RAJA SAFAR
Rollingen,Luxembourg
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven banking professional with 26+ years of experience in credit management, risk assessment, and leadership. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams, developing innovative credit solutions, and enhancing portfolio quality while ensuring regulatory compliance. Expertise in stakeholder engagement, digital transformation initiatives, and governance practices.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Risk Management Generalist
BANQUE INTERNATIONALE A LUXEMBOURG
11.2021 - Current
- Created and executed extensive management reports for the Board Risk Committee and CSSF (Regulator), increasing transparency and meeting regulatory requirements.
- Ensured strict adherence to regulatory requirements while assisting the Credit Risk Management team in addressing critical audit observations.
- Successfully managed cross-departmental projects, fostering collaboration between business and risk units
- Conducted quality control on new loan production and maintained the bank's credit risk appetite in alignment with management strategy.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
- Assisted in the development of a non-performing exposure reduction strategy.
- Created comprehensive Credit Risk Appetite document reflecting the bank's strategy and encompassing ESG metrics.
Head of Risk Management Division
BANK MISR LIBAN – BML
07.2018 - 11.2021
- Directed the Risk Management Division, ensuring effective identification, assessment, and management of credit, market, liquidity, and operational risks.
- Developed and updated credit policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Central Bank requirements, fostering business expansion.
- Provided strategic risk management advice to the Board, identified emerging risks, and recommended mitigation strategies.
- Actively participated in senior committees, enhancing governance and risk reporting practices.
- Created reports on risk management activities for senior management review.
Deputy Head – Group Credit Risk
BANK AUDI
01.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed the Credit Inspection unit, conducting thorough reviews of credit exposures and ensuring compliance with risk appetite metrics
- Collaborated with stakeholders to establish and monitor credit risk strategies across the Group.
Head of Unit – Group Overseas Corporate Credit Risk
BANK AUDI
01.2008 - 12.2015
- Supervised the Credit Risk Managers and Analysts of the group's entities, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Organized and led frequent Credit Portfolio Reviews and conducted regular stress tests to assess risk exposure.
Deputy Manager, Credit Risk Department
BANQUE LIBANO-FRANÇAISE
12.2004 - 12.2007
- Designed and implemented credit risk supervision frameworks to enhance credit policies.
- Participated in the implementation of Basel II to ensure compliance with international standards.
- Enhanced the quality of credit risk analysis with effective supervision and review of opinions.
Education
Maîtrise d’Economie Option Finances et Banques -
Université Saint Joseph
Beirut, Lebanon01.1993
Licence d’Economie -
Université Saint Joseph
Beirut, Lebanon01.1992
Various certifications in Risk Management and Banking Regulations -
Skills
- Credit & Portfolio Management
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Policies & Procedures Development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Regulatory Compliance & Governance
- Digital Transformation in Banking
- Team Leadership & Development
- Soft Skills
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
Affiliations
- Sailing (Holder of a Yacht Master Certificate Offshore)
- Swimming (Lebanese national team 1986-1993)
- Waterskiing and skiing.
- Photography
Languages
Arabic
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Proficient (C2)
C2
Italian
Advanced (C1)
C1
German
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Risk Management Generalist
BANQUE INTERNATIONALE A LUXEMBOURG
11.2021 - Current
Head of Risk Management Division
BANK MISR LIBAN – BML
07.2018 - 11.2021
Deputy Head – Group Credit Risk
BANK AUDI
01.2016 - 06.2018
Head of Unit – Group Overseas Corporate Credit Risk
BANK AUDI
01.2008 - 12.2015
Deputy Manager, Credit Risk Department
BANQUE LIBANO-FRANÇAISE
12.2004 - 12.2007
Maîtrise d’Economie Option Finances et Banques -
Université Saint Joseph
Licence d’Economie -
Université Saint Joseph
Various certifications in Risk Management and Banking Regulations -
Similar Profiles
Iskander HamzaouiIskander Hamzaoui
Chargé d'Affaires Entreprises at BANQUE INTERNATIONALE ARABE DE TUNISIEChargé d'Affaires Entreprises at BANQUE INTERNATIONALE ARABE DE TUNISIE
Eslam Mahmoud ShehataEslam Mahmoud Shehata
Business Relation Manager at Saib Bank (Société Arabe Internationale De Banque)Business Relation Manager at Saib Bank (Société Arabe Internationale De Banque)
PATERNE-JUNIOR KASSY KOUAPATERNE-JUNIOR KASSY KOUA
Gestionnaire RH at Groupement de Coopération Internationale Henan-Chine (CHICO-CI)Gestionnaire RH at Groupement de Coopération Internationale Henan-Chine (CHICO-CI)