity with the Basel Framework, Standardised and IRB approaches, IFRS 9 and risk-weighted asset calculations.
- Understanding of expected credit loss and the data and process dependencies connecting Credit Risk and Finance.
- Experience delivering credit risk, capital or impairment engines and integrating them with source and finance systems.
- Knowledge of risk data aggregation, regulatory reporting and associated reporting principles.
- Experience with modern data platforms and approaches, such as Microsoft Fabric, lakehouse architectures and data products.
- The ability to identify credible, value-adding AI opportunities within credit risk processes.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to balance strategic thinking with pragmatic delivery.
As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote. We believe that being together enables us to live our values and support our clients and communities in an extraordinary way.
Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work.
Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It's a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation. We believe that innovation thrives when everyone feels respected, included, and empowered to contribute.
We actively seek out diverse talent and foster an inclusive environment, encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Here, you'll find networks, benefits, and development opportunities designed to support your career journey, wherever it may lead.
If this role excites you but you don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we are looking for. Get in touch!
At Investec, we're deeply invested in our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. It's more than a mindset; it's how we show up every day. Be part of something Out of the Ordinary.
We commit to ensure that everyone is fairly assessed during our recruitment process. To assist candidates in completing their application form, Recite Me assistive technology is available on our Careers pages.
If you have any form of disability or neurodivergent need and require further assistance in completing your application, please contact the Careers team at careers@investec.com who will be happy to assist.
Location: London - 30 Gresham Street
Department: Enterprise & Shared Platforms
Division: IBP Digital and Technology
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: Competitive
Solutions Architect - Credit Risk in London employer: Investec
Investec is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of curiosity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for Financial Planning and Analysis professionals. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, a flexible working model, and a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, we provide ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in the vibrant city of London. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives financial performance but also fosters a sense of belonging and community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect - Credit Risk in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Investec. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Investec.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Investec. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect - Credit Risk in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Investec and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Investec how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Investec
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Investec.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Investec's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!