Head of Capital Markets Credit Risk

We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Executive to lead our Capital Markets and Leveraged Finance Credit Risk Management function. This critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing the identification, assessment, mitigation, and ongoing monitoring of credit risks associated with the firm's leveraged finance portfolio, syndicated loans, and other capital markets transactions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in corporate finance, credit analysis, regulatory requirements, and a proven track record of developing and implementing robust risk frameworks in a dynamic market environment. This role demands exceptional judgment, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to partner effectively with business lines to enable responsible growth while safeguarding the firm's financial stability.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Framework Development:

• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance the credit risk appetite, policies, procedures, and methodologies for the Capital Markets and Leveraged Finance portfolios, ensuring alignment with overall firm strategy and regulatory expectations.
• Lead the strategic direction of credit risk management for these complex portfolios, anticipating emerging risks and market trends.
• Establish and maintain robust risk limits and early warning indicators for the leveraged finance book.

 Credit Underwriting & Adjudication:

• Oversee and, where appropriate, directly conduct comprehensive credit risk assessments for proposed leveraged financing transactions (e.g., LBOs, recapitalizations, M&A financings), including deep dives into financial models, forecast EBITDA, capital structure, and syndication strategies.
• Lead the credit approval process for new lending activities and other complex credit requests, making informed recommendations to senior management and credit committees.
• Ensure all credit adjudications adhere strictly to internal policies, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements (e.g., U.S. Leveraged Lending Guidance).
• Possess a strong understanding of debt hedging strategies that minimize financial risks and enhance overall profitability. Collaborate across line of business, finance, and treasury to ensure alignment against all financial goals. 

 Portfolio Management & Monitoring:

• Manage and monitor the ongoing credit risk of the existing Capital Markets and Leveraged Finance portfolio, including performing periodic reviews, evaluating financial covenant compliance, and assessing industry trends.
• Identify, escalate, and proactively manage deteriorating credits and other problem situations, ensuring timely and effective remedial actions.
• Ensure risk ratings are accurate, dynamic, and reflect a forward-looking view of client creditworthiness.
• Prepare and present comprehensive credit reports, risk assessments, and portfolio reviews to senior management, risk committees, and regulators.

Due Diligence & Client Interaction:

• Lead and/or participate in client due diligence activities, attending meetings with clients, sponsors (e.g., private equity firms), and other banks to gain a deep understanding of business models, management teams, and industry sectors.
• Critically review legal documentation (e.g., credit agreements) to ensure terms are appropriate, consistent with credit approvals, and adequately protect the firm's interests.

 Regulatory Compliance & Engagement:

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, guidelines, and supervisory expectations pertaining to credit risk management in capital markets and leveraged finance.
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external auditors and regulators on credit risk matters within the designated portfolios.
• Contribute to regulatory reporting and stress testing exercises.

 Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of credit risk professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning, strong analytical rigor, and proactive risk management.
• Provide expert guidance and thought leadership to junior team members and colleagues across the firm.

 Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate effectively with front office origination teams, syndication, legal, compliance, operations, and other risk functions to ensure seamless execution, alignment of objectives, and robust risk controls.
• Challenge business proposals constructively to ensure a balanced approach to risk and r