Ash-Leigh Ferris

Experience

• 

  Absa

  Dec 2006 - Jun 2014

  Optimising the profitability of the lending product line.Designing new lending products.Monitor and control growth so that it is sustainable and delivers on the business objectives.Ensure that the product pricing strategy and objectives are achieved.Analyse, assess and develop strategies to manage the lending products.Report on the performance of lending products, provide information/reports to the Exco, credit committee, and pricing committee to inform product decisions.Manage risk and compliance findings.Manage internal audit findings.Manage the customer value proposition and yearly value add.Develop product competitive capabilities to improve the market position. Show less •Comply with the new product development policy for each development undertaken.•Develop and implement products that meet the defined market, customer segment needs, strategic and operational requirements.•Provide specialist product support to the customer and delivery functional areas.•Deliver the product enhancements and change activities aligned to the portfolio, retail and group strategy.•Deliver initiatives that are aimed at enhancing the profitability of products in alignment with the product strategy by liaising with key internal stakeholders e.g. strategic pricing and finance via the appropriate channels.•Manage the respective products based on the product life cycle stage i.e. from concept to back-booking.•Rationalise products based on robust analysis and aligned with the respective portfolio strategy i.e. financial models, customer survey findings and overall product strategy.•Assume responsibility for performance monitoring and proactive management of the products by understanding the key performance drivers including behavioural trends, financial indicators and growth/performance metrics.•Develop an expert knowledge of the relevant product technically and operationally.•Ensure product process is documented and all forms and manuals are continuously updated including both internal and external documents, forms and information.•Ensure ongoing infrastructure analysis, capacity planning and strategic direction is aligned to the product strategy.•Compile and review product business plans to support the product portfolio and retail/customer business objectives.•Ensure continuous market scanning of local and international peers identifying market trends and activities to inform opportunities for new or enhanced products and services.•Initiate market research relating to the product alignment to client needs, competitors and future trends to ensure sustained profitability for the organisation and competitive advantage. Show less Support Product Management by defining, compiling and reviewing month-end reports and statistics on product portfolio. Identify opportunities to enhance product performance and growth. Extract and manipulate internal and external data, resulting in the production of high quality information that facilitates product management. Consolidate product performance information and prepare reports for Home Loans Product, Steering committee, Executive committee, Group Product and Pricing Council. Provide MIS and analytical support. Manage relationship with Home Loans Information Management. Review external, regulatory, legislative changes and determine the impacts on products. Research local and international home loan products and trends. Identify innovative product ideas for development and assist with the establishment of business cases. Show less

  • Product Portfolio Manager

    Jun 2012 - Jun 2014

  • Product Manager

    Apr 2010 - Jun 2012

  • Product Information Analyst

    Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
• 

  UbankSA

  Jul 2014 - Oct 2022

  To optimise the profitability of the lending product line.To design new lending products.To monitor and control growth so that it is sustainable and delivers on the business objectives.To ensure that the product pricing strategy and objectives are achieved.To analyse, assess and develop strategies to manage the lending products.To report on the performance of lending products, provide information/reports to the Exco, credit committee, and pricing committee to inform product decisions.To manage risk and compliance findings.To manage internal audit findings.To manage the customer value proposition and yearly value add.To develop product competitive capabilities to improve Ubank market position. Show less

  • Head: Lending, Deposits & Third Party Products

    Sept 2020 - Oct 2022

  • Head of Lending Products

    Mar 2016 - Aug 2020

  • Lending Manager

    Jul 2014 - Feb 2016
• 

  African Bank

  Nov 2022 - now

  Senior Manager: Lending Products

  To develop and implement the Lending Product Line strategy and solutions for African Bank retail consumers.To maximise profitability for the product line.To develop adequate succession to ensure that there is sustainable intellectual capital for the product line.To work closely with value proposition as part of developing the strategy.