• Provide objective challenge on credit proposals & exceptions
• Oversee IFRS 9 ECL and present to Board committees
• Lead & develop a team of five, growing technical skills & succession depth

A rare senior credit risk seat in PNG banking. Our client, a well-established PNG bank with a strong local presence, is looking for a Head of Credit Risk to lead independent second-line oversight, with direct reporting line to the Group CRO and regular Board committee exposure.

About the role

This role leads a team of five as the independent voice on credit risk across the bank, challenging lending proposals, restructures and exceptions while keeping a close eye on portfolio quality, concentrations and emerging risks.

Responsibilities include overseeing IFRS 9 ECL and impairment review, shaping credit policy and stress testing, and presenting to management and Board committees, working closely with Lending, Finance and the Asset Management Unit.

Key responsibilities

• Independent assessment and challenge of credit proposals, renewals and exceptions
• Portfolio monitoring: arrears, NPLs, concentrations, collateral and early warning indicators
• Oversight and challenge of IFRS 9 ECL assessments and provisioning
• Credit policy, risk appetite and delegated authority reviews
• Credit portfolio stress testing and forward-looking risk reporting
• Independent review of watchlist, forbearance and recovery strategies
• Leading, coaching and developing a team of five, including succession planning and technical training

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Banking, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Commerce or similar
• 10+ years in banking, lending or credit risk, with strong credit assessment and portfolio risk experience
• Proven senior management experience in a financial institution
• Solid knowledge of commercial lending, security structures, impairment, problem loans and delegated authorities
• Working knowledge of IFRS 9 ECL, portfolio analytics and regulatory reporting
• Confident communicator who can present to committees and hold their ground with constructive challenge
• Exposure to credit risk systems, stress testing and model governance
• Experience in PNG or Pacific financial services regulatory environments
• Postgraduate or professional qualification in banking, finance, credit or risk desirable

Why this role
This is a genuine senior leadership position with direct access to the Group Chief Risk Officer and Board-level visibility. It carries real influence over how credit risk is managed across the bank. With no lending volume or revenue targets attached, you can focus on sound, independent judgement.