US Head of Credit Risk Review

The US Head of Credit Risk Review (CRR) reports to the Global Head of Wholesale & Sustainability Risk in BBVA Group. The candidate will lead and oversee the independent Credit Risk Review function across BBVA´s US operations.

The position is responsible for providing an independent, objective and timely assessment of credit portfolio quality, risk rating accuracy, underwriting standards, credit risk management practices and the effectiveness of credit risk monitoring processes.

The role requires a strategic, proactive and self-driven individual capable of managing an established credit review function, leading an experienced team and ensuring alignment with US regulatory expectations and the Group´s global credit risk governance framework.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Management of the CRR Function

· Lead and manage the US Credit Risk Review function, ensuring its independence, effectiveness and adherence to internal policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

· Provide strategic direction, technical guidance and oversight to the CRR team, ensuring high-quality, consistent and timely execution of all review activities.

· Manage team resources, staffing requirements, performance evaluations and professional development, promoting a culture of accountability, independent judgment and continuous improvement.

· Maintain and enhance CRR methodologies, policies, procedures and analytical tools in line with industry standards, regulatory guidance and evolving business requirements.

Risk Assessment and Review Planning

· Lead the development and execution of the credit risk assessments, identifying emerging risks, portfolio vulnerabilities and areas requiring enhanced review.

· Develop and oversee the risk-based Annual Credit Review Plan, including portfolio coverage, review priorities, resource allocation and execution timelines.

· Direct targeted reviews and continuous monitoring activities across the US credit portfolios, ensuring appropriate coverage and effective identification of credit risk trends.

· Monitor portfolio performance, concentrations, risk rating migration, asset quality and emerging credit risks, adjusting review priorities as necessary.

· Oversee the independent evaluation of credit risk ratings, underwriting quality, credit approval practices, loan administration and credit monitoring processes.

· Ensure the timely identification of credit deterioration, weaknesses in credit risk management practices and deficiencies in internal controls.

· Exercise effective independent challenge of credit decisions, risk ratings, risk assessments and management practices, supported by sound credit analysis and well-documented conclusions.

· Evaluate the adequacy of credit loss allowances and the effectiveness of processes for identifying and managing problem loans.

Reporting, Governance and Issue Management

· Be responsible for the quality and consistency of final Credit Risk Review reports, ensuring that conclusions and recommendations are clear, appropriately supported and focused on material credit risks.

· Present review results, portfolio assessments, emerging risks and progress.

· Oversee the identification, classification, communication and tracking of weaknesses and corrective Action Items, ensuring appropriate escalation and validation of remediation.

· Contribute to the continuous enhancement of credit risk governance, policies, underwriting standards and monitoring practices through independent assessments and recommendations.

Regulatory and Senior Management Engagement

· Serve as a senior point of contact for US banking regulators, Internal Audit and external auditors on matters relating to credit portfolio quality and the Credit Risk Review function.

· Ensure the function operates in accordance with applicable US supervisory guidance, including the Interagency Guidance on Credit Risk Review Systems, and other relevant regulatory requirements.

· Represent CRR in relevant management and risk committees, maintaining the

independence and objectivity of the function.

· Establish constructive and effective relationships with senior executives, Credit Risk Management and business stakeholders, while preserving CRR´s independent judgment and ability to challenge.

Qualifications

· Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).

· Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in credit risk management, credit review, banking supervision or related functions within financial institutions.

· Proven experience leading professional teams and managing complex credit review or credit risk assessment programs.

· Extensive knowledge of US commercial and wholesale banking credit risk practices, regulatory expectations and supervisory frameworks. Strong understanding of credit risk governance, problem loan management, risk rating methodologies and allowance for credit losses.

· Demonstrated ability to independently assess complex credit exposures, challenge risk ratings and identify weaknesses in underwriting, monitoring and credit risk management processes.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex risk matters clearly and persuasively to senior management, governance committees and regulators.

· High degree of integrity, independence, sound judgment and personal accountability.

Additional valuable qualifications

· Experience working with US banking regulators, particularly the Federal Reserve and the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).

· Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a global reporting structure and multicultural environment.

With respect to this position in our New York Office, the expected base salary ranges from $240,000 to $260,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.

*Employment eligibility to work with BBVA in the U.S. is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions