The CRO fosters a forward-looking, data-driven risk culture that supports prudent growth, strategic decision-making, and resilience under the Bank’s defined risk appetite.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of the Bank’s Risk Management Framework and Risk Appetite Framework, ensuring integration with strategic planning and capital allocation.

Serve as the primary point of contact for the Board and/or Risk Committee on strategic risk matters, providing insights on emerging risks, systemic trends, and risk-return trade-offs.

Provide independent challenge and guidance to senior management, fostering balanced risk-taking and disciplined decision-making.

Drive continuous enhancement of risk governance, frameworks, and policies in line with changing regulatory and market conditions.

Ensure robust oversight of all material risk types, including credit, operational, market, liquidity, regulatory, and strategic risk.

Own critical frameworks and reports such as ICAAP, ILAAP, Recovery Plan, IRRBB, and stress testing.

Oversee the development and application of advanced risk models, early warning indicators, and scenario analysis to strengthen resilience.

Act as the Bank’s principal liaison with supervisory authorities as applicable (MFSA, FIAU) and auditors on all risk-related matters.

Oversee all risk‑related regulatory submissions, supervisory interactions, and remediation programmes, ensuring their timely and high‑quality execution in alignment with the firm’s risk management framework.

Anticipate and interpret regulatory developments, advising the CEO ,Board and Risk Committee on their strategic implications.

Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing Risk Department

Build a proactive, collaborative risk culture that promotes accountability, transparency, and cross-functional engagement.

Ensure the function is equipped with robust tools, systems, and analytical capabilities to deliver forward-looking insights.

Drive Bank-wide risk awareness through tailored communication, education, and leadership engagement.

Oversee the production of executive and Board-level risk dashboards and risk reports

Strengthen risk data governance, automation, and consistency across all reporting streams.

Ensure timely escalation and effective management of material risk exposures.

Requirements

Strong strategic and analytical mindset, with the ability to challenge, advise, and influence executive decisions.

Deep knowledge of EU banking regulations, including CRD/CRR, EBA guidelines, Banking Act and MFSA Banking Rules.

Deep knowledge of ICAAP, ILAAP, Recovery frameworks, Stress Testing, ECL Modelling and DORA.

High integrity, sound judgement, and commitment to independent risk oversight.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including Board-level interaction.

Proven leadership in managing and developing high-performing teams.

Ability to balance risk discipline with practical business enablement.

Education and Experience

A minimum of 15 years of experience in financial services, with at least 5 years in a senior risk leadership role.

Must meet the requirements to be approved (PQEd) by the MFSA, or have previously held such approval.

Strong expertise in credit risk, operational risk, and regulatory risk within a regulated EU banking environment.

Degree in Risk Management, Banking, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Professional certifications (e.g., FRM, CFA, PRM) are considered an asset.

Proven experience interacting with regulators and managing supervisory processes.

Chief Risk Officer

Job Description