Job Description
Equity Bank Kenya Ltd is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Credit Origination Analyst – SME Banking to strengthen its Business Banking team. This opportunity is ideal for a banking professional who enjoys evaluating business opportunities, developing practical financing solutions, and supporting the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The successful candidate will play a central role in assessing borrowing opportunities, structuring credit facilities, and ensuring that every lending decision aligns with the bank's credit standards, regulatory requirements, and long-term portfolio objectives.
The position is designed for an individual who combines strong analytical capabilities with excellent business judgment. Working closely with Relationship Managers, Product Specialists, Risk teams, Legal, Operations, Compliance, and other internal stakeholders, the Credit Origination Analyst will transform client financing requirements into well-structured lending solutions that support business expansion while protecting the bank from unnecessary exposure. Every recommendation should demonstrate a balanced understanding of commercial opportunities, customer needs, financial performance, repayment capacity, industry dynamics, and risk mitigation.
The successful candidate will actively engage customers throughout the lending journey, beginning with the identification of financing requirements and continuing through financial assessment, credit proposal preparation, approval coordination, documentation, and successful facility implementation. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, sound financial interpretation skills, and the ability to evaluate both quantitative and qualitative information before making informed recommendations.
In addition to supporting quality credit decisions, the Credit Origination Analyst will contribute to business growth by identifying opportunities to introduce customers to complementary banking solutions including deposits, transaction banking, insurance, investment products, and digital financial services. Building long-term customer relationships while maintaining excellent portfolio quality remains a key expectation of this position.
Applicants should possess a strong understanding of SME business operations across different industries and demonstrate confidence when interpreting financial statements, assessing cash flows, reviewing business models, and evaluating market conditions that may influence borrower performance. Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements including Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) processes, and environmental and social risk considerations will be highly valuable.
This position offers an opportunity to work within one of East Africa's leading financial institutions where innovation, integrity, customer success, and responsible lending remain fundamental values. The successful individual will collaborate with highly experienced banking professionals while contributing directly to portfolio growth, income generation, customer satisfaction, and responsible credit management. Candidates who are passionate about SME banking, possess strong commercial awareness, and are committed to delivering quality credit solutions are encouraged to submit their applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate borrowing requests received from Relationship Managers and determine appropriate financing structures based on customer needs and repayment capacity.
- Conduct comprehensive financial analysis using audited accounts, management reports, bank statements, and cash flow projections.
- Assess business models, industry performance, competitive position, and operational sustainability before recommending lending decisions.
- Participate in customer meetings to obtain a complete understanding of financing requirements and future business plans.
- Prepare detailed credit assessment reports that clearly present financial analysis, identified risks, mitigation measures, and lending recommendations.
- Develop practical credit structures that balance customer requirements with prudent banking practices.
- Review collateral documentation and verify that proposed securities adequately support the requested credit facilities.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely completion of customer onboarding requirements.
- Facilitate Know Your Customer (KYC) verification processes in accordance with regulatory expectations.
- Support Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance reviews during credit origination.
- Coordinate Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) checks and incorporate findings into credit recommendations.
- Ensure all lending proposals comply with internal credit policies, delegated authorities, and regulatory guidelines.
- Prepare credit applications for submission to the relevant approval committees.
- Respond promptly to clarification requests raised during credit approval reviews.
- Liaise with Legal teams to facilitate preparation of facility documentation.
- Work closely with Operations teams to ensure approved facilities are processed efficiently.
- Monitor approval conditions to confirm every requirement is satisfied before facility utilization.
- Identify potential risks that could affect repayment performance and recommend suitable mitigation strategies.
- Maintain accurate customer records and complete documentation throughout the credit lifecycle.
- Collaborate with Relationship Managers to improve customer experience during the lending process.
- Support portfolio quality initiatives by promoting responsible lending decisions.
- Identify opportunities to cross-sell transaction banking, savings, insurance, investment, and other financial solutions.
- Build productive working relationships with internal departments to improve operational efficiency.
- Remain informed about developments affecting SME sectors, banking regulations, and credit markets.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening credit processes.
- Prepare management reports on pipeline performance, approvals, and portfolio quality indicators.
- Ensure confidentiality when handling customer information and financial records.
- Apply sound professional judgment while balancing commercial growth with prudent risk management.
- Contribute ideas that improve credit turnaround times without compromising underwriting quality.
- Promote ethical banking practices and maintain the highest standards of integrity in every customer interaction.
- Perform additional credit-related responsibilities assigned by management in support of business objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Banking, Commerce, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
- A Master's Degree is an added advantage.
- Professional certification in Credit Management, Banking, Risk Management, or Financial Analysis will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting your updated CV together with a well-written cover letter highlighting your relevant experience in SME banking, credit analysis, and commercial lending. Ensure all application documents are complete, accurate, and up to date before submission. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
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