The Credit Risk / Underwriting Manager will lead the credit underwriting function for SME loans, ensuring high-quality credit decisions in line with our credit policies and risk appetite.

The role involves overseeing the underwriting team, reviewing complex credit applications, managing portfolio quality, and collaborating with Risk, Verification, Collections to minimize credit losses while supporting sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Credit Underwriting team, ensuring timely and accurate credit decisions.
• Review and approve SME loan applications in line with the our credit policy and risk framework.
• Assess complex credit proposals, financial statements, cash flow, and business performance.
• Monitor portfolio quality, identify emerging credit risks, and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with Field Verification, Collections, Sales, and Risk teams to improve loan quality and reduce default rates.
• Develop and implement underwriting standards, policies, and process improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5-8 years experience in credit underwriting, credit risk management, or SME lending.
• Previous experience in banking, fintech, digital lending, or microfinance is mandatory.
• Sound understanding of SME credit analysis, financial statement analysis, and lending policies.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and report-writing skills.
• Professional certifications such as ACIB, ACA, ACCA, CFA, FRM, CRCMP, or related risk/credit certifications will be an added advantage.