VP, Sr. Loan Review Officer / VP, Loan Review Officer

Cathay Bank•El Monte, CA

About The Position

The Loan Review Department (LRD) is a second line of defense function within Cathay Bank’s Risk Division, independent of credit granting, adjudication, and operations. LRD's mandate is to independently assess and opine upon the overall credit risk and the effectiveness of credit risk management processes of the Bank. LRD also serves as an internal advisor to lending units, loan administration, and credit administration/risk management to identify, recommend, and effect process changes related to credit risk management activities, regulatory issues concerning credit risk, credit policy, and general credit underwriting guidelines. The role involves identifying current or potential problems in credit risk assessment and loan administration, analyzing and monitoring the quality of various commercial credits, and evaluating Credit Policies/Credit Processes to ensure proper credit controls meet regulatory safety and soundness standards. The position requires monitoring adherence to policies and validating exceptions. Responsibilities may include leading credit review examinations, preparing reports, and conducting meetings with Bank departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or economics.
Minimum 5-7 years of credit examination experience as a commercial lender, regulator or credit review officer.
Experience leading teams of examiners in the successful completion of credit risk review activities and related projects.
Thorough understanding of analyzing various types of commercial and middle market credits is required.
Must be able to work successfully in a client focused, consultative work environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, strong project management skills.
Thorough knowledge and operational skills in the use of personal computers and various software packages, including Excel and Word.

Nice To Haves

Experience in specialized lending such as asset-based lending (ABL), energy (including oil & gas), shared national credits (SNC). and syndicated lending is a plus.
Understanding of high net worth and private client lending and retail loan products is desired.
Previous experience in leading teams responsible for credit analysis and assessment is desirable.

Responsibilities

Scope, lead and manage examinations of various types of credit portfolios and credit processes.
Perform risk-based independent reviews of all types of CB loan portfolios to identify current or potential problems, as well as positive elements, regarding the assessment of credit risk and the administration of Bank credit/loan exposure.
Determine the accuracy of assigned internal credit risk ratings, non-compliance with CB policies and procedures, loan weaknesses so that timely corrective actions can be taken, violations of laws and regulations and inadequate credit/collateral documentation.
Identify, recommend and effect process changes as related to credit risk management activities, regulatory statutes, credit policy and general credit underwriting guidelines.
Interpret and evaluate Bank Credit Policy and assure that proper credit controls are in place to appropriately manage credit risk.
Monitor adherence to such policies and validate that exceptions are adequately identified, fully justified and properly approved.
Act as internal advisor/partner to CB's line units regarding loan and credit matters and provide guidance in areas that require further development.
Maintain awareness of the current regulatory/industry trends impacting the Bank's credit areas.
Promote teamwork within the department to ensure that knowledge and experience is shared among team members.
Prepare departmental reports and other portfolio reporting as requested by management.
Comply fully with all Bank Operational and Credit policies and procedures as well as all regulatory requirements (e.g. Bank Secrecy Act, Know Your Client, Community Reinvestment Act, Fair Lending Practices, Code of Conduct, etc.).
Complete all required training and special projects as requested.