Family Bank, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing financial institutions, is seeking to recruit a highly motivated, experienced, and detail-oriented Credit Underwriter to join our dynamic Commercial Banking Department. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic objectives of the Bank by ensuring high-quality credit analysis and decision-making to support corporate banking operations.
As a Credit Underwriter within our Corporate and Government Institutional Banking (GIB) team, you will be pivotal in driving prudent credit growth through thorough risk assessments, accurate loan structuring, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. The position is best suited for a professional with solid experience in credit underwriting and a passion for driving commercial excellence in the banking sector.
Reporting To: Head of Corporate Banking & GIB
Introduction to the Role
The banking sector is increasingly complex and competitive, demanding professionals who can combine financial acumen with rigorous risk management. In this context, the Credit Underwriter role is critical in ensuring that Family Bank continues to support business growth without compromising asset quality or exposing the bank to avoidable risks.
The successful candidate will be responsible for appraising, structuring, and underwriting credit applications from corporate clients, ensuring that all analyses adhere to Family Bank’s credit risk policies, Central Bank of Kenya regulations, and international best practices.
This position is particularly ideal for individuals who possess strong financial analysis skills, a sound understanding of structured financing, and the ability to work efficiently in high-pressure environments.
Job Purpose
The main purpose of this role is to evaluate and underwrite corporate credit applications by conducting comprehensive appraisals, mitigating potential credit risks, and ensuring alignment with Family Bank’s lending policies, regulatory frameworks, and risk appetite.
Key Responsibilities
As a Credit Underwriter, you will undertake the following responsibilities:
- Credit Underwriting and Risk Assessment: Evaluate creditworthiness of corporate clients by conducting detailed financial analysis, risk assessments, and character evaluations. Ensure each proposal adheres to the bank’s risk appetite and policy framework.
- Loan Structuring and Analysis: Structure credit facilities that meet client needs while aligning with internal credit parameters. Ensure appropriate collateral, tenors, repayment structures, and risk mitigants are in place.
- Financial Statement Appraisal: Conduct deep-dive analysis of client financial statements to assess historical performance, cash flow adequacy, leverage levels, and financial stability.
- Client Interaction and Interviewing: Engage with applicants to obtain necessary background information, clarify financial data, and assess character through perceptive interviews.
- Credit Presentation: Compile and present comprehensive credit memorandums and reports to the Credit Department, highlighting risk areas, creditworthiness, and repayment capacity.
- Modeling and Scenario Analysis: Utilize spreadsheets and financial models to forecast cash flows, debt service coverage ratios, and other critical indicators to support informed credit decisions.
- Timely Processing and Escalation: Work closely with the Credit Department to ensure credit applications are processed within the agreed turnaround times (TAT). Escalate bottlenecks or delays to the Head of Corporate and GIB.
- Portfolio Monitoring: Continuously monitor the performance of existing loan portfolios. Identify early warning signals and recommend timely remedial actions for distressed accounts.
- Policy Compliance: Ensure that all credit assessments and approvals strictly adhere to the bank’s Credit Policy, Product Guidelines, and regulatory compliance requirements including AML and KYC standards.
- Documentation and Due Diligence: Verify that all necessary documentation is complete and accurate before loan disbursement. Coordinate with the Credit Administration and Legal departments to confirm enforceability and completeness.
- Regulatory Adherence: Comply with all statutory requirements as issued by the Central Bank of Kenya and any other relevant regulators. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in regulatory landscapes.
- Audit and Risk Controls: Ensure clean audit outcomes by complying with internal controls, reporting standards, and credit quality assurance guidelines.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Relationship Managers, Credit Officers, Risk Officers, and Legal Counsel to ensure seamless appraisal and disbursement processes.
- Other Duties: Perform any other official duties as may be delegated from time to time by the Head of Corporate and GIB.
The Ideal Candidate
To succeed in this role, the Credit Underwriter must combine financial expertise, an analytical mindset, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate must have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in credit evaluation, particularly in corporate banking settings.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- Additional professional certifications in Credit Analysis, Risk Management, or Accounting are considered an added advantage.
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the banking sector, with a focus on corporate credit analysis and risk assessment.
- Demonstrated ability to underwrite high-value credit proposals and make sound lending decisions.
- Sound understanding of structured financing models, risk-based pricing, and portfolio management.
- Proven experience in managing corporate customer relationships and supporting business growth through tailored credit solutions.
Competencies and Attributes
- Strong Analytical and Financial Interpretation Skills: Must be adept at dissecting financial statements and identifying credit risks and opportunities.
- Business Acumen: A deep understanding of corporate clients’ operational models, industry trends, and market dynamics.
- Results-Oriented: A driven individual with a high level of initiative, motivation, and the ability to deliver under pressure.
- Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and clients.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous in reviewing data, identifying anomalies, and ensuring accurate credit documentation.
- Negotiation Skills: Able to negotiate terms with relationship managers while balancing risk and commercial considerations.
- Integrity and Ethics: Upholds high ethical standards, transparency, and confidentiality in all dealings.
- Policy Awareness: A thorough understanding of the Bank’s credit policies, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulatory frameworks.
- Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling software. Ability to use digital tools for credit assessment and reporting.
Work Environment and Reporting Structure
The Credit Underwriter will be part of a high-performing Commercial Banking team under the Corporate and GIB segment. The role requires close collaboration with:
- Relationship Managers
- Credit Department Officers
- Credit Risk Analysts
- Legal and Compliance Teams
- External Auditors and Regulatory Bodies (as required)
The position reports directly to the Head of Corporate Banking & GIB, who will provide strategic direction, performance oversight, and mentoring.
Compliance and Risk Management
This role entails strict adherence to internal controls, ethical banking practices, and statutory obligations including:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidelines
- Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Prudential Guidelines
- Family Bank’s Risk Management Policies and Internal Controls
Candidates who demonstrate vigilance in regulatory compliance, commitment to best practices, and a strong moral compass will thrive in this role.
Why Join Family Bank?
Family Bank is committed to building a supportive, innovative, and high-integrity work culture. As part of our Commercial Banking team, you will:
- Engage with high-profile corporate clients across diverse sectors.
- Gain exposure to complex credit structures and lending solutions.
- Work in a performance-driven environment with clear growth pathways.
- Receive continuous professional development and training.
- Be part of a bank that values inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.
Family Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in fostering a workplace that respects and celebrates diversity, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds and abilities.
How to Apply
All applicants must apply online by sending their application to [email protected]. The closing date for submission is 19th July 2025.
Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Join us in driving financial inclusion, commercial excellence, and sustainable banking for all.
