Head of Corporate Credit Origination

Equity Bank Kenya Ltd is hiring a Head of Corporate Credit Origination to lead its corporate credit growth agenda and strengthen disciplined risk stewardship across the organization. This senior leadership role presents one of the most strategic job opportunities for experienced banking professionals seeking to advance their careers in corporate credit, risk management, and portfolio leadership within a leading financial institution in East Africa.

Key Job Information

• Position: Head of Corporate Credit Origination
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Regular, Full-time
• Experience Level: Senior / Managerial Level
• Organization: Equity Bank Kenya Ltd
• Job Shift: Day Job
• Job Posting Date: January 26, 2026

About Equity Bank Kenya Ltd

Equity Bank Kenya Ltd is one of the region’s leading financial institutions, driven by a strong purpose to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa socially and economically. The Bank delivers modern, inclusive, and innovative financial services designed to unlock opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities across the continent.

With operations spanning Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equity Bank serves over 12 million customers, making it the largest customer base in Africa. Equity Bank careers are built on a culture of performance, accountability, and impact, offering professionals access to meaningful roles that combine growth, leadership, and long-term sustainability.

As part of its ongoing expansion and strategic strengthening, Equity Bank continues to announce the latest jobs and fresh positions across its core business lines. These vacancies are designed for professionals who want to contribute to financial inclusion, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.

Head of Corporate Credit Origination Job Description

The Head of Corporate Credit Origination is accountable for end-to-end corporate credit portfolio management and serves as the custodian of the Bank’s corporate credit origination operations. This role provides strategic leadership and disciplined risk oversight to preserve and enhance the Bank’s risk capital while supporting long-term financial sustainability in line with corporate objectives.

The role leads corporate credit origination across all business segments, including Public Service Institutions (PSI), SME, and Corporate Banking. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the role holder supports credit transactions from origination through approval and ongoing monitoring, adding value through sound deal structuring, policy alignment, and proactive portfolio management.

This position is central to driving sustainable revenue growth, supporting balance sheet expansion, and strengthening the Bank’s credit culture. It also plays a key role in staff training, mentorship, and capability development, making it one of the most influential credit leadership vacancies available today within the Kenyan banking sector.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Origination & Risk Underwriting

• Provide strategic leadership in the origination, assessment, and structuring of corporate credit facilities aligned with approved risk appetite.
• Drive acquisition and execution of new credit opportunities to achieve balance sheet growth and Net Interest Income (NII) targets.
• Ensure high-quality credit underwriting that delivers sustainable revenue growth and optimal risk-adjusted returns.
• Champion sound credit decision-making to accelerate deal execution and maintain strong credit standards.

Portfolio Risk Management

• Maintain a healthy and sustainable corporate credit portfolio within approved risk appetite and CBK prudential guidelines.
• Monitor Portfolio at Risk (PAR), early delinquency indicators, and credit rating migrations.
• Ensure robust covenant monitoring, excess management, and timely intervention on deteriorating accounts.
• Uphold a strong control environment through regular portfolio reviews and accurate risk reporting.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with Central Bank of Kenya regulations, the Banking Act, and internal credit policies.
• Ensure adherence to AML/CFT, KYC, and sanctions requirements throughout the credit origination lifecycle.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings.
• Maintain high standards of documentation, security perfection, and governance discipline.

Strategic Business Development & Relationship Management

• Identify and develop bankable credit opportunities aligned with sector strategies and market trends.
• Provide sector thought leadership across manufacturing, trade, agribusiness, energy, infrastructure, and related industries.
• Support syndications, structured finance, and complex transactions.
• Partner with relationship managers to deepen client relationships and improve Credit Client Net Promoter Score (NPS).

Leadership, Performance & Stakeholder Management

• Deliver corporate credit origination outcomes within approved cost and efficiency targets.
• Optimize resource allocation, productivity, and workflow management across the credit origination team.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to build capability, accountability, and succession depth.
• Collaborate with front-office, risk, product, and operations teams to improve turnaround times and execution discipline.

Core Accountabilities and Deliverables

• Growth of the corporate credit book and new origination volumes
• Net Interest Income (NII) and fee income generation
• Portfolio at Risk (PAR) and Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratios
• Risk-adjusted returns (RAROC)
• Credit approval turnaround times (TAT)
• Regulatory and policy compliance metrics
• Client satisfaction and Credit Client NPS performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a recognized institution.
• Strong experience in corporate credit origination, underwriting, and portfolio management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, CPA (K), ACCA, or Financial Risk Manager (FRM).

Benefits and Compensation

Equity Bank offers competitive compensation, leadership development opportunities, and exposure to complex, high-impact transactions. This role is among the most senior and rewarding careers in corporate banking today, offering long-term growth, executive visibility, and the opportunity to shape credit strategy at a national and regional level.

How to Apply for Head of Corporate Credit Origination Job Opportunity at Equity Bank Kenya Ltd

Qualified professionals seeking fresh positions and exploring the latest jobs in corporate banking are encouraged to apply today. This week, Equity Bank Kenya Ltd is actively reviewing applications for this senior leadership vacancy.

Candidates interested in these job opportunities should submit a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience, leadership achievements, and credit origination expertise through the official Equity Bank employment portal. Applicants looking to advance their careers with one of Africa’s leading financial institutions are encouraged to apply promptly, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.