SME Underwriting Lead

About this role

The SME Underwriting Lead is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end credit underwriting of SME loan products. This role ensures sound credit decisions, consistent application of credit policy, and a balanced approach to growth and risk. The position works closely with Product, Risk, Sales, and Operations to scale SME lending responsibly.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead and manage SME loan underwriting activities, ensuring timely and high-quality credit decisions

- Review and approve SME credit applications within delegated authority limits

- Develop, implement, and continuously improve SME underwriting policies, guidelines, and procedures

- Ensure credit assessments align with risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and business objectives

- Analyze financial statements, cash flows, bank statements, and alternative data for SMEs

- Partner with Risk and Data teams to enhance credit scoring models and decision frameworks

- Monitor portfolio performance and recommend underwriting or policy adjustments as needed

- Provide guidance, coaching, and quality control for underwriters and credit analysts

- Collaborate with Sales and Operations to improve turnaround times and customer experience

- Support audits, regulatory reviews, and internal risk assessments

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field

- 5–8+ years of experience in SME credit underwriting, credit risk, or lending

- Prior experience in fintech, digital lending, or high-growth lending environments is a strong advantage

- Strong understanding of SME financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and loan structures

- Familiarity with automated underwriting tools, credit scoring models, and alternative data sources

- Knowledge of local lending regulations and compliance standards

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

- Strong credit judgment and analytical thinking

- Ability to balance growth targets with risk discipline

- Leadership and mentoring skills

- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

- Data-driven and process-oriented mindset

- Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving fintech environments