Wells Fargo

Principal Credit Risk & Approval Officer

Wells Fargo$250K — $420K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in Credit Risk & Approval or equivalent.
  • A BS/BA degree in accounting, finance, or economics is preferred.
  • Experience approving large, complex corporate lending facilities.
  • Knowledge of commercial real estate and capital markets, with REITs experience a plus.
  • Strong credit analysis skills with a track record of sound decision-making.
  • Excellent communication skills with an ability to influence executives.
  • Familiarity with Wells Fargo's credit culture and risk management practices.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with senior managers to develop business strategies and implement them effectively.
  • Provide a commercial perspective, balancing market conditions with risk management.
  • Maintain credit discipline and ensure portfolio health through timely risk decisions.
  • Identify and manage trends, risks, and concentrations within the portfolio.
  • Support timely approvals and problem loan management.
  • Assist teams with clear analysis and recommendations for upper management.
  • Engage with customers and participate in meetings to support business objectives.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits package.
  • 401(k) retirement plan available.
  • Paid time off for work-life balance.
  • Disability and life insurance options.
  • Parental leave and critical caregiving leave benefits.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continuing education.
  • Commuter benefits and discounts available.
  • Scholarships for dependent children and adoption reimbursement.
Full Job Description

In this role, you will:

  • Partner with senior line of business and Credit Risk managers to develop appropriate business strategies and targets for the business unit and provide leadership toward the implementation of the strategy.
  • Provide a commercial approach to the business, balancing market realities with appropriate risk management.
  • Maintain appropriate credit discipline and portfolio health through proper, timely and thoughtful credit risk decisions, recommendations, and approvals.
  • Identify and manage portfolio trends, portfolio risks and concentrations.
  • Ensure timely and accurate approvals, portfolio monitoring and reporting, risk rating grading changes, problem loan management, including non-accrual and loss identification and forecasting.
  • Assist the relationship and portfolio management teams in providing clear and concise recommendations and analysis for distribution up the approval chain.
  • Assist and support business units in their efforts to prepare for and achieve satisfactory exams from internal and external regulatory audits.
  • Reinforce Wells Fargo’s strong credit culture and strengthen team member engagement across the business and within the Credit Risk organization.
  • Play an active role in knowing and supporting the customer by attending customer meetings.
  • Develop an expertise in the markets covered by actively participating in internal and external groups to increase knowledge in covered sectors, including financing markets that are commonly accessed by clients.
  • Engage and influence stakeholders, internal partners, and peers associated with analyzing new business products and prospects.
  • Identify and recommend opportunities for approving loans and partner on structuring, pricing and documentation for complex loan transactions of large scale.
  • Collaborate and consult with peers, colleagues and managers companywide.
  • Develop and guide a culture of talent development to meet business objectives and strategy.


Required Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of Credit Risk & Approval or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

Desired Qualifications:

  • A BS/BA degree or higher in accounting, finance, or economics.
  • Demonstrated experience approving or overseeing large, complex corporate lending facilities with substantial commitments and lead underwriter/arranger status.
  • Proven knowledge of commercial real estate, capital markets and related industries with prior experience with REITs in either a front line or second line capacity. While not necessary, also having secured real estate lending is a plus.
  • Experience with complex organizational and capital structures. Solid understanding of capital markets and acquisition finance.
  • Strong credit analysis skills and consistent success in making sound business and credit decisions.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to effectively partner and influence at the executive level.
  • Ability to work and influence successfully within a matrix environment and build effective business partnerships with all levels of team members.
  • Solid understanding of Wells Fargo's credit culture and approach to risk management.
  • Strong understanding of loan documentation, credit agreements, and security structure.


Job Expectations:

  • Required location listed below. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
  • This position is not eligible for VISA sponsorship

Posting Locations:

  • 550 S. Tryon Street - Charlotte, North Carolina
  • 150 E 42nd St. – New York, NY
  • 1445 Ross Ave - Dallas, TX
  • 1700 K St. NW - Washington, DC
  • 10 S. Wacker Drive – Chicago, IL

  • This position is subject to FINRA Background Screening Requirements, including successful completion and clearing of a background check. Internal transfers are subject to comply with 17 CFR 240.17f-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and FINRA Bylaws, Article III, Section 3, which states that Associated Persons should not be subject to statutory disqualification. Successful candidates must also meet ongoing regulatory requirements including additional screening and are required to report certain incidents.
  • Specific compliance policies may apply regarding outside activities and/or personal investing; affected employees will be expected to provide information to the Wells Fargo Personal Account Dealing Team and abide by applicable policy requirements if hired. Information will be shared about expectations during the recruitment process.

Pay Range

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.

$250,000.00 - $420,000.00

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit  for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Critical caregiving leave
  • Discounts and savings
  • Commuter benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for dependent children
  • Adoption reimbursement

Posting End Date:

2 Jul 2026

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Careers

Joining Wells Fargo means becoming part of a distinguished financial institution that has been a cornerstone of innovation and leadership in the banking industry. At Wells Fargo, we offer a plethora of job opportunities designed to empower your career growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Work You’ll Do

At Wells Fargo, you will be part of a team that values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive innovation and lead with integrity. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we invest in their professional growth through comprehensive leadership and diversity training programs that are recognized industry-wide.

Explore a Multitude of Career Paths

Whether you're interested in a position in finance, IT, customer service, or management, Wells Fargo has career opportunities in various fields. Our team members benefit from job stability, competitive benefits, and a culture that values and rewards performance and dedication.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Wells Fargo internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry exposure, professional skills development, and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment offers. Interns at Wells Fargo work on real projects, solve actual challenges, and gain the mentorship of seasoned professionals.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees. Wells Fargo offers robust training programs and resources to help every team member excel in their current roles and prepare for future challenges. Growth at Wells Fargo is not just about climbing the career ladder but expanding your skills and expertise to add value to our team and customers.

Benefits and Rewards

Wells Fargo is committed to the well-being of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health care, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Additionally, we provide unique perks like employee discounts, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.

Join Our Team

Discover the opportunities waiting for you at Wells Fargo by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, passion, and a drive to serve our customers.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Wells Fargo Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your subscription to receive updates that align with your career preferences and get insider tips on crafting the perfect resume and acing your interview.

Networking and Innovation

At Wells Fargo, networking and innovation go hand in hand. We encourage our employees to connect across departments and roles to foster new ideas and strategies that lead to groundbreaking solutions.

Empower Your Career

Step into a role at Wells Fargo where your skills will be honed, your achievements recognized, and your career can flourish. We're not just filling positions; we're building leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the financial world. Join Wells Fargo today and be part of a team that’s redefining the future of banking.
Learn more about Wells Fargo
Size
246,577 employees
Market Cap
$155.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.3 billion
Founded
1852
5 Year Trend
-5.9%
NASDAQ

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