We’re looking for talented individuals to join BCB Risk as Graduate Trainees within our Commercial Lending Solutions graduate programme.
The aim of this 18-month graduate programme is to equip you with the skills, judgement, and practical experience required to become a well‑rounded Risk Practitioner within the BCB segment. Graduates are supported and guided by senior executives and managers responsible for BCB Risk portfolios across the bank.
Through a structured series of rotations, you will gain hands‑on exposure to how risk is managed across the full lending value chain, building a strong foundation in Business Banking and progressing into Commercial and more complex lending environments. This approach ensures graduates develop both breadth and depth in risk-based decision-making across BCB.
You will gain experience in a range of lending and risk areas, including:
Lending Portfolios:
Throughout the programme, graduates will develop an end‑to‑end understanding of the Commercial Lending lifecycle, including:
Gaining comprehensive insight into each stage of the credit risk process and its impact on business operations.
Developing a strong understanding of credit evaluation and risk decisioning, supporting asset growth objectives across the Commercial segments.
Partnering with business teams and applying an ecosystem‑based approach to understand and meet client lending needs, in support of Standard Bank’s Universal Financial Services Organisation aspiration.
Performing quantitative and qualitative analytics, analysing data to evaluate existing strategies and develop innovative challenger approaches that enhance Business and Commercial Banking portfolios.
These experiences are designed to strengthen commercial judgement, inform risk‑based decision‑making, and support customer‑centric lending solutions.
Why join Standard Bank?
Take the next step in your career journey and join a team that values innovation, collaboration, sound judgement, and excellence in lending risk solutions.
Key responsibilities:
During this 18‑month programme, graduates can look forward to developing the following capabilities and experiences:
Credit Evaluation and Risk Decisioning
Develop a strong understanding of credit evaluation processes, ensuring high‑quality, well‑reasoned credit decisions are made within relevant product and segment credit policies.
Support the development and application of lending and risk strategies that proactively manage credit risk while enabling sustainable portfolio growth.
End‑to‑End Credit Risk Lifecycle Exposure
Work closely with Credit Risk Management teams across the full lending lifecycle, including origination, evaluation, sanctioning, drawdown, and ongoing monitoring.
Assist with the preparation of credit agreements, fulfilment of pre‑conditions, release of limits, and management of post‑sanction and ongoing credit conditions.
Risk Governance & Operational Excellence
Gain exposure to risk governance and operational processes, reviewing standard operating procedures and service level agreements to ensure alignment with internal credit policies, regulatory requirements, and best practice standards.
Project & Delivery Support
Participate in projects and ad‑hoc initiatives that support lending strategy, process improvement, training, and the enhancement of customer journeys across Business and Commercial Banking.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
Build strong working relationships within BCB Risk, the broader Lending Credit teams, and key business stakeholders by collaborating effectively across functions and portfolios.
Contribute to a culture of partnership between Risk and Business in delivering sound lending decisions.
Client and Portfolio Engagement
Support business teams in developing a deeper understanding of clients, sectors, and portfolios, and in assessing whether lending opportunities align with approved risk appetite.
Apply both quantitative analysis and commercial judgement to support practical customer‑centric lending solutions.