MERJE
Chief Risk Officer - Lending
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MERJE is delighted to be exclusively retained to appoint a Chief Risk Officer on behalf of a highly successful, FCA-regulated fintech operating within the consumer lending sector.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a business experiencing sustained growth and significant investment, where Risk is recognised as a genuine strategic partner to the Executive Team and Board.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll have responsibility for leading the Enterprise Risk function whilst helping shape the future direction of governance, regulatory strategy and AI-enabled risk management across the organisation.
This is a role for someone who wants genuine influence, not simply ownership of an existing framework.
About the Opportunity
This organisation has built an impressive reputation through its progressive approach to technology, automation and customer outcomes.
Already well advanced in its use of AI and automated decisioning, the business sees Risk playing a pivotal role in ensuring innovation continues responsibly whilst maintaining excellent governance and regulatory standards.
Rather than viewing AI as simply another risk to manage, the Executive Team recognises it will fundamentally reshape how modern Risk functions operate.
As a result, they're looking for a Chief Risk Officer who shares that vision.
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Alongside providing independent oversight of enterprise and credit risk, you'll influence strategic decision-making, help shape AI governance and model risk oversight, engage with regulators and support continued business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Enterprise Risk Management Framework across the business.
- Own Risk Appetite, Risk Reporting and Board Risk Governance.
- Provide independent oversight of Credit Risk and Risk Strategy.
- Lead engagement with the FCA and support ongoing regulatory developments.
- Advise the CEO, Executive Team and Board on strategic risk matters.
- Oversee AI Governance, Model Risk and automated decision-making frameworks.
- Continue to develop scalable governance suitable for a rapidly growing fintech.
- Promote a strong risk culture across the organisation whilst supporting commercial objectives.
- Act as a trusted advisor to both Executive and Non-Executive Directors.
About You
We're interested in speaking with senior risk leaders who combine exceptional technical capability with genuine commercial influence.
You'll most likely bring experience gained within consumer lending, fintech, banking or broader regulated financial services.
You'll also be able to demonstrate:
- Significant Enterprise Risk leadership experience.
- Strong knowledge of FCA regulation, Consumer Duty and governance.
- Experience operating at Board and Executive Committee level.
- Confidence engaging with senior regulators and external stakeholders.
- Strong commercial judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
- Experience or a strong appreciation of AI Governance, model risk or technology-enabled risk management.
- Gravitas, credibility and excellent stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative leadership style with the confidence to influence at the highest levels.
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Whether you're already operating as a Chief Risk Officer or are an exceptional senior leader ready to step into your first CRO appointment, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Why Apply?
This is far more than a traditional CRO role.
- You'll join a collaborative Executive Team where your opinion genuinely shapes business decisions.
- You'll influence the future direction of AI governance within a highly progressive organisation.
- You'll help build a modern Risk function capable of supporting ambitious commercial growth.
- You'll enjoy the pace, visibility and variety that comes from operating within a lean, entrepreneurial business where decisions are made quickly and ideas are welcomed.
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