Head of Credit Risk

StrideUp is leading a new era of values-driven finance. Ranked the 5th fastest growing fintech in the UK and Ireland in 2025, we have already deployed hundreds of millions in property finance, supporting people in achieving their financial goals.

What makes us different is how we combine purpose with performance. We began with home finance, creating a shariah-compliant alternative trusted by the Muslim community and welcomed by anyone seeking fairer, more transparent products. This product-market fit has powered our growth, and is only the beginning. Our vision is bigger; to expand our offering and build a financial institution that opens doors for communities often left behind.

Joining StrideUp means being part of a high-performing, values-driven team at the most exciting point in our journey. We have proven success behind us and huge opportunity ahead, and now we are ready to build beyond. Are you?

StrideUp is backed by leading VC and private equity investors, having raised over £30m in funding.

The Role

We are looking for a Head of Credit Risk to lead and manage our credit risk strategy, ensuring we operate within a well-defined risk appetite while enabling business growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing, mission-driven company at the forefront of Islamic financial services.

You will play a critical role in managing risk across our residential and buy-to-let propositions and launching new products, including bridging and commercial property finance, while maintaining a balance between growth and prudent risk management. 

You Are

• A Risk Leader:  You have a proven track record in credit risk leadership within financial services, including in mortgage or property finance.
• Analytical and Data-Driven: You use data to drive decision-making and continuously monitor portfolio performance.
• Strategic and Detail-Oriented: You can set the big-picture risk strategy while ensuring the fine details of credit risk management are well-executed.
• Collaborative: You work effectively across teams, aligning risk management with product, finance, and operations.
• Mission-Driven: You are passionate about ethical and responsible financing and connect with StrideUp’s mission.

What You'll Do

• Develop and Execute a Credit Risk Strategy: Define and implement policies to manage credit risk effectively while enabling business growth.
• Manage the Credit Lifecycle: Oversee underwriting, affordability assessments, and risk monitoring frameworks to ensure sound decisions.
• Portfolio Oversight: Conduct regular reviews, stress testing, and scenario analysis to ensure portfolio health and compliance.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO, Board, and internal teams to align risk strategy with business objectives.
• Reporting and Analytics: Develop key risk indicators, track portfolio performance, and provide data-driven insights to inform strategy.
• Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing credit risk team, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Customer-Centric Risk Management: Ensure financing decisions align with customer affordability and long-term financial well-being.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in credit risk management, with expertise in mortgage and property finance.
• Strong knowledge of credit risk frameworks, underwriting standards, and affordability models.
• Experience managing large loan portfolios and improving credit performance.
• Expertise in stress testing, scenario analysis, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders, including executive teams and regulators.
• Leadership experience, with a track record of developing and managing high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to risk management.

Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, based on experience
• Equity participation
• 25 days annual holiday
• Health insurance
• Annual L&D budget
• 3% pension contribution
• Monthly socials
• Central London location (hybrid role with an expectation of at least 3 days in the office)
• Friendly and informal startup environment with a focus on performance and impact