Credit Risk Specialist Jobs 2026 – Apply Now | Financial Services Risk Vacancies

Hiring Now | Credit Risk Specialist Jobs | Centurion, Gauteng | Permanent Position Available

AVBOB, one of South Africa’s most trusted and established financial services companies with over 100 years of heritage, is hiring a Credit Risk Specialist within its Financial Services Department at its Centurion head office. If you are looking for a senior risk management role in a stable, well-established financial services organisation, this is your chance to join a professional team and build a high-impact career in credit risk modelling, analytics, and regulatory compliance.

📊 Don’t miss this opportunity — apply today.

Credit Risk Specialist Job Overview

Detail	Information
Job Title	Credit Risk Specialist
Reference Number	459CRS01/26
Company	AVBOB
Department	Financial Services
Location	Centurion, Gauteng
Industry	Banking / Finance / Insurance / Risk Management
Job Type	Permanent
Positions Available	1
Application Status	Open – Accepting Applications Now

What Does a Credit Risk Specialist Do at AVBOB?

The Credit Risk Specialist is responsible for developing, validating, and monitoring credit risk models, conducting data analytics, performing regulatory compliance reporting, and implementing fraud prevention strategies within AVBOB’s Financial Services Department. In this role, you will build PD, LGD, and EAD models, apply tools such as SAS and Python to assess portfolio risk, prepare detailed management reports, engage with regulatory bodies, and foster a risk-aware culture across the organisation.

This is a technically demanding, analytically driven, senior risk management role that requires a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or Risk Management, 3–5 years of relevant experience — preferably in financial services with micro-lending or savings and investment exposure — and strong technical expertise in credit risk modelling, IFRS 9, and advanced analytics.

Key Responsibilities of a Credit Risk Specialist

Model Development & Validation

Develop, refine, and implement credit risk models including Probability of Default (PD), Loss Given Default (LGD), and Exposure at Default (EAD) for management approval.
Validate and back-test models to ensure accuracy and compliance with relevant regulatory standards including IFRS 9.
Perform stress testing and scenario analysis to assess model performance under different economic conditions and report outcomes to management.

Data Analytics

Identify trends and correlations in credit risk factors such as default rates and share findings with management.
Collaborate with the Data team to ensure the quality and completeness of large datasets used in credit risk models.

Model Performance Monitoring & Optimisation

Periodically recalibrate models based on new data or shifts in economic conditions.
Leverage technology to enhance predictive accuracy and model performance where appropriate.

Risk Assessment & Portfolio Management

Analyse the credit portfolio to identify high-risk segments and concentrations to enable management decision-making.
Use advanced analytics tools such as SAS or Python to monitor credit exposures and forecast portfolio performance.
Monitor credit risk limits and approval risks in alignment with business objectives.
Recommend risk mitigation strategies — including adjusting credit limits or pricing models — for management consideration.
Monitor credit approval exceptions and recommend process improvements.
Under the guidance of the Credit and Operations Manager, assist with the development and implementation of risk management strategies.
Conduct regular risk assessments and prepare detailed reports on findings for the Credit and Operations Manager.
Analyse and improve business processes to reduce risk and enhance operational efficiency.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive record of risk management activities including data flow diagrams and risk assessments.
Review that the credit portfolio is well-diversified to mitigate high exposure to any single borrower, industry, or geographical area.
Leverage technological advancements and data analytics to improve credit assessments and operational efficiencies.
Identify, evaluate, and monitor financial, operational, and regulatory risks.
Assess whether credit controls are aligned to business objectives and make recommendations for improvement.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

Ensure all credit risk models meet regulatory requirements including IFRS 9.
Prepare detailed and accurate risk reports for management within the required timelines.
Engage with internal auditors and regulatory inspectors from bodies such as the SARB, NCR, and PA as required.

Fraud Prevention & Mitigation

Identify key fraud prevention mechanisms applicable to the company’s lending and savings products.
Implement and oversee anti-fraud measures to protect the company and its clients from fraudulent activities.
Refer suspected fraudulent activities to the Forensics Department for investigation and appropriate action.
Provide input to the Training Department to educate staff on fraud identification in operations.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to risk management.
Provide regular risk updates and reports to senior management and all relevant stakeholders.
Engage with internal auditors and regulatory inspectors as required.

Training & Education

Conduct training sessions for staff on risk management best practices and regulatory compliance.
Provide ongoing education and support to foster a risk-aware culture throughout the organisation.

