Built on Insight, Driven By Precision

David Howey is a seasoned credit risk and investment professional. He serves as Credit Manager for bp’s [LON: BP] Refining and Products division. With more than two decades of experience in banking, asset management, and commodity trading, he brings a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and practical financial acumen to the evolving world of corporate credit.

His career has spanned multiple sectors, including refining, energy trading, industrials, shipping, transportation, and automotive. Across each, he has earned a strong reputation as a risk expert who understands the broad market landscape and the finer details that influence every deal. Whether structuring complex credit terms or negotiating with counterparties, he leads with independent judgment, informed analysis, and a deep understanding of how credit impacts long-term performance.

At bp, Howey plays a central role in evaluating and approving credit terms, overseeing structured transactions, and setting policy within his delegated authority. His remit includes high-value trading relationships, supply agreements, and long-term counterparties. He also supports business development by advising on risk mitigation tools such as trade credit insurance, receivables financing, and collateral management.

These responsibilities build on his earlier experience at bp, one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, where he assessed the creditworthiness of counterparties involved in refining, marketing, trading, and chemicals. Over time, his portfolio expanded to include dozens of companies and partnerships across global markets. He worked closely with trading desks, commercial leaders, and risk teams to ensure credit exposure aligned with commercial goals and governance standards.

Before joining bp, Howey was with UBS Global Asset Management in Chicago, where he expanded his scope into investment-grade fixed income, taking responsibility for researching US and European issuers. His coverage included capital goods, transportation, automotive, leisure, and governmentlinked entities. He evaluated corporate bond risk and credit default swap strategies, balancing issuer fundamentals with broader market influences. This period refined his ability to connect micro-level credit analysis with macroeconomic signals, a skill that continues to shape his decisions today.

Earlier in his career, he was part of Crestline Denali Capital, a creditfocused investment manager. There, he worked in leveraged finance and built a solid foundation in credit analysis across various capital structures. His early roles involved reviewing syndicated loan opportunities and developing a firm grasp of industry risk drivers. The work demanded advanced financial modelling and a forward-looking view of credit trends and long-term viability. Howey is known for his ability to remain calm under pressure, clearly explain complex financial assessments, and strike the right balance between risk and reward. He is often called upon to weigh in on challenging credit decisions, particularly those involving counterparties in transition or highrisk environments.

Beyond credit approvals and deal flow, Howey consistently mentors junior analysts and new team members. He takes time to share his process, offer feedback, and support others in building their confidence and judgment. His leadership style is rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect, creating a working environment where teams feel supported and trusted.

He has business and accounting qualifications and has earned professional financial analysis and public accounting credentials. Recently, he completed advanced training in renewable energy technologies, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and the energy transition.

Throughout his career, Howey has focused on understanding risk, building trust, and delivering value. His steady presence, sharp insight, and dedication to doing the job well have made him a trusted advisor and a valued member of every team he has joined. He approaches each task with clarity, precision, and long-term thinking. Whether assessing a new investment, guiding a colleague, or supporting a significant transaction, his work reflects a quiet confidence and a clear sense of purpose, bringing consistency and results to an industry where volatility is common.