Banking client is seeking a Chief Credit Officer (CCO) to join their offices in Manhattan and/or Greenwich, CT. The CCO will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s entire credit function while supporting growth objectives and maintaining a commitment to exceptional service for clients. Leading the critical lending functions within the bank, developing the appropriate risk framework to protect the bank and its shareholders while developing strong working relationships to assure that client’s needs are met, and the bank goals are achieved. The ideal candidate will combine strong credit expertise with leadership abilities and a proven track record in managing credit portfolios through periods of growth and market fluctuations.
Responsibilities:
Credit Administration & Risk Management:
- Lead the credit administration department, ensuring efficient operations and appropriate controls
- Oversee the loan review and credit risk assessment processes
- Ensure compliance with all applicable credit-related regulations and internal policies
- Direct the bank’s ALLL/CECL methodology and reserves adequacy
- Collaborate with the Chief Risk Officer on enterprise risk management initiatives related to credit
- Implement advanced analytics and technology solutions to enhance credit risk management capabilities
Portfolio Management:
- Oversee the bank’s loan portfolio with particular emphasis on credit quality and performance
- Direct loan portfolio monitoring, including the identification of potential problem loans and appropriate remediation strategies
- Implement effective portfolio stress testing methodologies to identify vulnerabilities and ensure capital adequacy
- Lead the analysis of portfolio trends, concentrations, and risk characteristics to inform strategic decisions
- Develop and monitor key risk indicators and performance metrics for the credit portfolio
Credit Strategy & Policy:
- Develop and implement the bank’s credit strategy, policies, and procedures aligned with our focus on high-net-worth clientele
- Establish and maintain appropriate credit risk parameters, underwriting standards, and concentration limits
- Lead the continuous improvement of credit processes to support portfolio growth while maintaining asset quality
- Design customized credit solutions that address the complex financial needs of clients.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align credit strategy with the bank’s overall growth objectives
Regulatory Relations:
- Serve as the primary contact for regulatory examiners regarding credit matters
- Ensure the bank maintains favorable regulatory ratings for credit risk management
- Stay current on evolving regulatory expectations and implement appropriate changes to credit policies and practices
- Lead the preparation and response to credit-related regulatory examinations
- Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory agencies
Leadership & Governance:
- Serve as Chair of the bank’s Credit Committee and actively participate in ALCO and other risk governance committees
- Present regular credit portfolio updates to the Board of Directors and relevant Board committees
- Lead and develop a high-performing credit team through effective mentorship, training, and performance management
- Build collaborative relationships across business lines to support strategic growth initiatives
- Provide thoughtful leadership on credit trends affecting clients and communicate implications to stakeholders
- Work closely with relationship managers to structure complex credit solutions while maintaining appropriate risk controls
Qualifications:
- Proven experience managing credit functions in a growing bank environment
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
- 9+ years of progressive credit management experience in financial institutions, with at least 5 years at a senior leadership level
- Deep understanding of credit needs and financial structures typical for high-net-worth clients
- Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and expectations related to credit risk management
- Credit risk certification (e.g., RMA, CRC) highly desirable
- Experience with credit portfolio management technology and analytics platforms
- Demonstrated ability to balance growth objectives with prudent risk management
- Outstanding communication and presentation abilities, particularly with senior executives and Board members
- Excellence in developing credit talent and building high-performing teams
- Superior analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Outstanding communication and presentation abilities, particularly with executives and board members
Leadership Abilities:
- Client Focus: Commitment to understanding and meeting the sophisticated needs of high-net-worth clients
- Decision Quality: Demonstrated judgment in making sound credit decisions based on thorough analysis
- Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and implement long-term credit strategies that support bank growth while maintaining asset quality
- Business Acumen: Strong understanding of market dynamics and economic factors affecting credit portfolios
- Integrity & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct
- Collaborative Approach: Skill in partnering with business lines and other functional areas to achieve organizational objectives
- Change Leadership: Proven ability to lead credit function through periods of growth and market fluctuations
Salary range $250,000-$300,000; bonus and stock options