Director / VP (Corporates) - Credit Approver

Headquartered in Tokyo, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) is a leading global financial institution and a core member of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMBC Group). Built upon our rich Japanese heritage since 1876, we put our customers first and provide seamless access to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.   SMBC is one of the largest Japanese banks by assets and maintain strong credit ratings across our global integrated network.  We work closely as one SMBC Group to offer personal, corporate and investment banking services to meet the needs of our customers.

With sustainability embedded within our strategy and operations, we are committed to creating a society in which today’s generation can enjoy economic prosperity and well-being, and pass it on to future generations.

Job Responsibilities

• To independently review and assess several types of credit applications submitted from business units; to make concise and precise executive summary; to impose necessary risk-mitigating instructions and conditions and seek approval under assigned authority or from relevant higher authorities.
• To evaluate quality of assigned credit portfolio to ensure integrity of credit administration, accuracy of risk rating, effectiveness of credit terms and compliance of relevant covenants, credit policy, regulatory requirements and ESG framework.
• To conduct periodic and ad-hoc credit portfolio analysis in terms of countries, corporate groups, industry segments, credit rating bands, type of credit facilities and special credit events, etc. from time to time.
• To establish a proactive action plan to identify credits likely to deteriorate and closely monitor existing distressed credits to minimize credit costs.
• To rigorously monitor and control credit exposures under large scale corporate groups and/or certain industry sectors to prevent concentration of risks and EAD, in cooperation with other relevant teams / departments.
• To guide and supervise business units on the direction of potential deals with business units following head office’s credit acceptance framework and credit appetite.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and/or Professional Qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Risk Management and related disciplines is preferred.
• 12-15 years of experience in financial service industry with at least 8 years of experience in credit analysis / credit approval department of banking institutions, rating agencies, credit insurers, etc. Expertise in handling credit of large Asian corporate groups / conglomerates is highly desirable.
• Advanced financial analytical, accounting and modelling skills; Strong understanding of financial products, lending principles and credit insurance/ECA.
• Proven track record in handling complex and large-scale financial transactions (e.g. syndications, acquisition finance, supply-chain finance, asset-backed finance, etc.)
• Strong ability to challenge credit proposals of business units, make effective credit recommendations, and articulate complex deal structure to higher approval authorities is essential to perform the role of credit officer as 2nd LoD.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with business units, head office, and other cross-functional teams.
• Fluency in the Korean language is required, as the candidate will be working with and communicating directly with Korean corporate clients.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word.