Arab Bank is currently hiring a Business Risk Manager (BRM) to reinforce the first level controls over Commodity Trade Finance (CTF) operations in our Geneva office.
The primary focus of this role is to conduct transaction monitoring on a sampling basis, utilizing a risk-based approach. This will constitute a major part of the BRM’s day-to-day tasks, complementing the work performed by the Transactional Managers (TM). Additionally, the BRM will play a key role in process improvement in coordination with the Risk Management Department, as well as support our bank’s digitalization initiatives in the Commodity Trade Finance field, led by the IT department.
Transaction Monitoring (Primary Focus)
The BRM will execute a predefined control program elaborated by the Risk Management department and approved by the Audit & Risk Committee as part of the Internal Control System (ICS) of the Bank. The main tasks include:
- Implement and manage a risk-based sampling approach for transaction monitoring in CTF
- Conduct in-depth reviews of selected transactions to identify potential risks, anomalies, or compliance issues. The control must cover the entire life of the transactions and implies looking at the transaction from several angles (documentation, payments, collaterals, margins, price risk, reviewing SMA/CMA and stock monitoring reports, etc.)
- Analyse transaction patterns, counterparty behaviours to detect potential red flags
- Ensure sampled transactions comply with internal policies and credit protocols
- Develop and refine criteria for risk-based sampling to maximize effectiveness and efficiency of monitoring efforts
Other tasks
- Maintain and enhance the Front management risk framework (policies, controls, guidelines) in coordination with the 1st line and the 2nd line of defence (Risk, Credit, etc.)
- Identify gaps in existing control mechanisms and propose improvements
- Ensuring that audit issues relating to frontline risk are resolved in a timely and sustainable manner. Analysis of problematic cases (pre or post problem). Liaise with other departments when and if needed to address identified issues
- Advise on processes digitalization in CTF
- Other tasks whenever required
Reporting lines
To ensure proper segregation between front office activities and control functions, the Business Risk Manager will have the following reporting lines:
- Solid line reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Dotted line reporting to: Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
Qualifications
- Excellent understanding of CTF operations and associated risks
- Minimum experience of 10 years in CTF
- Previous role as Transactional Manager is a plus
- Background with a Big Four firm is a plus
- Strong analytical and IT skills and attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Familiarity with digital transformation initiatives in financial services