Manager, Credit Risk Model Validation

Address:

Seeking a skilled and experienced professional to join our Model Risk Management Team as a Manager, Model Risk, Credit Risk. As a Manager in our second line of defense risk management, governance, and control function, you will play a pivotal role in the validation of credit risk models, such as Allowance (IFRS 9 /CECL/loss forecasting) models, Stress Testing (CCAR/EWST) models and other regulatory initiatives (retail AIRB, wholesale borrower risk rating models). Experience in other credit risk families, such as credit adjudication and account management models, is also relevant. This is an individual contributor role.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Model Risk Review and Effective Challenge: You perform the validation of models, other estimation approaches and critical tool calculators and assess the model risk to confirm model appropriateness and capability for a designated portfolio. You are responsible for providing effective challenge to the credit risk models during model development and communicating decisions regarding model use to the business to ensure transparency and understanding of models and model risks. You assess the models' capabilities, stress points and limitations; you assess the associated model risk and the controls in place to mitigate identified risks.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Effective communication is crucial in this role. You will manage relationships with model developers, owners, and users, influencing and advising on model risk-related matters. Your ability to explain complex technical concepts in everyday language will set you apart.

• Change Management: BMO is at the forefront of innovation in model risk management. You will be part of the team that drives change by embracing new technology platforms, tools, and operating models.

• Regulatory Expertise: Acts as a subject matter expert on relevant regulations and policies. May network with industry contacts to gain competitive insights and best practices. Interprets new regulations and assesses impacts to the program / portfolio validation framework.

• Risk Understanding: You will need to connect the dots between technical issues and business considerations.

What we are looking for;

• A MSc or PhD in quantitative fields such as statistics, applied mathematics, financial mathematics, data science, actuarial sciences, electrical engineering, or related fields.

• A minimum of 4 years of experience in model validation and/or development within a financial institution, particularly in the credit risk area.

• Certifications: While qualifications like CFA are helpful, they are not mandatory.

• Experience in credit risk models, including Stress Testing & loss forecasting, AIRB and Adjudication/Account Management.

• Proficiency in a programming language such as Python, R, and SAS (Python is preferred).

• Proficiency in working with relational databases - SQL or Oracle.

• Working with Big data tools and Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) is a plus.

• A can-do attitude and a research, deep-dive mindset.

Our team values flexibility, collaboration and in-person engagement. This position is located in Toronto and offers flexibility with a hybrid work arrangement where the successful candidate will spend at least 2 days per week on-site and the other days remote.

If you're looking for your next dream job, consider this one in BMO's Enterprise Risk Group where every colleague helps protect and grow the bank by providing independent review and oversight of enterprise-wide risks, working together to maintain a risk management framework and fostering a strong risk culture. #ERPMDreamJobs

Performs validation of models and assesses model risk to confirm model appropriateness and capability for a designated portfolio. Provides effective challenge during model development and communicates decisions regarding model use to the business to ensure transparency and understanding of models and model risks. Assesses model's capabilities, stress points and limitations; assesses the associated model risk and the controls in place to mitigate identified risks.

• Acts as a trusted advisor to assigned business/group.

• Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives.

• Recommends and implements solutions based on analysis of issues and implications for the business.

• Assists in the development of strategic plans.

• Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making.

• Researches existing or emerging requirements & related best practices to assist and develops recommendations for changes/enhancements.

• Helps determine business priorities and best sequence for execution of business/group strategy.

• Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.

• Supports development and execution of strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

• Represents the model validation program / portfolio for internal/external regulatory audits and/or examinations.

• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.

• Builds change management plans of varying scope and type; leads or participates in a variety of change management activities including readiness assessments, planning, stakeholder management, execution, evaluation and sustainment of initiatives.

• Leads the research and development for validation of new types of models.

• Leads and integrates the monitoring, measurement & reporting of the status of the model validation program / portfolio to internal & external stakeholders.

• Provides input into the planning and implementation of ongoing operational programs in support of the model vetting framework and portfolio.

• Leads/participates in the design, implementation and management of core business/group processes.

• Develops validation strategies and plans to ensure appropriate type and level of vetting of models is carried out.

• Independently validates / tests models and their associated assumptions, benchmarks, and supporting documentation against model vesting process, standards, guidelines and principles; assesses the data for model development as well as inputs to the model; compares validation results with model developer results for replicability.

• Identifies deficiencies, conditions for model use, recommends changes, and escalates as required; quantifies model risks, documents outcomes and communicates with stakeholders.

• Identifies where corrective actions are required and escalates per guidelines; monitors and ensures corrective action is taken.

• Provides technical advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of the model vetting framework, and resolution of model risk issues.

• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of business and related risk management requirements and legislative/ regulatory directives and guidance.

• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.

• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.

• Monitors and tracks performance; addresses any issues.

• Coordinates and monitors the review and sign-off of model validation reporting including model inventory and model inventory attestations.

• Focus is primarily on business/group within BMO; may have broader, enterprise-wide focus.

• Provides specialized consulting, analytical and technical support.

• Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.

• Works independently and regularly handles non-routine situations.

• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

  Qualifications:

• Typically 4+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of model validation, model risk management practices.

• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements.

• In-depth knowledge & experience with risk policy frameworks; quality control / testing frameworks.in Finance/Economics areas (i.e., MBA).

• Deep knowledge and technical proficiency gained through extensive education and business experience.

• Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth.

• Collaboration & team skills - In-depth.

• Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth.

• Influence skills - In-depth.

• Data driven decision making - In-depth.

The above represents BMO Financial Group's pay range and type.

Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group's expected target for the first year in this position.

BMO Financial Group's total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

About Us

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one - for yourself and our customers. We'll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we'll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.

To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en.

BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other's differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.