Chief Risk Officer
Location: Riyadh, KSA
About Us:
Sanabil Venture Studio, a partnership between Sanabil Investments and Stryber, merges top-tier talent, seasoned founders, and robust funding to propel startups to unicorn status. Leveraging a blend of industry, technology, and startup expertise, we generate and evaluate visionary ideas, and take them from idea to building and launching MVPs. If an MVP we build proves to be successful, we provide targeted seed funding, ensuring each venture is equipped with the financial foundation to meet its ambitious goals. Beyond early stage development and funding, we provide ongoing support to our portfolio ventures and founders in their pursuit of scaling their startups.
About the Company:
We are a cutting-edge fintech company that leverages open banking data and a data-driven decision engine to offer quick, personalized micro-loans to consumers who are often overlooked by traditional lenders and priced out by specialized ones. By analyzing real-time financial transactions and behavioral data, we provide faster approvals, flexible terms, and affordable credit, helping more people access the financing they need.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to lead our risk management efforts. As a consumer lending platform utilizing open banking data, we require an innovative CRO who can develop and implement data-driven risk management frameworks to assess consumers' creditworthiness in real-time. The CRO will be responsible for establishing the company’s risk policies, overseeing the development of risk models, and ensuring that the company’s lending portfolio is managed in alignment with regulatory requirements and risk tolerance levels. You will be deeply involved in building the risk function from the ground up, working alongside senior management to shape the company’s strategic risk initiatives.
About your role and responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management framework tailored for consumer lending based on open banking data and other non-traditional credit assessment methods.
- Lead the development of cutting-edge risk models, including Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD), and Exposure at Default (EAD), to optimize capital allocation and lending decisions.
- Collaborate with senior management to define risk tolerance levels, and implement risk policies that align with both the company’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Identify, assess, and monitor credit risk throughout the consumer lending portfolio, applying real-time data analytics to mitigate risks effectively.
- Work hands-on to design and implement impairment models, economic capital models, and independent model validation processes, ensuring that these are aligned with regulatory requirements and internal risk tolerance levels.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders such as regulators, auditors, funding partners, and credit rating agencies, ensuring compliance with SAMA and other regulatory bodies.
- Provide insights on emerging risks, market conditions, and regulatory changes, and adjust risk management strategies accordingly.
- Lead risk assessments for balance sheet forecasting and capital optimization, ensuring a robust and well-capitalized balance sheet.
- Serve as an integral member of the executive leadership team, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making.
About you:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field; Master’s degree or relevant professional certifications (CFA, FRM) is a plus.
- 10+ years of experience in credit risk management within the financial services industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably with experience in consumer lending.
- Expertise in credit risk modeling, including Basel II principles, capital optimization, and real-time risk assessment using open banking data.
- Strong knowledge of probability modeling (PD, LGD, EAD) and quantitative analysis, with experience in impairment modeling and balance sheet forecasting.
- Familiarity with Saudi Arabian regulatory frameworks, especially SAMA regulations governing lending and credit risk management.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, particularly in the areas of credit risk analysis and quantitative modeling.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a passion for leveraging technology and data to drive innovation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Native Arabic speaker with fluency in English.
Benefits:
- A chance to work on a game-changing venture that offers ample room for both professional and personal growth
- The support of Stryber, a premier venture building unit, for the first months of your journey
- A competitive compensation package
Additional Information
For us, conscious business is a top priority. We are a carbon neutral company with a science-based environmental strategy.
In addition to that, Stryber is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations in which we operate. Stryber will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
