Credit Originator - SME Business Banking at Equity Bank Kenya

Job Purpose:

The role holder will be responsible for leading the BORROW Pillar for the Bank, with overall responsibility for portfolio growth, income generation, and portfolio quality within Business Banking. They will be primarily accountable for effectively structuring borrower needs and solutions while managing the inherent risks of the portfolio to ensure high-quality performance.

Work closely with relevant stakeholders from origination and utilization to monitoring, playing a key role in deal structuring to add value from business, credit, and bank policy perspectives. They will actively participate in cross-selling the Bank’s products across other Pillars – MOVE, SAVE & INVEST, and INSURE.

Deal Origination:

• Accompany Relationship Managers & Product Specialists, as applicable, in Client visits to originate identified Borrowing needs with a view to seamlessly manage the onboarding process.
• Interact with the client, gather deal requirements, financial statements and other inputs for performing quality analysis and due diligence.
• Work with relevant stakeholders in structuring credit solutions for the clients and ensuring the appropriateness of the products.
• Prepare and secure approval for Term Sheets, wherever required
• Work with relevant stakeholders in: Obtaining all deal pre-clearances i.e. KYC, AML/CTF Screening, ESG Review, CRB Check, etc.
• Deal-structuring and other relationship optimization initiatives
• Expediting approvals, Security Perfection & Facility Disbursement/drawdown.
• Portfolio Management, Monitoring & Reporting, as and when required.
• Responsible for end-to-end credit proposal process including preparing all the tools like environmental and social due diligence report, Scorecard, Finales, etc., in-depth analysis of value propositions & various risks, quality presentation and ensuring timely credit approval.
• Ensure full compliance with all internal and regulatory credit/portfolio terms & condition.

Post Deal Account Monitoring:

• Proactively collaborate with the Relationship Manager at the branch to ensure the timely closure of security perfection and conditions, facilitating prompt disbursements and repayments.
• Work alongside the Relationship Manager to promptly identify accounts that need to be downgraded to Watch status, in accordance with the Bank’s policies and guidelines.
• Participate in downgraded accounts (Watch status) and portfolio calls with relevant stakeholders (DRU/Special Assets).
• Maintain clients’ credit files accurately and ensure they are always audit-ready.
• Conduct interim credit proposal reviews and amendments promptly as business needs arise.
• Ensure timely facility renewals and/or justified extensions while staying within required thresholds.
• Liaise with Credit Risk regarding credit proposals, memos, term sheets, and other credit issues, ensuring quick responses and resolution of queries.
• Prepare and seek periodic approval, where applicable, for · Covenants and Risk Triggers reports.

Other Responsibilities:

• Attend relevant business development fora, as required, to mine/convert opportunities.
• Assist in/Collaborate with other stakeholders to prepare industry-specific studies.
• Prepare Credit Opinion reports wherever required.
• Prepare timely Stress Tests, wherever required
• On request, participate in Bank & Group-wide HR and business initiatives and provide expert advice on Business Banking Credit matters including any other matter that may be assigned by the Team Leader from time to time.

Qualifications

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution 
• Master’s Degree is an added advantage.
• At least six (6) years of relevant experience, three (3) years of which must be at management or supervisory level
• Good track record of credit analysis and financial understanding.
• In-depth knowledge of the local banking industry, banking products, banking services and banking regulations. Sound working knowledge and understanding of general commercial regulations and practices

Key Competencies & Skills

• Credit Analysis 
• Risk Management
• Industry Knowledge
• Networking Skills