Lead - Digital Lending Risk

Role Overview:-

The Lead - Digital Lending Risk will spearhead Risk Management practices digital lending operations, focusing on credit, operational, fraud, and compliance risks. This role involves leveraging technology to drive efficient underwriting, portfolio monitoring, and regulatory compliance with RBI digital lending guidelines while facilitating scalable growth and minimizing non-performing assets (NPAs). The position will require oversight of Risk processes across all digital lending portfolios with a key focus on ensuring smooth business operations and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Key Responsibilities:

Risk Management & Policy Development:

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance credit risk policies, scorecards, decision engines, and AI/ML models that integrate real-time analytics, bureau data, and alternative data sources for automated digital underwriting.
• Lead the creation of risk policies that align with business goals and regulatory guidelines, particularly in digital Lending business.

Portfolio Monitoring & Credit Assessments:

• Conduct regular credit assessments and monitor portfolio performance, focusing on NPAs, PAR, and other relevant risk metrics.
• Perform stress testing and execute risk mitigation strategies to address emerging risks.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation:

• Ensure full compliance with RBIs digital lending norms, including KFS, APR disclosures, FLDG caps (5%), data privacy, and fraud detection mechanisms.

Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:

• Collaborate with business, technology, underwriting, collections, and compliance teams to optimize and automate risk decision-making processes.
• Lead initiatives for continuous improvement in operational efficiency, particularly in risk management and compliance areas.

Reporting & Stakeholder Management:

• Provide risk insights and regular reports to senior leadership and the Board, highlighting risk exposures, portfolio trends, and innovative approaches to managing digital lending risk.
• Advise senior leadership on emerging risks, market conditions, and regulatory changes impacting digital lending operations.

Recovery & Loss Prevention:

• Oversee the recovery process for delinquent accounts and manage model validation efforts.
• Ensure that operational controls are in place to minimize losses and maintain business resilience.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• CA, MBA (Finance), or an equivalent qualification.
• Deep knowledge of RBI NBFC and digital lending guidelines.

Experience:

• 12-18 years of experience in risk management, with at least 7 years of experience in digital lending or credit Risk management at NBFCs, banks, or fintech companies.
• Proven leadership experience managing pan-India risk teams and collaborating across functions.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of portfolio analytics, credit Risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Data-driven mindset with advanced knowledge of Risk management tools, modeling techniques, and analytics.

Technical Skills & Tools:

Analytics & Modeling:

• Proficiency in Python, R, and SQL for data analysis, predictive modeling, and risk modeling (using tools like scikit-learn, TensorFlow).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel for portfolio analysis and reporting.

Visualization & Reporting:

• Expertise in data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, for creating dashboards and generating stress testing and NPA reports.

Risk Platforms & Tools:

• Hands-on experience with credit bureau APIs (CIBIL, Experian), fraud detection platforms (SAS, Feedzai), and risk platforms (Moody's, SAS Risk, AWS SageMaker).

Key Behavioral Traits:

• Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to drive change and promote a culture of risk awareness across the organization.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify Risk trends early and develop innovative, scalable solutions.
• Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proven track record of engaging with senior stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and external vendors.