Business Functions
DBS Bank is committed to supporting the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Asia. Our Institutional Banking Group provides a comprehensive suite of financial solutions, including cash management, loan facilities, trade financing, risk protection, and capital market instruments, to help SMEs thrive domestically and regionally. This role is crucial to scaling our SME lending franchise in a key market.
Job Purpose
The Vice President of Credit Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the credit operations function within Corporate and Investment Banking. This role is crucial for ensuring the efficiency, accuracy, and compliance of all credit-related processes, directly impacting the banks profitability and risk management. The VP will lead and mentor a team, driving process improvements, and collaborating with senior management to shape the future of credit operations.
Key Accountabilities
- Ensure the efficient and compliant execution of all stages of the credit lifecycle, from origination to post-disbursement, encompassing offer letter preparation, facility documentation, security documentation (non-mortgage), and exception management. This includes setting standards and ensuring adherence to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices
- Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and performance management for the credit operations team. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and foster a culture of excellence and operational efficiency.
- Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and technological solutions to optimize workflows, reduce operational costs, and mitigate risk throughout the credit lifecycle. This includes collaborating with IT and other departments to enhance systems and processes
- Oversee the performance of external vendors involved in legal, valuation, and other credit operations support services. Negotiate contracts, ensure service level agreements are met, and manage vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and service quality
- Track and analyze key metrics related to credit operations efficiency, risk, and compliance. Prepare regular reports and presentations to senior management, highlighting performance trends and areas for improvement. Proactively identify and address potential operational challenges
Work effectively with Relationship Managers (RMs), Credit Control Units (CCUs), Legal, Compliance, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless workflows and alignment on credit operations processes
Job Duties & responsibilities
- Define and implement strategies to optimize the entire credit documentation process, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation. This includes reviewing and updating standard operating procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Lead and mentor a team responsible for loan origination documentation, including offer letters, facility agreements, and security documentation. This includes setting performance goals, providing training and development opportunities, and fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key vendors (legal, valuation, etc.), negotiating contracts, ensuring service level agreements are met, and optimizing vendor performance to support efficient credit operations
- Identify opportunities to automate and streamline credit documentation processes, leveraging technology to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and reduce processing time. This includes working with IT to implement new systems and integrate existing technologies.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential errors and ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations. This includes conducting regular audits and reviews to identify and address any compliance gaps.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the efficiency and effectiveness of the credit operations team. Prepare regular reports for senior management, highlighting performance, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for optimization.
Foster strong working relationships with internal stakeholders (RMs, CCUs, Legal, Compliance) to ensure seamless communication and coordination across departments. This includes proactively communicating changes, addressing issues, and collaborating on improvements.
Requirements
- Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience in credit operations within a financial institution, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior management role.
- Extensive knowledge of credit processes, regulatory requirements, and risk management practices
- Proven ability to lead and motivate high-performing teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
