Job Description
Equity Bank Kenya is inviting applications from experienced and commercially minded professionals for the position of Credit Origination Analyst – SME Banking. This opportunity is designed for an individual who is passionate about supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises through responsible lending, sound credit evaluation, and customer-focused financial solutions. The successful candidate will become part of a dynamic business banking team dedicated to helping entrepreneurs access sustainable financing while maintaining strong portfolio quality and prudent risk management.
The Credit Origination Analyst will play a central role in evaluating borrowing opportunities from emerging and established business clients. Working closely with Relationship Managers, Business Development teams, Product Specialists, Risk Management, Legal, Compliance, and Credit Administration, the successful applicant will analyze financing requests, assess repayment capacity, identify potential risks, and recommend practical lending structures that align with internal credit policies and regulatory requirements. Every financing proposal will require careful assessment of financial performance, business viability, industry outlook, cash flow sustainability, collateral adequacy, and overall customer risk profile before progressing through the approval process.
This position demands exceptional analytical thinking, commercial awareness, and the ability to balance business growth with responsible lending practices. The successful candidate will participate throughout the entire credit origination lifecycle, beginning with client engagement and continuing through financial assessment, documentation review, credit proposal preparation, internal approvals, and successful onboarding. Beyond technical expertise, the role requires strong interpersonal skills to build productive relationships with customers while providing guidance that helps businesses identify appropriate financing solutions for expansion, working capital, equipment acquisition, trade finance, and operational growth.
The analyst will also contribute to portfolio development by identifying opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and introducing clients to complementary banking products that enhance their overall financial position. Continuous monitoring of market trends, industry developments, lending regulations, and evolving SME financing needs will support informed decision-making and improve the quality of recommendations presented to credit committees. Success in this role will be measured through portfolio growth, quality of credit submissions, turnaround efficiency, customer satisfaction, policy compliance, and maintenance of healthy asset quality.
Equity Bank offers a professional environment where innovation, integrity, teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning are highly valued. Employees are encouraged to expand their technical capabilities, strengthen leadership potential, and contribute meaningful ideas that support the Bank's long-term vision of delivering inclusive financial solutions across Africa. This role presents an excellent opportunity for an experienced banking professional seeking to make a measurable impact on business growth while advancing a rewarding career within one of the region's leading financial institutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive financial analysis of SME customers seeking business financing.
- Evaluate financial statements, management accounts, cash flow projections, tax records, and supporting business documents.
- Assess customer repayment capacity using sound analytical and commercial judgment.
- Structure appropriate lending facilities that match each client's operational and financial requirements.
- Prepare detailed credit assessment reports supported by accurate financial analysis.
- Present well-documented lending recommendations to internal credit approval committees.
- Work collaboratively with Relationship Managers to identify quality borrowing opportunities.
- Participate in customer meetings to understand financing objectives and operational requirements.
- Perform detailed business due diligence before recommending any lending proposal.
- Review industry trends, competitive positioning, and business sustainability before credit recommendations.
- Verify customer information through independent validation and document review.
- Ensure compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements throughout onboarding.
- Support Anti-Money Laundering screening and regulatory compliance processes.
- Coordinate environmental, social, governance, and reputational risk assessments where applicable.
- Liaise with legal, operations, compliance, and credit administration departments during transaction processing.
- Monitor application progress and resolve documentation gaps promptly.
- Maintain accurate customer records within internal banking systems.
- Recommend suitable security structures based on transaction risk profiles.
- Evaluate collateral adequacy and enforceability in consultation with relevant departments.
- Identify early warning indicators during credit evaluation.
- Maintain high-quality lending standards while supporting sustainable portfolio expansion.
- Ensure every recommendation aligns with internal lending policies and regulatory expectations.
- Monitor turnaround timelines to improve customer experience.
- Support implementation of efficient credit origination processes.
- Build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide professional guidance to customers regarding suitable financing solutions.
- Promote responsible lending practices that support long-term customer success.
- Identify opportunities to introduce additional banking products where appropriate.
- Contribute ideas that improve credit assessment methodologies.
- Participate in portfolio quality reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Keep current with banking regulations, credit policies, and SME market developments.
- Maintain strict confidentiality when handling customer financial information.
- Prepare accurate reports for management and business review meetings.
- Support internal audits by providing complete and compliant documentation.
- Contribute positively to team performance and organizational objectives.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, and excellent customer service in every assignment.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Banking, Commerce, or a closely related discipline from a recognized institution.
- A Master's Degree is considered an added advantage.
- Professional certification in Credit Management, Risk Management, Banking, or Financial Analysis will be an added advantage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the stated requirements are encouraged to submit a comprehensive application through Equity Bank's official recruitment process before the application deadline. Applications should include an updated curriculum vitae highlighting relevant professional experience, academic qualifications, certifications, and measurable career achievements. Candidates may also attach a concise cover letter demonstrating their suitability for the position and explaining how their experience aligns with SME credit origination and banking operations. Only complete applications received before the closing date will be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. Equity Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to merit-based recruitment, diversity, professionalism, integrity, and ethical employment practices. Any attempt to influence the recruitment process will result in automatic disqualification.
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