Minimum Requirements – Credit Risk Specialist

To be considered for this Credit Risk Specialist position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Educational Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Risk Management, or a related field — essential
Postgraduate qualification in Risk Management or a related discipline — advantageous
Professional certifications such as Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) — preferred

Experience:

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in risk management — essential
Experience within the financial services sector with micro-lending focus — advantageous
Experience in savings and investment environments — highly beneficial
Previous experience managing a team or leading risk management projects — advantageous

Technical Skills:

Technical expertise in credit risk modelling — PD, LGD, EAD
Advanced analytical and statistical skills
Proficiency in advanced analytics tools — SAS or Python
Regulatory knowledge — IFRS 9 and Basel frameworks
Experience dealing with regulatory bodies — SARB, NCR, PA
Familiarity with the microfinance sector and its unique risks
Proficiency in MS Office and compliance management software

Legal Requirements:

Valid South African ID Document

Core Values We Look For in a Credit Risk Specialist

Technical Mastery & Model Integrity

Credit risk models underpin lending decisions and regulatory compliance. We value specialists who build models with rigour, validate them honestly, and recalibrate them proactively when conditions change.

Regulatory Vigilance

IFRS 9, Basel, SARB, NCR, and PA requirements are non-negotiable. We need a Credit Risk Specialist who stays current on regulatory developments and ensures the organisation’s models and processes always meet compliance standards.

Analytical Curiosity & Data-Driven Thinking

The best insights come from deep, careful analysis. We value specialists who interrogate data thoroughly, identify non-obvious risks, and present findings clearly to enable sound management decisions.

Stakeholder Communication

Translating complex risk models and technical findings into clear, actionable management reports and training sessions requires strong communication skills. We value risk professionals who communicate with confidence and clarity at all levels.

Risk-Aware Culture Building

Risk management is most effective when it is embedded across the organisation. We value specialists who take ownership of training, education, and fraud awareness initiatives that build a genuine culture of risk consciousness throughout AVBOB.

Career Growth Opportunities in Credit Risk & Financial Services

A Credit Risk Specialist role at AVBOB is a significant career position in the South African financial services and risk management sector. Clear progression is available:

Credit Risk Specialist → Senior Credit Risk Specialist / Risk Analyst
Senior Credit Risk Specialist → Credit Risk Manager
Credit Risk Manager → Head of Credit Risk / Head of Risk Management
Head of Risk → Chief Risk Officer (CRO) / Executive: Financial Services

AVBOB’s policy of promoting from within, combined with its growth in lending and savings products, creates strong long-term career development pathways for high-performing risk professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions – Credit Risk Specialist Jobs

What are PD, LGD, and EAD? These are the three core components of credit risk modelling under the Basel and IFRS 9 frameworks. PD (Probability of Default) estimates the likelihood that a borrower will default. LGD (Loss Given Default) estimates what proportion of the exposure will be lost if a default occurs. EAD (Exposure at Default) estimates the total value at risk at the time of default. Expertise in all three is essential for this role.

What is IFRS 9 and why does it matter? IFRS 9 is the International Financial Reporting Standard that governs the classification, measurement, and impairment of financial instruments — including loans and credit. Under IFRS 9, financial institutions must provision for expected credit losses (ECL) using forward-looking models. This role is responsible for ensuring AVBOB’s credit risk models comply with IFRS 9 requirements.

Is SAS or Python experience required? Advanced proficiency in SAS or Python is listed as a core technical requirement for this role. Both are widely used in credit risk analytics for data processing, statistical modelling, and portfolio monitoring. Experience in either is essential; both is strongly preferred.

Which regulatory bodies are relevant to this role? The role involves engaging with the SARB (South African Reserve Bank), the NCR (National Credit Regulator), and the PA (Prudential Authority). All three regulate different aspects of financial services, credit, and prudential risk in South Africa.

Is micro-lending experience required? Micro-lending experience is listed as advantageous, not essential. Candidates with broader financial services credit risk experience who can demonstrate relevant modelling and analytical skills will be considered.

Does AVBOB apply Employment Equity? Yes. AVBOB is committed to Employment Equity and preference will be given to suitably qualified individuals from previously disadvantaged groups in South Africa. It is also AVBOB’s policy to promote from within wherever possible.

How to Apply for This Credit Risk Specialist Job

Ready to advance your risk management career at AVBOB? Apply now.

Submit your CV, copies of your relevant degree and any professional certifications. Quote reference number 459CRS01/26 in your application.

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