Head of Risk
The Head of Risk oversees the organisation's risk management function, acts as the primary interface with European oversight bodies, and drives resilience across high‑value payment platforms while leading a specialised risk team, embedding a strong risk culture, and anticipating emerging risks arising from regulatory change, technological developments and shifts in the broader financial ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and enhance a comprehensive risk framework across operational, cyber, financial and strategic areas, ensuring full alignment with European regulatory and oversight expectations.
- Act as the primary counterpart for supervisory authorities, representing the organisation in all oversight interactions.
- Lead, mentor and structure the risk team to ensure high technical capability and a proactive, forward‑looking risk culture.
- Promote strong risk awareness and consistency of risk practices across all business units.
- Advise the CEO, Board Risk Committee and senior leaders, providing clear and independent challenge on key risk issues.
- Support strategic decision‑making by delivering expert risk analysis and guidance.
- Ensure risk management aligns with the organisation's strategic direction and long‑term objectives.
- Monitor emerging developments in payments, regulation, technology and financial services to anticipate and address new risks.
Key Requirements
- Master's degree in Finance, Risk, Economics, Computer Science, Law or a related field; further professional certifications are an advantage.
- Minimum 15 years' experience in senior risk positions within payment systems, financial market infrastructures, central banking or major financial institutions.
- Strong knowledge of European oversight frameworks such as the SIPS Regulation and CPMI‑IOSCO principles; understanding of CROE or DORA is beneficial.
- Technical proficiency in cyber‑resilience, ISO 20022, real‑time payments and industry rulebooks.
- Demonstrated leadership experience across multicultural, cross‑border teams.
- Strong systems thinking and the ability to connect operational risk with broader systemic implications.
- Ability to balance regulatory expectations with innovation and future‑focused developments.
- Skilled stakeholder management, including engagement with regulators, governance bodies and shareholder institutions.
- Composed and structured leadership during incidents or periods of pressure.
- High ethical standards, independence and accountability.
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