Open to opportunities

Mer Ker

@merker

Message

Credit risk and restructuring specialist with strong financial modeling and distressed portfolio recovery experience.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a senior credit or restructuring role where I can lead distressed portfolio recovery, apply financial modelling for restructuring, and mentor teams in a collaborative, impact-focused environment.

I am a credit risk and restructuring specialist with experience in commercial banking, focused on rescuing and rehabilitating distressed SME and MSME exposures. I bring hands-on experience building cash flow models, forecasting downside scenarios, and advising on debt structuring to preserve recovery value.

At National Bank of Kenya I led remediation efforts for over 200 distressed exposures and prepared credit memos and recommendations for credit committees and senior management. I negotiated restructurings, redesigned amortization profiles, and applied sector-specific insights across manufacturing, trade finance, and services.

I also have front-line lending experience, having managed micro and SME portfolios, driven client acquisition and product uptake, and performed regular credit appraisals and portfolio reviews. I emphasize proactive monitoring using early-warning indicators to limit credit deterioration.

I hold a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), am a Level II CFA candidate, pursuing an advanced banking diploma, and have certifications in mediation and sustainable finance—skills I use to balance commercial recovery with stakeholder alignment.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Manager, Credit Remedial MSME

National Bank of Kenya

May 2020 - May 2023 (3 years)

Led restructuring and remediation of 200+ distressed SME exposures, building cash-flow models and recommending restructuring solutions that improved recoverability and aligned portfolio strategy with regulatory requirements.

Credit Risk Analysis Financial Modelling Stakeholder Management

Credit Collections Advisor

National Bank of Kenya

Sep 2016 - Apr 2020 (3 years 7 months)

Performed financial and commercial analysis on impaired SME and retail exposures and led negotiations and resolutions, executing restructured repayments, asset disposals, and settlements to maximize recoveries.

Collections Workout Negotiation Financial Analysis Cash Flow Forecasting Client Engagement

Micro Banker

National Bank of Kenya

Dec 2013 - Aug 2016 (2 years 8 months)

Conducted credit appraisals and structured micro and small business loans, processing 300+ transactions and driving a 20% increase in new client acquisition through targeted outreach and product campaigns.

Client Acquisition Cash Flow Analysis Account Management Campaigns

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Kenya Institute of Bankers

Associateship (Advanced Diploma), Banking & Financial Services

Associateship (Advanced Diploma) in Banking & Financial Services in progress to deepen practical banking and financial services expertise.

CFA Institute

CFA Program (Level II Candidate), Investment Management

CFA Program participant and Level II candidate with expected examination in November 2025 to advance investment analysis and portfolio management skills.

Mediation Training Institute East Africa

Certified Professional Mediator, Mediation / Dispute Resolution

2021 - 2021

Completed a Certified Professional Mediator program to develop negotiation and dispute resolution skills applicable to client and restructuring negotiations.