Job Description

31 Oct 2025
London, LND, GB, EC2M 2AT
SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term




Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we'll always strive to be better, we're proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.





Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

We're looking for a Vice President for our Distribution Risk Management team.
SMBC is seeking a risk management VP to play an active role supporting the Head of DRM in developing more sophisticated risk models, policies and frameworks to support the growth of EMEA's loan underwriting business and originate to distribute model. An exciting and unique role that affords visibility across the full breath of SMBC's loan underwriting and distribution risk business and engagement in the strategic and operational development of the EMEA Risk franchise. Develop and maintain trusted relationships with relevant stakeholders across RMD, CDED, CIPD, STPD and CPRMD in pursuit of continued evolution of the framework, procedures, and policies for distribution risk. Strong analytical skills, both qualitative and quantitative; intellectually curious; independent minded, excellent problem-solving skills and ability to get up to speed quickly on new projects. Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple projects, with ability to prioritise while maintaining attention to detail. 5+ years in the financial services industry with some experience managing market or credit risk. The ideal candidate would have experience working in market or credit policy risk, with a basic knowledge of wider distribution risk and the loan underwriting business. Preferred candidates would also have project management qualification or experience. Business Area
SMBC has established a new DRM function to strengthen and evolve the 2LOD risk management of the loan underwriting business and broader distribution risk activities. DRM sits within the Risk Department working very closely with Loan Capital Markets and the Credit Department. The DRM function has a specialised role, engaging day to day with capital markets teams and following the wider market to independently assess LCM's view of SMBC's ability to successfully distribute risk. DRM has responsibility for the risk management of loan underwriting across all products and markets in EMEA (eg. Leveraged Finance, Investment Grade, Infrastructure, Real Estate, FI, High Yield Bridge Loans etc). LCM typically process c. 60-70 approvals per year but has been growing in accordance with acceleration of CIB model. SMBC is a Top 10 EMEA Bookrunner on a total market and Leveraged Finance basis. LCM annual P&L of (c. $180m fees). EMEA primary controls include stress loss limits, unrealised MtM loss limits and notional UW and settlement limits under the risk appetite framework. More broadly SMBC / EMEA is actively evolving its originate to distribute and CIB models. This requires continued evolution of the franchise's distribution risk governance and controls. DRM assists the development of strategy, policy & procedures to articulate and visualise the risk of the underwrite book and leads development of methodologies that improve risk management practices for distribution risk. Key stakeholders are: CRO, GM Credit Department ("CD") and GM LCM. Close engagement with: Head of LBO CD, JGMs CD, LCM, Front Office and CD deal teams, RMD, Tokyo Head Office and US / APAC LCM and distribution risk teams. Position Description

Purpose of Job

Manage the non-transactional responsibilities of the DRM team, leading day-to-day interaction with a variety of relevant stakeholders. Assist with maintenance and evolution of the risk framework for loan underwriting and broader distribution risk with a focus on risk models and Global and EMEA procedure and policy development. Lead and deliver distribution risk governance requirements and reviews in line with set timetables. In collaboration with the Risk Management Department ("RMD"), support Head of DRM in the development of risk strategy and evolution of policies related to EMEA distribution risk. Build a trusted relationship with Loan Capital Markets ("LCM") that reinforces a robust and enabling risk oversight function for the loan underwriting business. Build relationships with equivalent colleagues across the Global Business Unit to share best practice and help deliver global alignment. Support Head of DRM in stakeholder engagement, reporting and broader collaboration on a wide range of related initiatives (eg Tokyo, LCM, RMD, Front Office Teams, US & APAC teams). Support Head of DRM on specific strategic and regulatory projects such as ECB Onboarding, High Velocity Framework and broader business risk partnership to support the growth of EMEA's originate to distribute model. Assist Head of DRM in the risk oversight of the loan underwriting book including timely and accurate reporting, review and challenge.

Distribution Risk Governance

Maintenance of the risk framework that underpins loan underwriting (and over time distribution risks more broadly). Undertaking annual reviews and other periodic assessments of the models and policies that support the loan underwriting business. Maintaining knowledge and keeping abreast of regulatory and market best practice in distribution and market risk. Support the evolution of the risk appetite framework for loan underwriting and broader distribution risk activities. Support the development and execution of new strategic risk initiatives related to distribution activities. Lead execution of strategic projects related to distribution risk across regional offices. Key point of liaison for all relevant stakeholders on matters of risk policy and frameworks. Competencies
Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity
What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it's only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.
As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:
Hybrid and flexible working Competitive paid leave days Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!


We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We'll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.




About SMBC


A trusted partner for the long term

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.

about what we do and who we are at https://www.smbcgroup.com/emea/careers