Head of Credit at iRecharge Tech-Innovations

Job summary

• The Head of Credit is responsible for leading the credit function of the digital bank, ensuring sound credit origination, robust loan profiling, and effective portfolio management. This role oversees the entire credit lifecycle from underwriting and approval to monitoring, collections, and reporting, while maintaining alignment with CBN and NDIC.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the bank’s credit strategy, including risk-based pricing, loan profiling models, and underwriting policies aligned with the risk appetite framework.
• Oversee the end-to-end credit origination and underwriting process, ensuring efficient, compliant, and data-driven credit decisions.
• Manage and monitor the credit portfolio, utilizing performance metrics and analytics to maintain asset quality and drive proactive risk mitigation.
• Lead collections and recovery strategies to optimize recoveries while ensuring compliance and maintaining positive customer experience.
• Ensure accurate credit reporting, loan classification, and provisioning in line with regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance credit decision systems, support product innovation, and leverage data-driven insights.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory guidelines and support audit processes through effective documentation and remediation of findings.
• Lead and develop a high-performing credit team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and responsible lending practices.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA or MSc in Finance) is strongly preferred.
• Relevant certifications such as CIBN, CFA, FRM, or ACA are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in credit management, loan origination, or portfolio management within the banking or financial services industry, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in developing credit scoring models, managing digital loan portfolios, and handling collections/recoveries.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining asset quality within regulatory thresholds while achieving growth targets.
• Deep understanding of credit risk frameworks, loan profiling techniques, and portfolio management principles.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with experience using data analytics tools (for credit analysis.
• Knowledge of CBN microfinance/digital banking regulations, IFRS 9 provisioning, and prudential guidelines.
• Ability to balance risk and reward, making sound credit decisions in a fast‑paced digital environment.