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Ryan, Capital Risk Management Executive at Major North American Bank: Advize Career Interview
Dive into the world of Capital Risk Management with insights from a seasoned executive at a major North American bank!
The journey starts with a general business foundation, enhanced by data analysis and communication skills honed through early experiences.
This professional navigates the crucial role of ensuring a bank's financial stability, balancing routine analysis with ad-hoc responses to global events.
Success hinges on a blend of qualitative and quantitative skills, with a knack for translating complex data into actionable insights for leadership.
High visibility, strong problem-solving, and the importance of the industry to the U.S. economy make this a compelling field.
Teamwork and communication are paramount, requiring professionals to read volumes of regulation and stay ahead of economic shifts.
Analyst-level positions, especially within rotational programs, offer a promising entry point, emphasizing flawless execution and volunteering for growth opportunities. The key takeaway?
Develop foundational skills and remain open to new interests, setting the stage for a dynamic and impactful career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Almquist
Capital Risk Management Executive
Major North American Bank
Wake Forest University
N/A
Business Management & Admin
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Strategic Management and Executive
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Career Path of a Capital Risk Management Executive at a Major North American Bank
Ryan began with a general business major in college, followed by an internship with a snack food company's new business analytics division where the individual "learned how to take data, analyze it to attack a problem and to communicate results to senior leadership." This initial exposure allowed for the building of data analysis and communication skills, which were then leveraged through project finance and financial reporting roles in consulting before transitioning to a 10-year stint at a "global systemically important bank" in treasury and risk management, and ultimately led to their current role leading a team responsible for managing capital risk at another major North American bank.
Main Responsibilities of a Capital Risk Management Executive at a Major Bank
Ryan, as a Capital Risk Management Executive, manages a team responsible for ensuring the bank maintains a sufficient capital position to operate effectively in both good and stressful economic times, acting as the "second line of defense" in the bank's risk management framework. Day-to-day responsibilities include "stress testing," reviewing capital positions, understanding business priorities, and evaluating potential risks to the company, essentially "managing the company's financial resources."
A Day In The Life Of A Capital Risk Management Executive At A Major North American Bank
A capital risk management executive's day is a mix of routine and ad hoc analysis, with quarterly and annual stress tests providing structure while geopolitical tensions and economic shifts drive unpredictable tasks. The role demands both "pushing forward some longer-term priorities" and addressing real-time changes in the bank's performance, requiring a blend of internal focus and external awareness of the economy and world events.
Most Important Skills For A Risk Management Executive At A Major Bank
For a Capital Risk Management Executive role at a major North American bank, "a good mix of qualitative and quantitative skills" is essential, involving the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and "tell the story through data". Crucially, one must translate complex information into digestible insights for leadership and form informed opinions to guide them, adding value beyond simply presenting raw data.
Favorite Parts of Being a Capital Risk Executive at a Large Bank
Ryan, a Capital Risk Management Executive, enjoys the high visibility their team receives, noting that decisions affecting them are "being made at the highest levels of the company." Further, they appreciate the "strong problem solving aspect" of the role, finding it intellectually satisfying to tackle unanticipated issues and provide valuable insights to leadership.
Biggest Challenges For A Capital Risk Management Executive At A North American Bank
As a Capital Risk Management Executive, the biggest challenge stems from unpredictability, which can be both rewarding and difficult, especially given the current uncertain economic and political environments. The need to shift resource allocation when priorities change and the difficulty in predicting the future, while trying to come up with the "most likely case", creates significant hurdles.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Banking Industry As A Capital Risk Management Executive
Ryan enjoys the financial services industry due to its importance to the US economy, noting "the scale and the level of importance" placed on the industry makes it an enjoyable area to work. Furthermore, the ever-changing regulatory landscape and risks within capital risk management require professionals to be nimble, which Ryan finds appealing.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Banking Industry, According To A Capital Risk Management Executive At Major North American Bank
Ryan believes that success in the capital risk management industry hinges on strong teamwork and communication skills; "working well with others and together as a team is very important," especially the ability to respectfully disagree and maintain relationships, because "you can't be somebody who burns bridges." Leveraging experience to generate and communicate insights, whether through data or verbal communication, is also a key characteristic of those who thrive in this field.
What a Capital Risk Management Executive at a Major North American Bank wishes they had known before entering the Banking industry
Ryan, a Capital Risk Management Executive, wishes someone had warned them about the sheer volume of reading involved in the role, likening it to that of a lawyer because "you have to read just tons and tons of regulation" along with staying abreast of Federal Reserve communications, a surprising aspect given the quantitative nature of the field. Despite this unexpected workload, they appreciate the balance it brings between analytical and verbal skills.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Capital Risk Management Professionals
Ryan, a Capital Risk Management Executive, suggests that entry-level candidates should look for "analyst level positions" within risk management and capital risk management, with a focus on rotational programs that many banks offer to recent graduates for a structured introduction to the field. Although the career ladder in this industry is "a little less direct than some," rotational programs are "very, very well received" and provide a strong foundation for growth.
Significant Career Lesson From a Capital Risk Executive at a Major Bank
Ryan, a Capital Risk Management Executive, learned early in a banking career that "it pays to execute flawlessly on whatever work you're given," even if it seems menial, as mastering the small tasks leads to bigger opportunities. Furthermore, Ryan advises to "definitely volunteer" for projects that align with skillsets, even outside immediate responsibilities, as this can lead to valuable experience and connections, helping to advance a career.
College Experiences That Helped a Capital Risk Executive at a Major Bank Succeed
To set oneself up for career success in college, Ryan, a Capital Risk Management Executive, advises keeping an open mind to explore different interests, as demonstrated by switching from pre-med to economics, and focusing on building "foundational skills" like presenting, teamwork, and data analysis, because "you probably don't know where you'll be five years from that point." These core competencies are transferable across various roles and industries, providing flexibility and adaptability throughout a career.
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