Head of Risk Economics and Enterprise Analytics

About the Role

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE, is seeking a Head of Risk Economics and Enterprise Analytics to lead portfolio risk analytics through robust quantitative modelling, strong regulatory oversight, and data-driven decision support. This senior leadership role governs enterprise analytics programs, including the development and calibration of regulatory, non-regulatory, and econometric models.

Job Purpose

The purpose of the role is to lead portfolio risk analytics, elevate modelling standards using best-in-class techniques aligned with regulatory and business requirements, conduct ECL sensitivity analyses to assess macroeconomic shocks and emerging risks, and their impact on provisions and capital adequacy. The role also promotes awareness of model outputs, limitations, and model risk across the business, and supports growth by delivering actionable insights that optimize risk-return outcomes within the defined risk appetite.

Key Accountabilities

People Management

• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives by setting team and individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximise departmental performance.
• Lead talent development initiatives for the assigned team, collaborating with technical experts to ensure availability of talent to fit business requirements.
• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics to foster a value-driven culture within the Group.

Group-wide Portfolio Analytics – Econometric and Enterprise Risk Models

• Provide specialist analytical and strategic views on risk models and their use in the business, ensuring the suite of models is fit for purpose.
• Manage the development of a robust, auditable and controllable framework for all macro-economic forecasts and new-to-market enterprise risk models.
• Manage compliance to observations raised by audit, regulatory and internal validation teams.
• Manage accurate implementation of models through comprehensive implementation specifications and guidance around UAT testing and approvals.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders within Group Risk to understand modelling requirements and provide direction on model use to avoid potential model risks.
• Manage the process to ensure model impacts are produced, understood and communicated to support committee recommendations and timely regulatory submissions.
• Liaise with relevant risk and business teams to develop and review model performance, assumptions, theory and empirical evidence.
• Conduct studies on current risk management methodologies and spearhead research and integration of new products into existing risk management systems.

Team Supervision

• Nurture team members to take on responsibilities with higher accountability and improve their skill sets.
• Identify areas of delivery risk and proactively notify relevant stakeholders with suggested mitigations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Econometrics, or related quantitative discipline.
• 12-15+ years of experience in risk modelling, econometrics, and enterprise analytics within banking/financial services.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks (Basel, IFRS 9, CBUAE).
• Professional certifications such as CFA or FRM preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive tax-free salary with performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Annual airfare allowance
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Career advancement within the largest bank in the UAE