Heading Bank Windhoek's corporate credit portfolio

Carel-David Rautenbach was appointed Bank Windhoek’s head of corporate credit in March. His career spans pivotal roles in the leadership of financial risk management and analytics departments.

From 2017 to 2021, he was a financial risk and analytics manager at Capricorn Group, overseeing a dedicated group of quantitative risk analysts. In this role, he spearheaded the development of risk tools, interactive dashboards and sophisticated models to enhance decision-making processes.

Furthermore, he directed comprehensive stress testing and scenario analysis initiatives, which were instrumental in assessing the organisation’s resilience against varying economic conditions and potential risk scenarios.

He received the Capricorn Group innovation award for pioneering advancements in arrears and provisions management. “These achievements have fortified my risk management and strategic decision-making expertise,” he said.

Rautenbach’s motivation to apply for his current position stemmed from his deep-seated passion for leveraging analytics and digital solutions to transform credit management practices.



Enhance efficiency and foster innovation

Since joining Bank Windhoek, he has been immersed in familiarising himself with the team, systems and the bank’s operations. The initial phase of this position, he said, has been crucial for planning and strategising how the bank can enhance efficiency and foster innovation within the credit division.

A commitment to continuous improvement and ethical leadership guides his work. “I believe in transparency, integrity and creating a collaborative environment that values innovation and professional development,” he said.

Rautenbach holds a BCom in mathematical sciences and a BCom honours in financial risk management from Stellenbosch University. He is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA) and a certified financial risk manager (FRM).



Champion automation to streamline workflows

Bank Windhoek’s credit executive officer Eddie King welcomed Rautenbach to the team. He said Rautenbach would champion automation to streamline workflows and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Additionally, Rautenbach will oversee the management of Bank Windhoek’s corporate credit portfolio, focusing on risk assessment, credit analytics and compliance. "My role involves leading initiatives in credit digitisation, policy development and stakeholder collaboration to drive strategic objectives and enhance customer experience," he said.

His expertise includes leadership roles to support retail and commercial segments and optimise credit provisioning, enhancing collaboration between credit risk and product teams, managing regulatory reporting, and driving automation of credit processes and reporting.



Career goals

Rautenbach said his goal in this position is to drive innovation and efficiency within Bank Windhoek’s credit division. “I aim to set industry-leading standards in credit risk management, leveraging technology and data-driven insights. Ultimately, I strive to foster a culture of excellence and innovation that supports our long-term growth objectives,” he said.

He encouraged aspiring professionals to continue learning and invest in their skill development. “Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing job market. Building resilience and taking proactive steps towards your career goals will pave the way for success and personal fulfilment,” he said.