Tsepang Khena
Banking And Data Science Expert
Stellenbosch,Western Cape
Summary
An accomplished professional with over a decade of retail banking and credit risk experience across diverse domains. Demonstrates expertise in credit risk management, data science, and strategic decision-making. Proven track record of leading dynamic teams and developing data-driven strategies to effectively mitigate risk and drive business growth. Recognized for creative problem-solving abilities and adeptness in stakeholder engagement and effective business communication. Possesses a strong foundation in leadership, with a focus on driving innovation and achieving impactful results.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager: Client Risk Insights
Capitec Bank
09.2021 - Current
- Managing a team of data scientists focused on predictive modeling and strategic decision-making to mitigate financial crime risks within the organization.
- Developed and implemented risk management strategies to detect, prevent, and mitigate money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes.
- Analyzed complex data sets to identify patterns, anomalies, and trends indicative of suspicious activity or potential risk exposure.
- Translated data insights into actionable recommendations and strategic initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of financial crime prevention measures.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including compliance, legal, and operations, to ensure alignment of risk mitigation efforts with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Stayed abreast of emerging threats, regulatory changes, and industry trends in financial crime risk management, incorporating insights into risk mitigation strategies and operational processes.
- Provided leadership and guidance to the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and excellence in financial crime risk management practices.
Lead Decision Scientist - Credit Management
Capitec Bank
07.2018 - 08.2021
- Spearheaded the development and optimization of collections and recoveries strategies leveraging advanced analytics and predictive modeling techniques.
- Owned the design, development, and implementation of decision models for collections prioritization, dialer strategies, and account treatments.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of customer behavior, delinquency patterns, and recovery outcomes to identify opportunities for improving collections effectiveness and efficiency.
- Led A/B testing and champion-challenger experiments to evaluate the performance of alternative collections strategies and drive continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including collections operations, risk management, and technology, to align collections strategies with business objectives and risk appetite.
- Utilized data-driven insights to inform policy decisions, process enhancements, and technology investments aimed at optimizing collections performance and minimizing losses.
Analyst Specialists: RBB Analytics
Absa Bank
04.2017 - 06.2018
- Conducted A/B testing and experiment design, monitoring statistical significance of various direct marketing communication approaches for the Personal Loans, Vehicle Finance and Home Loans credit portfolios.
- Utilized machine learning algorithms to analyze historical data, leading to more informed selection of client engagement leads.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Chaired the Retail and Business Bank Campaign Committee, presenting insights to stakeholders.
- Assisted in strategic decision-making processes by presenting accurate, data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.
Senior Credit Analyst: Direct Marketing Strategy a
African Bank
05.2016 - 03.2017
- Provided valuable input during strategic planning sessions to optimize credit risk strategies for long-term growth.
- Streamlined the loan approval process by effectively collaborating with sales, underwriting, and operations teams.
- Aligned direct marketing lead selection to preferred credit risk profile of clients and simulated end-to-end business rules in SQL to ensure leads selected would pass policy.
- Mitigated potential losses by identifying early warning signals on converted direct marketing prospects and proactively managing future lead selection.
- Implemented statistical decision tree model for optimal selection of clients in the direct sales call centre channel.
Strategy Analyst: Collections
African Bank
06.2014 - 04.2016
- Developed and implemented collections strategies tailored to diverse customer segments, account types, and delinquency stages.
- Conducted in-depth analysis of large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights driving customer payment behavior and collection effectiveness.
- Segmented delinquent accounts based on risk level, account age, payment history, and demographics to customize collections approaches.
- Monitored collections performance metrics such as recovery rates, delinquency rates, and contact rates to optimize strategies and achieve desired outcomes.
Credit Risk Analysts: Credit Underwriting
African Bank
04.2011 - 03.2013
- Conducted comprehensive credit analysis and risk assessments of retail banking customers applying for credit products.
- Evaluated applicants' financial backgrounds, credit histories, and repayment capacities to determine creditworthiness and appropriate credit limits.
- Developed and maintained credit underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines in alignment with regulatory requirements and risk appetite.
- Presented findings and recommendations to the Credit Executive Committee for approval, ensuring adherence to established policies and risk management frameworks.
- Owned business requirements for the implementation of credit underwriting policies and processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive efficient and effective credit decision-making.
- Ran process simulations related to affordability calculations and credit underwriting policy adjustments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Continuously monitored portfolio performance and credit quality, identifying emerging risks and recommending proactive risk mitigation strategies to senior management.
Credit Management Analyst
Telkom
04.2013 - 05.2014
- Conducted pre and post-credit vetting for the New to Franchise Fixed line business.
- Identify Cross-sell and up-sell client leads for Mobile and Fixed Line business units
- Optimizing debt collections management process of disconnected clients to maximise revenue recovered.
Small Medium Enterprise Analyst: Emergin Growth
African Bank
12.2012 - 03.2013
- Developed and implemented lending credit policies tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ensuring alignment with risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
- Conducted financial analysis and risk assessments of SME clients to evaluate creditworthiness and determine appropriate lending terms and conditions.
- Engaged with prospective IT service providers, to enable personalized financial solutions for SME clients to support their business growth and development.
- End-to-end business process mapping for Credit granting.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Economic Honours
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Westville Boys High School
Durban, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Technical Skills
Business Skills:
Timeline
Manager: Client Risk Insights
Capitec Bank
09.2021 - Current
Lead Decision Scientist - Credit Management
Capitec Bank
07.2018 - 08.2021
Analyst Specialists: RBB Analytics
Absa Bank
04.2017 - 06.2018
Senior Credit Analyst: Direct Marketing Strategy a
African Bank
05.2016 - 03.2017
Strategy Analyst: Collections
African Bank
06.2014 - 04.2016
Credit Management Analyst
Telkom
04.2013 - 05.2014
Small Medium Enterprise Analyst: Emergin Growth
African Bank
12.2012 - 03.2013
Credit Risk Analysts: Credit Underwriting
African Bank
04.2011 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Economic Honours
University of Cape Town
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Westville Boys High School
04.2001 -