Standard Bank’s Credit Risk Graduate Program in Business & Commercial Banking (BCB) gives you the perfect opportunity to dive into advanced risk analytics, digital lending, credit scoring, and financial modelling.
This isn’t just a graduate programme — it’s a launchpad for your career in banking, data science, and financial risk strategy.
Closing Date: 30 June 2025
Location: South Africa-wide
Duration: 18 Months
Degree Level: Honours or Master’s
What You’ll Gain from This Program
1. Real Work Experience That Matters
You’ll work on real-world credit risk projects that impact decision-making and portfolio performance across South Africa and the African continent.
2. Exposure to Advanced Tools
You’ll learn how to use tools like Python, SQL, SAS, Power BI, and Qlik Sense to monitor credit portfolios, optimize strategies, and drive data-based decisions.
3. Skill-Building in High-Income Fields
From digital lending algorithms to advanced risk modeling, you’ll develop rare technical skills sought after in investment banking, fintech, and credit analytics.
4. Mentorship from Top Analysts
You’ll work alongside senior professionals who will mentor you through every stage of the credit risk lifecycle—from model building to portfolio optimisation.
Key Areas of Specialisation
- Credit Risk Modelling
Develop and monitor credit models that guide lending decisions - Digital Lending Strategy
Improve credit scoring and automate risk assessment systems - Portfolio Management
Analyse and enhance lending performance across product lines - Quantitative Risk Analytics
Run challenger models, perform data simulations, and stress testing - Data Visualization & Reporting
Build dashboards using Power BI and Qlik Sense for KPIs and stakeholder engagement
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is open to recent graduates or final-year postgraduates who meet the following criteria:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Honours or Master’s degree in one of the following fields:
- Mathematics / Statistics / Data Science
- Computer Science / Informatics
- Actuarial Science / Risk Analytics
- Engineering (All Disciplines)
- Business Mathematics and Informatics (BMI)
- Operations Research / Quantitative Finance
Other Requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must submit full academic transcripts
- No more than 18 months’ work experience
- Honours/Master’s must be completed by 31 December 2025
Don’t Qualify? Here’s How to Qualify
If you don’t meet the entry criteria just yet, here’s how you can prepare for next year’s intake or similar programmes in the credit and banking space:
1. Study a Data-Heavy Honours or Master’s Degree
Courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Actuarial Science are essential. Some top institutions to consider:
- University of Pretoria (UP) – Financial Engineering or Applied Statistics
- Stellenbosch University – Data Science
- Wits – Quantitative Risk Management
- NWU – Business Mathematics & Informatics (BMI)
2. Learn Coding for Risk Analytics
Start with:
- Python for Finance and Risk on Udemy
- SAS Programming on Coursera
- SQL and Power BI beginner courses on LinkedIn Learning
3. Build Projects or Internships
Try to get hands-on practice or take part in case competitions that focus on risk modelling, forecasting, or data storytelling.
4. Focus on Financial Risk Certifications
If you’re already in the working world, consider part-time certifications such as:
- FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
- Professional Certificate in Credit Risk Analysis – Corporate Finance Institute (CFI)
Why Join Standard Bank?
- Africa’s most valuable banking brand
- High-income career prospects in data-driven risk and finance
- Rotational exposure to leading business units
- Entry point to roles like Credit Analyst, Risk Manager, Quantitative Analyst, and Lending Strategy Specialist
How to Apply
Click the link below to apply through Standard Bank’s official graduate portal. Remember to attach your:
- CV
- ID document
- Full academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (if requested)
To Apply for the Standard Bank Credit Risk Program, visit the application portal below: