US Head of Credit Risk Review

BBVA•New York, NY

1d•$240,000 - $260,000•Onsite

About The Position

The US Head of Credit Risk Review (CRR) reports to the Global Head of Wholesale & Sustainability Risk in BBVA Group and leads and oversees the independent Credit Risk Review function across BBVA’s US operations. The role provides 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 position manages an established credit review function and an experienced team, ensuring alignment with US regulatory expectations and the Group’s global credit risk governance framework. It also oversees review planning and execution, portfolio risk assessments, reporting and issue management, and engagement with regulators, auditors, senior management, and relevant committees while preserving the function’s independence and objectivity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 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.
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.
Eligibility to work in the US; BBVA will not pursue visa sponsorship for this position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience working with US banking regulators, particularly the Federal Reserve and the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
Ability to operate effectively in a global reporting structure and multicultural environment.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the US Credit Risk Review function, maintaining its independence, effectiveness, and compliance with internal policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Provide strategic direction, technical guidance, and oversight to the CRR team to ensure high-quality, consistent, and timely review activities.
Manage team resources, staffing, performance evaluations, and professional development, fostering 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.
Lead credit risk assessments to identify 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 across US credit portfolios, ensuring effective coverage and identification of credit risk trends.
Monitor portfolio performance, concentrations, risk-rating migration, asset quality, and emerging credit risks, adjusting review priorities as needed.
Oversee independent evaluations of credit risk ratings, underwriting quality, credit approval practices, loan administration, and credit monitoring processes.
Ensure timely identification of credit deterioration, weaknesses in credit risk management practices, and deficiencies in internal controls.
Independently challenge credit decisions, risk ratings, risk assessments, and management practices using sound credit analysis and documented conclusions.
Evaluate the adequacy of credit loss allowances and the effectiveness of processes for identifying and managing problem loans.
Ensure final Credit Risk Review reports are clear, consistent, appropriately supported, and focused on material credit risks.
Present review results, portfolio assessments, emerging risks, and progress.
Oversee identification, classification, communication, and tracking of weaknesses and corrective Action Items, including escalation and validation of remediation.
Contribute to the improvement of credit risk governance, policies, underwriting standards, and monitoring practices through independent assessments and recommendations.
Serve as a senior point of contact for US banking regulators, Internal Audit, and external auditors on credit portfolio quality and the CRR function.
Ensure the function complies 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 while maintaining the function’s independence and objectivity.
Build effective relationships with senior executives, Credit Risk Management, and business stakeholders while preserving independent judgment and the ability to challenge.