SVP, Chief Credit Risk Officer (Fort Lee)

Who We AreCross River builds the infrastructure behind the world’s most innovative financial products. Our technology and capital solutions power payments, cards, lending, and digital asset capabilities that move money safely, instantly, and inclusively — trusted by leading fintechs, enterprises, and disruptors across the globe.Our mission is simple: to build the financial infrastructure that expands access and opportunity for all. Guided by a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and purpose, Cross River has been named one of American Banker’s Best Places to Work in Fintech year after year. Whether you’re designing code, solving regulatory puzzles, or developing strategy, you’ll join a team where innovation and integrity drive everything we do — and where your work helps shape the future of finance.What We’re Looking ForCross River is seeking a seasoned and strategic Chief Credit Risk Officer to lead and oversee all aspects of credit risk management across the Bank including Fintech Banking, Commercial Banking, and Principal Finance Group. Reporting to the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, this leader will be responsible for enhancing and maintaining the credit risk framework, setting risk appetite, and ensuring sound credit decision-making as we scale our lending products and partnerships.Responsibilities:Strategic LeadershipDefine and execute the enterprise-wide credit risk strategy aligned with the bank's growth objectives and regulatory requirementsEnhance and maintain the credit risk appetite framework, policies, and governance structureAdvise the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, senior leadership, and the Board on credit risk mattersChair or co-chair the Management Credit Committee, Allowance Committee and participate in relevant Board committeesCredit Risk ManagementOversee underwriting standards, credit policies, and portfolio management across all lending verticals (e.g., payments, marketplace lending, BaaS partnerships, commercial lending (CRE, SBA, C&I), and structured finance)Provide oversight for CECL, and market to market valuation reserve including reviewing model assumptions and outputs, need for overlay thereby ensuring adequate reservesEstablish, enhance, and maintain concentration limits, stress testing frameworks, and early warning systemsProvide effective challenge through review of Commercial Banking (CRE, C&I, and SBA), and Structured Finance transactionsOversee settlement risk by determining limits, and reserves posed by Payment products including ACH, Acquiring, and other payment funding modelsLead portfolio analytics and reporting, including identifying, trends and potential areas of concern in the portfolio through single name analysis, pool level portfolio analysis, vintage analysis, and risk-adjusted return metricsTechnology & InnovationPartner with technology, operations, and product teams to embed credit risk controls into automated lending platforms and APIsLeverage Agentic AI technology to streamline and enhance credit processes to increase productivity and scalabilityEnsure best in class risk identification tools which may include vendor developed, internally developed, AI/ML are developed to enhance credit processesRegulatory & ComplianceEnsure compliance with all applicable regulations (OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve, state banking laws, fair lending, etc.)Support relationships with regulators and lead credit risk-related examinations and auditsOversee model risk management (MRM) in accordance with SR 26-2/11-7 guidanceCollaborate closely with the compliance function under the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer to ensure alignment of credit and compliance objectivesTeam DevelopmentBuild, mentor, and lead a high-performing credit risk organizationFoster a culture of data-driven decision-making, accountability, and continuous learningAttract top talent across credit analytics, portfolio management, and risk operationsReporting Structure:Reports to: Chief Risk and Compliance OfficerDirect Reports: Credit Risk team leads, Portfolio Managers, Senior Credit AnalystsQualifications:Required15+ years of progressive experience in credit risk management within banking, fintech, or financial servicesDeep expertise in consumer and/or commercial credit underwriting, portfolio management, and loss mitigationStrong understanding of regulatory frameworks governing bank lending and risk managementExperience with models, and model related processesExperience with CECL/Allowance processesExperience with regulators (OCC/FDIC/Fed), and External Auditors/Rating AgenciesProven leadership with strong communication skills across all levels of the organizationBachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or related fieldPreferredAdvanced degree (MBA, Master's, or PhD) in a quantitative or business disciplinePrior experience at a fintech bank, digital lender, or BaaS (Banking-as-a-Service) providerFamiliarity with marketplace/partner lending models and embedded financeExperience navigating rapid growth environments while maintaining sound risk controlsProfessional certifications (FRM, PRM, CFA) are a plusCompetencies:CompetencyDescriptionStrategic ThinkingAbility to balance growth ambitions with prudent risk managementData-Driven LeadershipComfort with advanced analytics, AI/ML, and technology-enabled risk solutionsRegulatory AcumenDeep understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape for fintech banksStakeholder ManagementEffective communicator across Board, regulators, partners, and internal teamsAdaptabilityThrives in fast-paced, innovative environments with evolving product linesWhat We Offer:Competitive compensation package (base + bonus + equity)Opportunity to shape credit risk strategy at the intersection of banking and technologyCollaborative, innovation-driven cultureComprehensive benefits including health, retirement, and professional development#LI-JJ1 #LI-Hybrid #LI-OnsiteSalary Range: $280,000.00 - $350,000.00Cross River is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cross River does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.By submitting your application, you give Cross River permission to email, call, or text you using the contact details provided. We will only contact you with job related information.