Head of Market Risk

A leading global financial services firm is seeking an experienced Head of Portfolio / Clearing Risk to oversee risk management across multiple asset classes and global trading venues. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to shape risk strategy, enhance risk infrastructure, and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure a robust and effective risk management framework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the portfolio/clearing risk team, managing analysts and fostering a strong risk culture.
• Oversee market and credit risk exposures, ensuring adherence to risk appetite and governance frameworks.
• Enhance risk infrastructure, leveraging automation and data analytics for improved risk oversight.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of margin models, liquidity risks, and stress testing across diverse portfolios.
• Proactively manage client accounts in breach of risk parameters, taking necessary action to mitigate potential losses.
• Provide insightful risk reporting to senior management, risk committees, and regulators.
• Maintain and refine risk policies, procedures, and controls to support business growth.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring adequate coverage across global markets.

Candidate Profile Experience & Skills:

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in financial risk management, with at least five years in portfolio risk or a related role within a financial institution.
• Strong functional experience in risk management across multiple asset classes, ideally within a clearing firm or similar environment.
• Risk control mindset, demonstrating mastery of risk disciplines, particularly in clearing and market risk, at an integrated, firm-wide level.
• Strong understanding of statistics, quantitative data analysis, and risk management IT/software applications.
• Experience in commodities is preferred.
• A hands-on, proportionate approach to risk management, with the ability to engage in detailed analysis and problem-solving.
• Ability to lead through expertise and experience, balancing both strategic and operational considerations.
• Strong business and financial judgment, with the ability to assess risk-reward trade-offs effectively.
• Creative mindset, capable of acting as a facilitator for business growth rather than solely enforcing restrictions.
• Strong process orientation with a comprehensive understanding of financial services operations.
• Intellectual curiosity and an analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to drive a culture of risk awareness across the organization.
• Independent thought leadership in strategic decision-making and risk discussions.
• A strong balance of strategic vision and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and develop positive relationships with key stakeholders, demonstrating constructive negotiation skills.
• Proven leadership ability to inspire and motivate teams, providing continuous feedback and professional development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to senior management and external stakeholders.

Education & Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree, FRM, or other relevant advanced certification is preferred.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to work with a leading global financial services firm operating across major global markets.
• Exposure to a dynamic and fast-paced trading environment with significant responsibility and impact.
• The chance to lead risk management transformation initiatives, leveraging innovative analytics and automation.
• A collaborative and high-performing team environment that values expertise and continuous improvement.
• This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced risk professional seeking a challenging and rewarding leadership role.