Principal AVAF Credit Risk, Impairments & Portfolio Optimisation

About the role

Absa is seeking a seasoned professional to lead credit risk initiatives within its Asset, Vehicle and Asset Finance (AVAF) division. This senior position focuses on impairments, portfolio optimisation, and strategic funding, contributing to the bank's growth and its mission to empower Africa's future.

Key responsibilities

• Lead insights and planning for impairments, analysing trends, forecasting outcomes and ensuring appropriate coverage levels.
• Collaborate with collections strategy, operations, finance and portfolio management to translate analytical insights into actionable collection strategies.
• Participate in impairment planning cycles and drive discussions on rate refreshes.
• Identify and coordinate securitisation activities, assess risks and report findings.
• Optimise capital by enhancing risk‑weighted assets under Basel IV using AIRB and Standardised approaches.
• Develop portfolio funding strategies to improve funding rate, mix and margin, and support product innovation aligned with capital and funding goals.
• Partner with finance, FRM, treasury, operations and executive leadership to boost funding efficiency, loan performance and returns on capital.
• Manage people through coaching, performance management and talent development.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree with postgraduate studies in Commerce or Risk Management.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in impairments, credit risk, securitisation and capital optimisation.
• Proven track record of strategic insight and leadership in a financial institution.
• Commitment to inclusive hiring practices and willingness to accommodate reasonable recruitment needs.