gtag('config', 'G-6TW216G7W9', { 'user_id': wix.currentUser.id });
top of page

Karin, VP, Compliance and Operational Risk at Large Bank: Advize Career Interview

A career in compliance and operational risk at a large bank offers a fascinating path, as evidenced by this interview with a VP in the field.

The journey began unexpectedly, pivoting from political science to leveraging regulatory interpretation skills post-9/11. This role demands strategic thinking, collaboration across diverse teams, and strong communication—especially during challenging situations.

A day consists of high-level meetings, budgeting, and initiative development, emphasizing relationship building and fostering a positive work environment.

Success requires adapting to change, effectively communicating complex regulations in clear language, and demonstrating the value of compliance initiatives to a revenue-driven organization.

The industry offers a strong sense of community and a rewarding experience of building processes from the ground up.

Entry-level opportunities exist through internships or analyst positions, focusing on areas like anti-money laundering or credit risk. The key takeaway?

Flexibility, negotiation skills, and a positive attitude are invaluable for a fulfilling and impactful career in this dynamic field.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Karin Lin

VP, Compliance and Operational Risk

Large Bank

UC Berkeley, 2005

UCLA - Anderson School of Business / MBA

Political Science, American Studies

Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)

Finance

Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a Compliance and Operational Risk Vice President at a Large Bank

Initially a political science major considering law, Karin's career path took an unexpected turn after a retail internship at Target proved unsuitable. A post-9/11 opportunity in banking, leveraging their political science background to interpret new anti-money laundering regulations, launched their career into compliance and operational risk, ultimately leading to their current VP role at a large bank.

Career Path of a Compliance and Operational Risk Vice President at a Large Bank

Main Responsibilities of a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at Bank

As VP of Compliance and Operational Risk at a large bank, Karin's main responsibilities include "strategizing...how to mitigate risk," which involves developing frameworks for policies and procedures and interacting with federal regulators to ensure compliance and proper customer treatment. This high-level role requires addressing "big picture questions" and acting as a key interface between the bank and regulatory bodies.

Main Responsibilities of a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at Bank

A Day in the Life of a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at a Large Bank

A vice president of compliance and operational risk at a large bank spends the day in "back-to-back meetings," often focused on "strategic-looking things" like 2023 and 2024 budgeting and initiatives. Success in this role hinges on strong cross-functional collaboration, requiring "building a lot of relationships" and effectively communicating with diverse teams, from data analytics to legal and sales, emphasizing the importance of "being really grateful and how to be kind" to foster mutual support.

A Day in the Life of a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at a Large Bank

Most Important Skills for a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at a Large Bank

Karin, a VP of Compliance and Operational Risk at a large bank, emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills, particularly "talking to people especially when the going gets tough," to navigate sensitive situations and achieve collaborative risk mitigation. Further, interpreting complex regulations and effectively translating them into "Layman's language" for branch staff are crucial for practical application and buy-in.

Most Important Skills for a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at a Large Bank

Favorite Parts of Being a VP, Compliance and Operational Risk at Large Bank

Karin, a VP of Compliance and Operational Risk at a large bank, most enjoys "building something from scratch," identifying "process improvement opportunities," and fostering valuable connections across the enterprise. This allows them to contribute meaningfully while also meeting many great people.

Favorite Parts of Being a VP, Compliance and Operational Risk at Large Bank

Biggest Challenges Faced by a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at a Large Bank

Karin's biggest challenge as VP, Compliance and Operational Risk at a large bank is demonstrating the value of compliance initiatives, such as "quality control assurance and risk assessments," to a revenue-focused organization. This requires making a strong business case for allocating resources, often needing to justify significant budget requests like "30% of the budget for this project."

Biggest Challenges Faced by a VP Compliance and Operational Risk at a Large Bank

Favorite Parts of Working in Financial Compliance as a VP, Compliance and Operational Risk

After 18 years in the niche compliance and banking world, Karin enjoys the strong sense of community, noting that "once you're in it for a while you start to see the same people over and over again," fostering relationships akin to "old friends" at conferences and industry events. This established network and camaraderie are a significant source of professional fulfillment for Karin.

Favorite Parts of Working in Financial Compliance as a VP, Compliance and Operational Risk

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Banking Industry According To A Vice President Compliance And Operational Risk At Large Bank

To thrive in the banking compliance and operational risk field, individuals must be highly adaptable and skilled negotiators, able to influence multiple groups by articulating the value proposition of new processes. The work involves extensive negotiation, constantly addressing questions like, "why should someone want to follow this process...what's in it for them?", ultimately aiming to improve customer treatment, data quality, and system automation while mitigating risk.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Banking Industry According To A Vice President Compliance And Operational Risk At Large Bank

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Compliance And Risk Professionals

Success in the financial industry requires individuals who are "very flexible" and possess strong negotiation skills, able to effectively communicate the value of new processes and initiatives to multiple stakeholders. This involves navigating competing priorities and demonstrating how changes benefit both individual teams and the bank's overall risk mitigation and customer treatment.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Compliance And Risk Professionals

Significant Career Lesson From a Compliance Vice President at a Bank

Seeking entry-level roles in compliance and operational risk at a bank? A summer internship, even if not directly in compliance, can be a great starting point, allowing one to "see how different parts of the banks work," and later transitioning. Alternatively, entry-level risk analyst positions, focusing on areas like "bank secrecy act money laundering" or credit risk, provide valuable experience and networking opportunities to advance within the financial institution.

Significant Career Lesson From a Compliance Vice President at a Bank

College Experiences That Helped a Compliance Risk VP at a Large Bank Succeed

Karin, a VP of Compliance and Operational Risk at a large bank, emphasizes the importance of "gratitude," noting that even in challenging situations—"a bank that could be a trouble bank"—a positive attitude and flexibility are key. This approach allows one to find "a way out" and adapt to diverse work environments, whether at a struggling institution or a well-established one.

College Experiences That Helped a Compliance Risk VP at a Large Bank Succeed
bottom of page