What We're Looking ForCross River is seeking a seasoned and strategic Chief Credit Officer to lead and oversee all aspects of credit risk management across the Bank including Fintech Banking, Commercial Banking, and Principal Finance Group. Reporting to the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, this leader will be responsible for enhancing and maintaining the credit risk framework, setting risk appetite, and ensuring sound credit decision-making as we scale our lending products and partnerships.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership- Define and execute the enterprise-wide credit risk strategy aligned with the bank's growth objectives and regulatory requirements
- Enhance and maintain the credit risk appetite framework, policies, and governance structure
- Advise the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, senior leadership, and the Board on credit risk matters
- Chair or co-chair the Management Credit Committee, Allowance Committee and participate in relevant Board committees
Credit Risk Management- Oversee underwriting standards, credit policies, and portfolio management across all lending verticals (e.g., payments, marketplace lending, BaaS partnerships, commercial lending (CRE, SBA, C&I), and structured finance)
- Provide oversight for CECL, and market to market valuation reserve including reviewing model assumptions and outputs, need for overlay thereby ensuring adequate reserves.
- Establish, enhance, and maintain concentration limits, stress testing frameworks, and early warning systems
- Provide effective challenge through review of Commercial Banking (CRE, C&I, and SBA), and Structured Finance transactions.
- Oversee settlement risk by determining limits, and reserves posed by Payment products including ACH, Acquiring, and other payment funding models.
- Lead portfolio analytics and reporting, including identifying, trends and potential areas of concern in the portfolio through single name analysis, pool level portfolio analysis, vintage analysis, and risk-adjusted return metrics
Technology & Innovation- Partner with technology, operations, and product teams to embed credit risk controls into automated lending platforms and APIs
- Leverage Agentic AI technology to streamline and enhance credit processes to increase productivity and scalability.
- Ensure best in class risk identification tools which may include vendor developed, internally developed, AI/ML are developed to enhance credit processes.
Regulatory & Compliance- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations (OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve, state banking laws, fair lending, etc.)
- Support relationships with regulators and lead credit risk-related examinations and audits
- Oversee model risk management (MRM) in accordance with SR 26-2/11-7 guidance
- Collaborate closely with the compliance function under the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer to ensure alignment of credit and compliance objectives
Team Development- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing credit risk organization
- Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making, accountability, and continuous learning
- Attract top talent across credit analytics, portfolio management, and risk operations
Reporting Structure- Reports to: Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
- Direct Reports: Credit Risk team leads, Portfolio Managers, Senior Credit Analysts
QualificationsRequired- 15+ years of progressive experience in credit risk management within banking, fintech, or financial services
- Deep expertise in consumer and/or commercial credit underwriting, portfolio management, and loss mitigation
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks governing bank lending and risk management
- Experience with models, and model related processes
- Experience with CECL/Allowance processes
- Experience with regulators (OCC/FDIC/Fed), and External Auditors/Rating Agencies
- Proven leadership with strong communication skills across all levels of the organization
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or related field
Preferred- Advanced degree (MBA, Master's, or PhD) in a quantitative or business discipline
- Prior experience at a fintech bank, digital lender, or BaaS (Banking-as-a-Service) provider
- Familiarity with marketplace/partner lending models and embedded finance
- Experience navigating rapid growth environments while maintaining sound risk controls
- Professional certifications (FRM, PRM, CFA) are a plus
CompetenciesCompetencyDescriptionStrategic ThinkingAbility to balance growth ambitions with prudent risk management
Data-Driven LeadershipComfort with advanced analytics, AI/ML, and technology-enabled risk solutions
Regulatory AcumenDeep understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape for fintech banks
Stakeholder ManagementEffective communicator across Board, regulators, partners, and internal teams
AdaptabilityThrives in fast-paced, innovative environments with evolving product lines
What We Offer- Competitive compensation package (base + bonus + equity)
- Opportunity to shape credit risk strategy at the intersection of banking and technology
- Collaborative, innovation-driven culture
- Comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, and professional development
#LI-JJ1 #LI-Hybrid #LI-Onsite
Salary Range: $280,000.00 - $350,000.00
