Terms of Reference
Credit Risk Management Expert for “Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Small Business Finance
through Fintech Partnership” project
April 2026
BACKGROUND
The Asia Foundation (TAF) is implementing the Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Small Business Finance through Fintech Partnership Project to expand access to finance for underserved small businesses in Vietnam, India, and Bangladesh. In Vietnam, the project seeks to reduce collateral dependence, improve bank – small business engagement, and pilot fintech‑enabled readiness tools. To ensure the project is grounded in local banking realities, TAF is recruiting a Credit Risk Management Expert to provide operational guidance and support engagement with Vietnamese banks.
SCOPE OF WORK
The purpose of the assignment is to provide Vietnam‑specific, operational guidance to ensure the project is fully grounded in local banking realities, particularly around collateral requirements, risk appetite, and approval processes for small businesses, and directly support engagement with Vietnamese banks for pilot implementation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Vietnam Banking Process Deep Dive: Map SME credit approval processes, required documentation, collateral practices, and alternatives (guarantees, cash‑flow). Analyze risk weightings and DFI loan bottlenecks.
- Credit Approval Readiness: Review anonymized SME loan proposals, advise on documentation and risk mitigation, and provide feedback during pilot phase.
- Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer: Deliver a session within a seminar on Vietnam credit approval processes, collateral requirements, and alternatives.
- Bank Outreach & Engagement: Advise on departments to engage and provide introductions where possible.
Key deliverables include:
- Vietnam Credit Reality Brief (7–8 pages)
- Vietnam DFI Disbursement Bottleneck Brief (4–5 pages)
- Bank Engagement Playbook
- Seminar delivery and slides
- End‑of‑Assignment Strategic Reflection Note (2–3 pages)
The duration of the task is April to August 2026. The final report must be submitted to TAF no later than 31 August 2026. The assignment will require 17 working days in total over the project period. This allocation covers desk research, field surveys (if any), expert interviews, and reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Given the scope of work mentioned above, The Asia Foundation is seeking an independent expert or a consultant firm with expert with specific qualifications as follows:
- Senior banking professional with at least 10 years’ experience in credit risk management.
- Deep knowledge of Vietnam’s banking regulations, collateral practices, and SME lending environment.
- Proven ability to engage with banks, regulators, and SMEs.
- Strong analytical and communication skills.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
Interested consultants/consultant firms are requested to submit a 2 to 3-page expression of interest (EOI) in English together with CV of the expert. The EOI should clearly describe the candidate’s understanding of the tasks, outline your approach, organizational/personal profile, skills and experiences relevant to the tasks as well as proposed quotation/budget.
Note that during the selection process, The Asia Foundation may ask the short-listed candidates to submit their previous work as one of the considerations for making the final selection decision.
Please submit your application to the email address below:
The Asia Foundation – Inclusive Economic Development Program
Email: [email protected]
Title: Bridging the Gap: Unlocking Small Business Finance through Fintech Partnership
Closing time for applications is 5.00 PM (Hanoi time, GMT+7) on April 26, 2026. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.