Head of Syndication and Distribution

Ghana International Bank is a leading provider of specialised financial services to Africa’s growing companies and institutions, by leveraging our UK presence, client-focused capabilities, and strong relationships with global financial institutions.

Main Purpose of Job

1. Develop the bank’s syndication and distribution strategy by enhancing current capabilities and expanding client/ counterparty base to maximise deal flow and income
2. Implement the syndication/ distribution strategy by creating structure and processes to oversee origination, syndication, and distribution of bi-lateral and syndicated loans
3. Grow income from syndication and distribution to become significant revenue line as per the bank’s strategic objective
4. Position GHIB to become a major player in the syndication and distribution of African risk

Key result areas:

1. Develop and execute syndication/ distribution strategies to maximise distribution and minimize balance sheet usage.
2. Develop alternatives for efficient capital deployment such as the use of insurance and other related instruments.
3. Grow fee Income from Syndications/ Distribution to an agreed target
4. GHIB to be involved in at least 50% of African risk deal flow within our risk appetite within the first year
5. Departmental structure and processes to be fully embedded within one year of appointment

Communication:

• Internal Stakeholders: - Work closely with the Business Heads of Treasury, Corporate and Institutional Banking, Retail and Business Banking to ensure effective execution of transactions.
• Client Communication: - Ensure high-level client communication through road shows, digital distribution channels, etc.
• Compliance & Risk:- Collaborate with compliance, debt underwriting, and risk management teams to ensure that all transactions adhere to the bank’s regulatory requirements and risk frameworks

Key Responsibilities:

Revenue generation:

• Manage the syndication and distribution pipeline, generating income in line with business growth objectives ensuring profitability and cost-effectiveness in managing relationships
• Own the P&L responsibility for these transactions , tracking portfolio performance, and optimizing revenue generation.

Leadership & Strategy:

• Grow and Lead the loan syndication/ distribution team, setting strategic goals and ensuring alignment with the overall business objectives.

• Oversee the origination, syndication, and distribution of syndicated loans.

Client Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with MRPA partners, ECA partners, clients, banks, and financial institutions.

• Represent the organization at high-level meetings and industry events.

Deal Execution:

• Oversee the structuring, negotiation, pricing of syndicated/ bi-lateral loan transactions.

• Ensure accurate internal reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Team Management:

• Inspire and manage the loan syndication/ distribution team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.

Market Analysis:

• Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities.

• Provide thought leadership and innovative solutions to meet client needs.

Limit & Line Maintenance

• Maintain and expand credit lines and limits with counterparties, ensuring optimal utilization and growth in activity. - Regularly review and adjust exposure limits to align with business strategy and risk tolerance.

Client Onboarding & AML Compliance:

• Oversee the smooth onboarding of new counterparties/ partners, ensuring compliance with AML regulations and risk policies. - Coordinate with internal teams to expedite the onboarding process and maintain excellent client service.

Events & Client Engagement:

• Coordinate with the marketing team to host industry events, roundtables, and conferences for counterparties/ partners. - Actively engage in external industry forums, representing the bank and identifying business opportunities.

Person Specification

Skills and Capabilities:

• The role requires an in-depth understanding of the Sub-Saharan African Banking environment.
• Strong understanding of syndicated loan markets, credit risk, capital structure and lender appetite
• Expertise in preparing and reviewing information memoranda, term sheets and loan documentation
• Familiarity with loan agency functions, secondary loan markets and regulatory frameworks
• High level of numeracy, numerical reasoning and numerical analysis skills
• Commercially astute with strong track record of relationship building
• Skills in setting and implementing a customer experience best practice road map.
• Demonstrable leadership skills, capable of setting a vision, harnessing and nurturing talent and managing performance.
• Strong, positive interpersonal skills and excellent written and oral communication skills

Knowledge:

• A minimum of 10 years working in similar role
• Knowledge of Bank Regulatory Frameworks
• Significant Knowledge of wide range of Financial Institution Products

Experience:

• Demonstrated track record of leading and closing syndicated loans transactions
• 10-15 years of progressive experience in banking and finance with a strong focus on loan syndications, structured finance
• Extensive experience with institutional investors, commercial banks, multilateral agencies, ECA’s
• Proven experience in deal structuring, credit analysis and distribution strategy
• Minimum of 3 years working in Emerging Markets with Particular focus on Sub- Saharan Africa

Qualification:

• Degree from recognised university or equivalent work experience
• Master’s degree (MBA) or professional certifications are strongly preferred
• Continuing development demonstrated by courses taken regularly

IT Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with CRM systems like Salesforce is preferred.

GHIB are committed to cultivating a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so please apply if you meet the majority of these competencies.