The Role
How we serve our customers is constantly evolving and is a challenge we gladly accept. Credit & Fraud Risk (CFR) is an enterprise function and has created a wide competitive advantage through industry leading decision science, credit and fraud strategies, capabilities and data. It is is a vertically integrated organization with breadth and depth of expertise, and a track record of driving industry-leading innovation & performance.
As part of CFR, you’ll work with one of the most valuable data sets in the world to identify insights and actions that can have a meaningful impact on our customers and our business. And, with opportunities to learn from leaders who have defined the course of our industry, you’ll be able to grow your career and define your own path.
The International Credit Risk organization is seeking a Vice President, Credit Risk – Latin America, to manage:
- Chief Credit Officer (CCO) for Argentina, with full end-to-end accountability for credit risk management across consumer and commercial portfolios.
- New Accounts Credit Risk leader for Mexico, with responsibility limited to acquisition underwriting strategy and decisioning.
This role is accountable for setting and executing credit risk strategy in Argentina and for ensuring disciplined, data-driven underwriting for new customer acquisition in Mexico covering all consumer, small business and corporate products. The position plays a key role in enabling profitable growth while maintaining strong risk governance and regulatory compliance across both markets.
The role reports to the Chief Credit Officer and Vice President for Latin America and works closely with senior leaders across Credit & Fraud Risk, Product, Marketing, Finance, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Decision Science. The role is also responsible to manage key 3rd party bureau and data relationships across the LAC markets.
Responsibilities
The incumbent’s key responsibilities will include but not limited to:
- Lead New Accounts credit risk and underwriting for Mexico, owning acquisition credit policies, decisioning frameworks, and early-tenure performance across consumer and commercial segments (ongoing portfolio management in Mexico is out of scope).
- Serve as Chief Credit Officer (CCO) for Argentina, with full end-to-end accountability for credit risk strategy, underwriting, portfolio management, credit performance, and risk governance across consumer and commercial products.
- Monitor and analyze credit trends and perform analyses to inform risk management and business strategies, including external market performance and trends.
- Partner closely with Product, Marketing, Acquisition, Finance, Fraud, Technology, Legal, and Compliance to enable profitable growth while maintaining disciplined credit standards and strong customer experience.
- Serve as a member of the International Credit Risk leadership team and actively participate in identifying new data partners, conducting due diligence activities, assessing new deals, and collecting investment opportunities.
- Ensure robust risk governance, regulatory compliance, and internal controls, representing Credit Risk in senior leadership forums and regulatory engagements.
- Drive deep-dive analytics and partner with the Decision Science team to enhance economic logic that supports core risk management decisions.
- Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing credit risk team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Contribute as a senior leader within International Credit Risk, supporting regional strategy, new business initiatives, partnerships, and credit risk due diligence.
Qualifications
The Individual
This role requires a hands-on senior credit risk leader who can operate confidently across strategy, execution, and governance. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, deep technical expertise, and the ability to influence across complex, matrixed organizations.
Key Characteristics & Qualifications
- Deep expertise in credit risk management, including underwriting, portfolio management, and risk governance, with strong partnership across product management and development.
- Demonstrated success serving as a senior credit authority or CCO-level leader, with clear decision-making accountability, ideally in emerging or international markets.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to translate complex data and economic trade-offs into sound business and risk decisions.
- Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, volatility, and regulatory complexity across multiple markets and portfolios.
- Track record of influencing cross-functional partners and senior executives to drive disciplined growth, policy decisions, and enterprise outcomes.
- Excellent executive communication and presence, with bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
- Significant experience within financial services, ideally across consumer and/or commercial credit in regulated environments.
- Strong leadership capabilities, with a commitment to developing, engaging, and retaining high-performing teams.
- Courage to challenge constructively, advocate for sound risk decisions, and continuously learn and adapt.
Depending on factors such as business unit requirements, the nature of the position, cost, and application laws, American Express may provide visa sponsorship for certain positions
About Company
We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- Support for financial-well-being and retirement
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits (depending on location)
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- Generous paid parental leave policies (depending on your location)
- Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
Offer of employment with American Express is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background verification check, subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Company
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.