Debut is an innovative, mobile-first financial services provider in New Zealand, aiming to redefine how people experience everyday banking and lending.
We focus on creating products that empower customers by giving them control over their finances through seamless, data-driven digital experiences.
As we prepare to apply for a banking licence, we are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our banking operations, driving strategic risk management and compliance frameworks that enable growth and innovation while meeting regulatory obligations.
About Us Debut is an innovative, mobile-first financial services provider in New Zealand, aiming to redefine how people experience everyday banking and lending.
We focus on creating products that empower customers by giving them control over their finances through seamless, data-driven digital experiences.
As we prepare to apply for a banking licence, we are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our banking operations, driving strategic risk management and compliance frameworks that enable growth and innovation while meeting regulatory obligations.
Role Overview As the Head of Banking, you will define and oversee Debut's banking strategy, with a significant focus on managing credit and lending risk, ensuring adherence to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA), and leading regulatory compliance efforts.
You will create and refine risk policies that prioritize both innovation and customer protection, ensuring Debut develops scalable, customer-centric lending solutions.
A deep background in mortgages will be a valuable asset in this role.
Key Responsibilities: Credit & Lending Risk Management: Develop and manage credit risk frameworks to ensure sound lending practices.
Oversee end-to-end risk assessment processes, including underwriting standards, credit policies, and the management of default rates.
Continuously monitor and assess lending risk, aligning it with both internal risk appetite and external regulatory standards.
CCCFA Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA), maintaining compliance across all lending products.
Oversee the development of customer-friendly lending practices in line with regulatory requirements, including responsible lending and consumer protection.
Risk Policy Development: Establish and implement risk policies focusing on default rates, process efficiency, and borrower protection.
Define clear risk management processes for lending operations, setting benchmarks for acceptable risk levels and default thresholds.
Continuously refine risk policies to adapt to regulatory changes and business needs.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Lead compliance efforts across all banking activities, ensuring policies are updated and enforced to meet NZ regulatory standards.
Manage relationships with regulatory bodies and ensure clear communication regarding compliance and risk management efforts.
Product Development: Collaborate with product teams to design lending products that balance innovation with responsible risk management and compliance.
Ensure lending products are aligned with both customer needs and risk management policies, delivering value while safeguarding Debut's financial integrity.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor a team focused on risk management, lending, and compliance.
Cultivate a culture of risk awareness, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across the banking division.
Key Qualifications: Extensive experience in credit risk, lending, and compliance within the banking or financial services industry.
Strong understanding of CCCFA and other relevant NZ financial regulations, with the ability to adapt knowledge from similar regulatory landscapes (e.g., UK, Australia).
Proven track record of developing and managing risk policies, especially in lending operations.
Deep mortgage experience is a significant plus.
Experience in leading teams and managing cross-functional collaboration within a banking or financial services environment.
Experience with banking licence applications and regulatory engagements is a plus.
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