Credit Risk Lead - US Market in London
Credit Risk Lead - US Market

Credit Risk Lead - US Market in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
YouLend

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in credit risk management and drive innovative solutions.
  • Company: Join YouLend, a rapidly growing FinTech recognised as a top workplace.
  • Benefits: Enjoy stock options, private medical insurance, and a vibrant office culture.
  • Other info: Be part of an award-winning team that values diversity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment with global opportunities.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in credit risk and proven leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

About Us

YouLend is a rapidly growing FinTech that is the preferred embedded financing platform for many of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms, tech companies, and Payment Service Providers. Our software platform enables our partners to extend their value proposition by offering flexible financing products in their own branding, to their merchant base, without capital at risk. We are owned by the leading Private Equity company, EQT, and have grown +100% year-on-year since 2020. We are headquartered in London, UK, but are also present in several European countries as well as the United States where we service our partners, including eBay, Amazon, Just Eat, Shopify, and Stripe.

The Role

We are seeking a Credit Risk Lead to support the continued growth and oversight of our credit risk function as we scale across the US and international markets. In this role, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the credit risk and underwriting team, ensuring consistent, high-quality credit decisions aligned with the company’s risk appetite and regulatory obligations. You will partner closely with senior risk leadership, Product, Data, Compliance, and Commercial teams to strengthen credit policies, optimize decisioning frameworks, and maintain strong portfolio performance. This role requires deep credit risk expertise combined with proven people management experience. You will be accountable for team performance, underwriting quality, operational efficiency, and the delivery of key risk outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of credit risk analysts and underwriters. Manage performance, workload allocation, hiring, and professional development. Foster a culture of accountability, sound judgment, and continuous improvement.
  • Credit Risk & Underwriting Oversight: Oversee credit underwriting and risk assessment processes to ensure consistent application of credit policies and risk appetite. Review complex or escalated cases and provide guidance on structured risk decisions. Ensure adherence to internal controls and applicable federal and state regulations.
  • Policy & Framework Development: Support the development, implementation, and enhancement of credit risk policies, underwriting standards, and operating procedures. Contribute to risk governance frameworks and documentation aligned with US regulatory expectations.
  • Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor portfolio performance, identifying trends in credit quality, losses, and early risk indicators. Prepare and present risk reporting and insights to senior management. Recommend actions to mitigate emerging risks and optimise portfolio outcomes.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Product, Finance, Compliance, Legal and Capital Markets teams to align credit strategy with growth initiatives. Provide risk input on new products, market expansion, and strategic initiatives.
  • Process Optimisation & Controls: Drive continuous improvement in underwriting workflows, automation, and risk controls. Strengthen quality assurance practices to ensure decision accuracy and policy compliance.
  • Training & Capability Building: Deliver coaching and structured development opportunities for team members. Promote knowledge sharing and risk education across the business.

The ideal candidate will have the following skillset:

  • 5+ years of experience in credit risk, underwriting, or a related risk management function.
  • 2+ years of direct people management or team leadership experience.
  • Experience within financial services, fintech, lending, or commercial credit preferred.
  • Strong understanding of credit underwriting principles, risk appetite frameworks, and portfolio risk management.
  • Familiarity with US lending regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Ability to evaluate financial statements, cash flow, and credit data to inform structured risk decisions.
  • Comfortable working with data and performance metrics to drive insights and action.
  • Proven ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain risk concepts to non-technical audiences.
  • Highly organized and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Desirable

  • Experience working in other international markets.
  • Experience in SME Lending.

Why join YouLend?

  • Award-Winning Workplace: YouLend has been recognised as one of the “Best Places to Work in 2024 and 2025” by the Sunday Times for being a supportive, diverse, and rewarding workplace.
  • Award-Winning Fintech: YouLend has been recognised as a “Top 250 Fintech Worldwide” company by CNBC.
  • It’s just getting fun: We have developed powerful solutions, won some significant partnerships, and are growing at a rapid pace. But the global opportunity is still massive, and YouLend is a raw organisation where we are only just getting started.
  • Lots of upsides: High-growth (>100% growth during 2022 and 2023), so clear outlook to compensation (bonus or share option appreciation) and career growth (through growth with business). Well-capitalised with supportive private equity backing. Part of Banking Circle Group with a fully licensed Luxembourg bank, which can provide a balance sheet and support European expansion in otherwise complex regulated markets.
  • Motivating work environment: A high-quality team that pushes each other to succeed through direct feedback and aligned incentives. Strong and transparent team culture, we have each other’s backs. Independent work environment where results matter. Data-driven culture and emphasis on speed (anti-red tape).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Stock Options
  • Private Medical insurance via Vitality and Dental Insurance with BUPA
  • EAP with Health Assured
  • Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Modern and sophisticated office space in Central London
  • Free Gym in office building in Holborn
  • Subsidised Lunch via Feedr
  • Deliveroo Allowance if working late in office
  • Monthly in office Masseuse
  • Team and Company Socials
  • Football Power League / Paddle and Yoga Club

At YouLend, we champion diversity and embrace equal opportunity employment practices. Our hiring, transfer, and promotion decisions are exclusively based on qualifications, merit, and business requirements, free from any discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, nationality, or any other protected basis under applicable law.

Credit Risk Lead - US Market in London employer: YouLend

YouLend is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the 'Best Places to Work' by the Sunday Times for its supportive and diverse work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including stock options, private medical insurance, and a motivating environment that fosters accountability and collaboration. Located in Central London, our rapidly growing FinTech company provides unique opportunities for career advancement and personal development in a dynamic and innovative sector.
YouLend

Contact Detail:

YouLend Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Credit Risk Lead - US Market in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fintech space, especially those who work at YouLend or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your credit risk knowledge and understanding of US lending regulations. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with YouLend's mission and values.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven results in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate accountability and influence across teams.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the YouLend family.

We think you need these skills to ace Credit Risk Lead - US Market in London

Credit Risk Expertise
Underwriting Principles
People Management
Portfolio Risk Management
US Lending Regulations
Financial Statement Evaluation
Data Analysis
Performance Metrics
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Process Optimisation
Risk Policy Development
Coaching and Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Credit Risk Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in credit risk and team management, and don’t forget to showcase any specific achievements that align with our needs at YouLend.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to our growth. Keep it concise but impactful, and make sure to mention your understanding of the fintech landscape.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others or improved team performance in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive results!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team at YouLend!

How to prepare for a job interview at YouLend

✨Know Your Credit Risk Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your credit risk knowledge before the interview. Understand the key principles of credit underwriting, risk appetite frameworks, and portfolio management. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to YouLend's operations and how you can contribute to their growth.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of your past leadership experiences. Talk about how you've mentored team members, managed performance, and fostered a culture of accountability. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive results through effective team management.

✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration

YouLend values collaboration across various teams. Think of instances where you've worked with product, compliance, or finance teams to achieve a common goal. Be ready to explain how you can align credit strategy with broader business initiatives and how you can influence stakeholders effectively.

✨Data-Driven Decision Making

As a Credit Risk Lead, you'll need to be comfortable working with data. Prepare to discuss how you've used data and performance metrics in your previous roles to inform risk decisions. Bring examples of how you've identified trends and made recommendations based on your analysis to optimise portfolio outcomes.

Credit Risk Lead - US Market in London
YouLend
Location: London

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