Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Location: Nairobi
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Risk Management Board
Department: Risk Management

Introduction to SIB

Standard Investment Bank Ltd (SIB) is a leading financial services firm in Kenya founded in 1995. The firm offers individual and institutional clients a single point of entry for Asset Management, Securities Trading, Market Research, Investment Management and Corporate Finance.

SIB is a member of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and is licensed and regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) as an Investment Bank and the Retirement Benefits Authority as a Pensions Fund Manager.

SIB is also licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to operate Special Collective Investment Schemes (CISs), in line with the provisions of the Capital Markets Act and the Capital Markets (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 2023.

Job Summary

The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is responsible for establishing and overseeing a comprehensive risk management framework to support the organization’s trading activities across multiple asset classes, including derivatives, forex, fixed income, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities. This role requires an individual with deep expertise in financial markets, a strategic mindset, and a proactive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. The CRO will ensure that all trading activities align with the organization’s risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Risk Management

• Implement a risk management framework tailored to diverse trading products and markets.
• Manage the organization’s risk appetite in alignment with business objectives.
• Provide strategic insights on emerging risks and global market trends that could impact trading activities.

2. Risk Identification and Assessment

• Identify, assess, and prioritize 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 trading portfolios.
• Monitor systemic risks related to macroeconomic changes, regulatory developments, and geopolitical events.

3. Risk Mitigation and Controls

• Implement and refine risk policies, limits, and controls for each trading product and asset class.
• Ensure effective collateral management, margin policies, and exposure limits for derivative and leveraged trades.
• Develop contingency plans to address extreme market events, counterparty defaults, and technology failures.

4. Risk Monitoring and Reporting

• Establish real-time risk monitoring systems for trading activities across asset classes.
• Prepare and present detailed risk reports, including Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and risk dashboards, to the Board, Audit Committee, and executive leadership.
• Maintain a transparent communication process with regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Governance

• Ensure compliance with global and regional regulatory requirements, including those related to derivatives, forex, crypto, and other trading instruments.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to address regulatory inquiries and audits.
• Oversee adherence to best practices and industry standards for risk management.

6. Leadership and Culture

• Build and lead a team of risk management professionals with expertise in multiple asset classes.
• Foster a culture of risk awareness, accountability, and proactive management across all trading teams.
• Provide risk training to traders, portfolio managers, and other key stakeholders.

7. Technology and Analytics

• Leverage advanced risk management technologies and analytics to improve risk assessment and decision-making.
• Evaluate and implement tools for managing crypto-specific risks, algorithmic trading risks, and cross-asset correlations.
• Ensure the 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. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, FRM, or PRM are highly desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in risk management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing diverse trading products.
• Proven 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 problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in high-pressure environments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Adherence to the organization’s risk appetite and risk limits.
• Effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies, as evidenced by reduced losses and minimized incidents.
• Timely and accurate reporting of risk metrics to stakeholders.
• Compliance with regulatory requirements and successful completion of audits.
• Continuous improvement in risk awareness and management practices across the organization.

Working Conditions

• Office-based with flexibility for remote engagements when necessary.
• Fast-paced, high-pressure environment requiring adaptability to market changes.
• Occasional travel for regulatory engagements, industry conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The institution is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.