Standard Investment Bank Ltd (SIB) is a premier financial services firm in Kenya, established in 1995. SIB provides individuals and institutions with a comprehensive suite of services, including Asset Management, Securities Trading, Market Research, Investment Management, and Corporate Finance.
SIB is a licensed member of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) as an Investment Bank, and authorized by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) as a Pension Fund Manager. We also operate Special Collective Investment Schemes (CISs) under the Capital Markets Act and related regulations.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to oversee and manage risks associated with our diverse trading activities across multiple asset classes.
Position: Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
Location: Nairobi
Department: Risk Management
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Risk Management Board
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
Job Summary
The Chief Risk Officer will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust risk management framework that supports the organization’s trading activities across derivatives, forex, fixed income, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. This strategic leadership role requires an individual with deep expertise in financial markets, a proactive approach to risk mitigation, and the ability to align risk strategies with the organization’s objectives and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Risk Management
- Implement a risk management framework tailored to trading products and markets.
- Define and manage the organization’s risk appetite, ensuring alignment with business goals.
- Provide strategic insights on emerging risks and market trends that could impact trading activities.
2. Risk Identification and Assessment
- Identify and assess risks across asset classes, including market, credit, liquidity, operational, legal, and reputational risks.
- Conduct scenario analysis, stress testing, and sensitivity analysis to evaluate potential impacts on portfolios.
- Monitor macroeconomic changes, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks.
3. Risk Mitigation and Controls
- Develop and implement risk policies, exposure limits, and controls for trading activities.
- Ensure effective collateral management and margin policies for derivatives and leveraged trades.
- Create contingency plans for extreme market events, counterparty defaults, and technology failures.
4. Risk Monitoring and Reporting
- Establish real-time monitoring systems for trading activities across asset classes.
- Prepare detailed risk reports, including Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and dashboards, for the Board and executive leadership.
- Maintain transparent communication with regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Governance
- Ensure compliance with global and regional regulatory requirements related to various trading instruments.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to manage regulatory inquiries and audits.
- Uphold best practices and industry standards in risk management.
6. Leadership and Culture
- Build and lead a team of risk management professionals specializing in multiple asset classes.
- Foster a culture of accountability, risk awareness, and proactive management across trading teams.
- Provide training on risk management practices to traders, portfolio managers, and key stakeholders.
7. Technology and Analytics
- Leverage advanced technologies and analytics to enhance risk assessment and decision-making.
- Implement tools for managing crypto-specific and algorithmic trading risks.
- Ensure accuracy and reliability of data used in risk analysis and reporting.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA preferred).
- Professional certifications such as CFA, FRM, or PRM are highly desirable.
Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in risk management, including 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing diverse trading products.
- Expertise in managing risks across derivatives, forex, fixed income, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities markets.
- Experience with high-frequency trading, algorithmic trading, and blockchain technology is a plus.
Skills and Competencies
- Comprehensive knowledge of financial markets, trading strategies, and risk management methodologies.
- Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks governing various asset classes, including crypto-specific regulations.
- Advanced proficiency in risk modeling, scenario analysis, and data analytics tools.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong decision-making capabilities in high-pressure environments.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Adherence to the organization’s risk appetite and limits.
- Effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies, demonstrated through minimized incidents and reduced losses.
- Timely and accurate reporting of risk metrics to stakeholders.
- Compliance with regulatory requirements and successful audit outcomes.
- Enhanced risk awareness and management practices across the organization.
Working Conditions
- Location: Nairobi, with occasional travel for regulatory engagements, industry conferences, and stakeholder meetings.
- Environment: A fast-paced, high-pressure setting requiring adaptability to evolving market conditions.
Why Join SIB?
At SIB, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where innovation and excellence are valued. As the Chief Risk Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our risk management framework and ensuring sustainable growth in the financial markets.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary leader with a passion for financial markets and risk management, we encourage you to apply for this role.
Apply Now by submitting:
- Your CV detailing your experience and qualifications.
- A Cover Letter highlighting your suitability for the position.
Please include the position title Chief Risk Officer in your application.
Application Deadline: January 20, 2025
Additional Information
- Equal Opportunity Employer: SIB is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
- No Recruitment Fees: SIB does not charge any fees for job applications or recruitment processes.
- Disqualification: Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Consent: By applying, you agree to undergo background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Take the next step in your career and join SIB as the Chief Risk Officer. Drive innovation, lead risk management strategies, and make a lasting impact in the financial services industry.
