Credit risk analyst jobs are usually found in the banking, finance, and insurance industries. These jobs typically involve evaluating the factors that lead to high risk credit deals, such as a client's low credit score, past home foreclosures, and instances of bankruptcy. The salary for a talented credit risk analyst varies depending on the industry and location of the job, but financial and insurance credit risk analyst jobs tend to yield the higher paying salaries.
Analyst careers in the banking industry involve analyzing risk factors relating to bank loans. Banks must be careful to loan money to those who will be able to repay the loan with interest. It is part of the credit risk analyst job description to determine whether a potential client is financially stable enough to repay a loan.
Credit risk analyst jobs in the banking industry almost always involve some degree of documentation processing and background checks as well. The analyst is required to secure all the necessary documents from clients with outstanding loans to the bank. He or she may also be responsible for maintaining the integrity of underwriting quality. Quality control is extremely important to credit risk analysts, as it allows them to seek out unsuitable potential clients more efficiently.
Within the realm of finance, credit risk analyst jobs are more analytical in nature. These professionals work on projects that manage investment collaterals associated with risk such as brokerage margin loans, traditional loans, and over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. They are responsible for reporting on the performance of the firm's portfolio as it relates to instable assets and client risk.
These analysts become a team of thought leaders for the entire investment firm. They advise the underwriting division, executive management, and other divisions on appropriate credit risk policies and procedures. With such highly valued expertise, financial credit risk analysts are trusted with revising any part of a contract that does not comply with the firm's credit regulations.
Besides banks and financial investment firms, insurance companies also have a need to fill credit risk analyst jobs. In terms of insurance, risk analysts are deployed to assigning lines of credit for new customers. They may also be given the task of designing and enforcing the company's risk management bylaws. Moreover, successfully predicting future risk is a crucial aspect of the insurance credit risk analyst's job.
The salary for this career is favorable. Those with higher levels of experience and education typically can expect to earn more. Additionally, insurance analyst salaries are at the higher end of the pay scale.