Chief Risk Officer

RiverBank is one of Luxembourg's fast growing financial services companies. Our purpose is to help established SMEs, one of the last major underserved opportunities in banking. Established SMEs are the backbone of local communities - yet have been largely neglected both by traditional high street banks and modern providers.

Purpose of the Role

Risk Management helps the Bank understand, manage, and anticipate risks in a constantly changing environment. It provides independent oversight and maintains an effective control environment and the Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) will drive the strategic direction of risk management, ensuring robust oversight of credit, liquidity, operational and regulatory risks amongst others while fostering a culture of risk awareness and compliance.

Your mission as CRO, is to safeguard the stability of our Bank by identifying, managing and mitigating risks across the bank.

Core Responsibilities

1. Serve as the CSSF-registered Chief Risk Officer, ensuring full compliance with Luxembourg’s regulatory framework and maintaining proactive engagement with regulatory authorities.
2. Strategic direction, oversight, and leadership of the commercial banking franchise from a risk management perspective.
3. Oversee identification, monitoring, measuring, and mitigation of various risk categories - portfolio, credit, operational, legal and reputational across the full bank life cycle.
4. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of risk professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment while promoting risk awareness and best practices.
5. Embrace technology and innovation to align systems with strategy and to achieve efficient execution and transparent reporting.
6. Collaborate closely with business lines to understand operational needs, identify potential risks, and develop tailored solutions to support sustainable growth.
7. Lead and contribute to risk-related projects, ensuring timely implementation of initiatives to enhance risk frameworks and controls.
8. Supervise the Information Security Officer ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with data protection regulations.
9. Maintain effective and transparent communication with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other key stakeholders to align risk management strategies with business objectives.
10. Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies and the bank’s Head Office, ensuring alignment with group policies and local requirements.

Skills and Competencies

1. Degree educated in Mathematics (preferable), Economics, Finance, or a related field. Professional certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA) are highly desirable.
2. Minimum of 10 years in a senior risk management role, preferably within a banking or financial institution in Luxembourg or a comparable regulatory environment.
3. Deep knowledge of financial risks, with a strong focus on credit, liquidity and operational risks. A strong credit risk management background is essential.
4. Comprehensive understanding of Luxembourg’s regulatory requirements (CSSF) and international standards (e.g., Basel III/IV, CRR/CRD).
5. Familiarity with information security and cybersecurity risk management.
6. Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse teams, fostering collaboration and a results-driven culture.
7. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior management, regulators, and cross-functional teams.
8. Adaptability to diverse cultural and professional environments, with a collaborative and solution-oriented mindset.
9. Strong project management and organizational capabilities, with a record of delivering complex initiatives.
10. CSSF or other relevant regulatory approvals.
11. Fluency in English is essential. Proficiency in additional European languages (e.g., French, Dutch or Spanish) is an advantage.
12. Solution-orientated Strategic thinker with a proactive and analytical approach, a passion for problem solving, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

RiverBank is an equal opportunities employer. We work to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can maximise their full potential. Our skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the communities in which we operate and who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences. Our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion is evident through our constant focus on recruiting, developing and advancing individuals based on their skills and talents.