The Searchers Guide to working with Debt
A podcast for Searchers and the EtA community to demystify the role of a CEO navigating Australian debt requirements.
Through my experiences in Banking, Consulting, and Debt Advisory, I have identified a significant conceptual gap in understanding how banks and lenders operate at different market levels and what considerations are crucial for a first-time CEO or board member.
Season 1: What's inside the Black Box?
In support of the ETA community and the ETA forum, I’ve asked some of my colleagues to help me explain some of the concepts that will help searchers and first-time CEO navigate the Australian SME lending market and what to consider in stepping into the CEO role.
Season 2: How to Navigate Business Turbulence; panel introductions
In 2024, I hosted a panel discussion with a number of experienced finance professionals seeking their views on how debt providers Navigate Business Turbulence.
Ahead of the ETA forum, we connected with each member of the panel to provide some background and context on who the group are.
The full video of the 2024 discussion can be seen on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxsOhhBM_SY
Season 3: Supporting the Searchers Guild in Navigating Debt
In continuing our support of the ETA community and the annual ETA forums, I’ve asked some more of my network to help me explain additional concepts that will help searchers and first-time CEOs navigate the Australian SME lending market and what to consider in stepping into the CEO role.
The Searchers Guide to working with Debt
Jacqui Colwell - Setting Credit Culture in a new SME Bank - the importance of team alignment.
The conversation provides a comprehensive look at Jacqui Colwell's experience in launching a new bank in Australia as the Chief Risk Officer. It explores her motivations for leaving a traditional banking role and starting a new venture with a focus on customer relations and SME banking. The talk delves into the complex challenges of regulatory compliance and licensing while emphasising the importance of team alignment and culture in risk management. Topics covered include:
Challenges in Founding a New Bank: - Regulatory hurdles and capital requirements specific to launching a new bank.
Pursuit of a Banking License: - Decision to proceed with a full banking license despite a changing regulatory landscape.
Regulatory Dynamics: - The weight of regulations that come with being categorised as a 'bank'.
Operational Challenges: - The systematic approach to tackling licensing requirements while preserving the vision for the bank.
Organisational Culture: - The importance of nurturing the right culture for risk management across the team.
Team Dynamics: - Team expansion and the necessity for alignment in vision and risk understanding.
Additional Insights from Jacqui Colwell:
- What is the role of a Chief Risk Officer?
- Managing risks within set appetites.
- Innovations in decision-making and customer engagement at the new bank.
- Does making a wrong lending decision matter for a credit officer?
- What's the role of director's guarantees in lending?
