Credit voices: Belinda Green

Belinda is a distinguished credit professional with a dynamic career that spans corporate lending and financial education. With over three decades of experience across global markets, she has cultivated expertise in business development, credit analysis, loan structuring and documentation, portfolio management, and impaired loan management, while fostering her passion for teaching the next generation of finance professionals. Here, she shares her career story and passion for education.

What inspired you to pursue a career in credit?

"I fell into a career in credit,” Belinda admits. “A few months into my very first job, after graduating with a double degree in economics and law (I was planning on saving the world), my line manager told me she thought my talents were being wasted in finance, and suggested I apply for a role in the business development team in the bank’s specialist corporate lending business. I was quite nervous about the transition, as corporate banking in the 90s was a very male-dominated space, but I loved the diversity of the role, the opportunities for career development and mobility and I haven’t looked back since.”

Career journey

Belinda’s career is as multifaceted as the credit field itself:

• FirstRand Bank, Johannesburg (10 years): Belinda wore many hats at FirstRand Bank, from business development to managing business development officers/ relationship managers, to serving as company secretary and public officer for 32 joint finance companies and finally, as a credit officer. Here, she honed her credit decision-making skills, laying a strong foundation for the rest of her career.
• UBS, London and New York (12 years): Her corporate lending role at UBS saw her engaged in relationship management, credit analysis, loan structuring and documentation, portfolio management, and workout.
• Education (10 years): Transitioning to education, Belinda spent a decade designing and delivering credit analysis programs for prominent learning providers across EMEA.

Memorable moments

Each of Belinda’s roles has offered something unique, but her time in New York stands out as particularly significant where she witnessed the impact of the global financial crisis firsthand. Reflecting on that time, she shares, "I saw how the financial markets crashed and burned. While an incredibly difficult period for so many of our clients, and the banks too, being able to help clients through the crisis was an incredible learning experience. We worked three times as hard, and most of the focus was on loan portfolio management (so restructuring loans or workout of defaulted debt), rather than approving new loans.”

Today, as a financial educator, Belinda finds immense satisfaction in bridging her credit expertise with her love of teaching. " I enjoy everything about my current role, especially as it marries my credit skills with my passion for education. The 'aha' moments are what I cherish most," she explains. Witnessing participants grasp concepts, master their application, and grow in confidence is what drives her. "That’s my happy place," she says with a smile.

One achievement she is especially proud of lies outside her formal career. For many years, Belinda volunteered as a literacy coach, helping learners, and sometimes their parents and/or carers improve their English literacy. “I loved working one-on-one with young children to become more confident and capable with reading, especially as most of them did not speak English as a first language.”

Advice for aspiring credit professionals

Belinda encourages those considering a career in credit to explore the vast range of opportunities the field offers. "There are so many different roles to choose from beyond just being a credit analyst in a bank," she explains. She also recommends staying informed about macroeconomic trends as these factors directly impact credit decisions and outcomes.

For those who don’t have a finance or credit-related degree, she shares a reassuring note. "Don’t worry – the technical skills can be developed through on-the-job learning and focused training courses," she advises.

When asked about the qualities and skills necessary for success in credit, Belinda highlights the importance of communication. "Both verbal and written skills are critical," she says. Traits like critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong analytical abilities are equally vital. Passion, curiosity, and commitment also rank high on her list. "These characteristics set great credit professionals apart," she adds.

Final reflections

Belinda’s rich and varied career is a testament to her love for learning, adaptability, and curiosity.

For those venturing into credit, Belinda offers clear and encouraging advice. Explore the field’s expansive opportunities, stay informed about the global economy, and trust that technical knowledge can be gained as you go. Above all, bring curiosity, commitment, and a passion for excellence. The possibilities, as Belinda proves, are limitless.