Citizens · 5 months ago
Head of Capital Markets Credit Risk
Citizens is seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Executive to lead their Capital Markets and Leveraged Finance Credit Risk Management function. This role is responsible for overseeing credit risks associated with leveraged finance portfolios and other capital markets transactions, requiring deep expertise in corporate finance and credit analysis.
BankingCredit CardsFinancial ServicesFinTechRetail
Responsibilities
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 return
Qualification
Required
Proven leadership capabilities, sound judgment, high ethical standards, and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure
Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in credit risk management within capital markets, with a significant focus on leveraged finance, at a reputable financial institution (e.g., investment bank, large commercial bank.)
Extensive experience with non-investment grade credit analysis, underwriting, and portfolio management
Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing and developing a team
Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related quantitative field required
Expertise in corporate finance, financial accounting, and financial modeling (LBO models, projection models, valuation)
Deep understanding of leveraged finance products, structures, market dynamics, and syndication processes
Strong knowledge of credit derivatives, loan trading, and related market risks
Proficiency with financial data platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv) and risk management systems
Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of relevant U.S. leveraged lending guidance, Basel frameworks, and other applicable financial regulations
Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail and the capacity to synthesize complex information into actionable insights
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex credit issues clearly and concisely to senior management, external stakeholders, and non-technical audiences
Strong presentation skills and ability to influence outcomes
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization
Preferred
MBA or CFA highly preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
Retirement benefits
Maternity/paternity leave
Flexible work arrangements
Education reimbursement
Wellness programs
Paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States
Company
Citizens
At Citizens, we recognize that the journey to accomplishment is no longer linear and that individuals are made of all they have done and all they are going to do.
H1B Sponsorship
Citizens has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2020 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$2B2025-02-26Post Ipo Debt· $750M
2024-07-09Post Ipo Debt· $1.25B
2014-09-23IPO
Leadership Team
Recent News
Providence Business News
2026-01-16
Providence Business News
2025-12-24
Company data provided by crunchbase