Director - Infrastructure Finance Credit Officer (Singapore)

Job description

About the Role An opportunity has arisen for an experienced infrastructure finance professional to join the Credit Department, Asia Pacific Division of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) in Singapore. The successful candidate will play a key role in the independent assessment, approval and ongoing risk oversight of some of the largest and complex infrastructure financing transactions across the Asia Pacific region. The role provides broad exposure to renewable energy, power and utilities, digital infrastructure, transportation, natural resources and energy transition sectors. As an independent second-line credit officer, the successful candidate will work closely with front office business units, senior management and approval authorities to ensure transactions are structured in a manner consistent with the Bank's risk appetite, portfolio strategy and credit standards. Coverage spans South Asia, Southeast Asia, Korea and other selected Asia Pacific markets. Transactions include project financings, holding company financings, portfolio financings, acquisition financings and other infrastructure-related financing structures across a diverse range of sectors. This role offers exposure to high-profile transactions, significant interaction with senior stakeholders and the opportunity to contribute to one of the region's leading infrastructure financing banks. Key Responsibilities Transaction Approval and Independent Credit Assessment Independently assess and challenge financing proposals submitted by business units across a broad range of infrastructure financing transactions. Review project financings, holding company financings, portfolio financings, acquisition financings and hybrid infrastructure financing structures. Evaluate financing structures, sponsor support arrangements, concession frameworks, project agreements, commercial contracts, legal documentation and security packages. Analyse financial projections, downside scenarios, refinancing considerations, cash flow resilience and recovery prospects. Identify, assess and articulate key credit risks, structural risks and mitigants affecting transaction viability and repayment capacity. Formulate independent credit recommendations and concise executive summaries to support approval decisions by relevant approval authorities. Engage proactively with business units regarding transaction structuring, credit terms, documentation standards and risk mitigation measures. Participate in early-stage transaction discussions to ensure alignment with the Bank's credit policies, risk appetite and strategic objectives. Depending on delegated authority and experience, approve transactions within assigned authority limits or provide recommendations to higher approval authorities. Portfolio Management and Credit Oversight Monitor and manage an assigned portfolio of infrastructure financing exposures across the Asia Pacific region. Conduct annual reviews, obligor grading assessments, credit strategy reviews and ongoing portfolio monitoring activities. Identify emerging risks, sector concentrations, adverse market developments and deteriorating credit trends. Develop and monitor action plans for exposures exhibiting signs of deterioration or increased risk. Participate in the management of waivers, amendments, restructurings, stressed assets and workout situations where required. Contribute to thematic portfolio reviews, concentration risk monitoring and portfolio analytics. Sector Expertise and Risk Leadership Maintain a strong understanding of infrastructure finance markets across Asia Pacific, including evolving market practices, financing structures, regulatory developments and emerging risks. Develop and maintain expertise in one or more sectors, including: Renewable Energy Power & Utilities Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Transportation Energy Transition Natural Resources Contribute to sector reviews, thematic risk assessments and portfolio outlook analyses. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior credit officers. Support the enhancement of analytical standards, risk frameworks and credit best practices across the department. Credit Policy, Governance and Strategic Initiatives Ensure compliance with the Bank's credit policies, risk appetite framework and approval requirements. Contribute to credit policy development, portfolio governance initiatives, risk acceptance criteria and departmental process improvements. Support discussions relating to portfolio strategy, sector positioning and emerging risks. Liaise with business units, risk management, audit, regulators and other internal stakeholders on credit-related matters. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of information maintained within credit monitoring systems and reporting tools. Support regulatory, audit and management reporting requirements as required. Required Experience and Qualifications Essential Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in infrastructure finance, project finance, credit risk management, infrastructure investment, project advisory, rating agencies or related disciplines. Demonstrated experience assessing complex infrastructure financing transactions, including project financings, holding company financings, portfolio financings, acquisition financings or similar structures. Strong understanding of: Infrastructure and project finance structures; Financial modelling and cash flow analysis; Construction and operational risks; Concession agreements, commercial contracts and project documentation; Financing and legal documentation; Credit structuring and covenant frameworks. Proven ability to independently identify, assess and articulate key credit risks and mitigants in complex financing transactions. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distil complex issues into concise and actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders. Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or a related discipline. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong financial modelling capabilities. Preferred Relevant experience within infrastructure lending, infrastructure debt investing, project finance, advisory, rating agencies or credit risk management. Prior credit approval authority or significant experience supporting credit committee and senior approval processes. Experience covering multiple infrastructure sectors across Asia Pacific. Experience managing stressed assets, restructurings or workout situations. CFA, CPA, CA or equivalent professional qualification. Experience mentoring junior professionals and contributing to policy development or portfolio management initiatives. What Success Looks Like The successful candidate will: Deliver independent, well-reasoned and commercially balanced credit assessments on complex infrastructure financing transactions. Influence transaction structuring and risk mitigation outcomes at an early stage Build credibility as a trusted advisor to business units while maintaining strong risk discipline. Contribute to portfolio stability through proactive risk identification and portfolio oversight. Develop recognised sector expertise and contribute to the evolution of credit policies, portfolio strategy and risk management practices across the Asia Pacific Division.