Risk & Portfolio Director

Overview

Our client is seeking a Risk & Portfolio Director to lead the regional financial risk and portfolio management strategy. This role ensures a diversified, resilient portfolio aligned with financial and regulatory goals, while positioning the risk function as a strategic enabler for business growth. The role combines finance, product, risk, and data analysis to safeguard the organization’s financial health and support sustainable expansion across Latin America.

Challenges you would face

Oversee and develop regional risk, portfolio, and quantitative teams (30+ professionals across multiple countries)
Define portfolio strategy, risk budgets, and concentration limits across geographies and segments
Set and adjust country-level risk appetite and delinquency objectives aligned with profitability targets
Lead financial and regulatory compliance, including accounting provisions (IFRS/local), internal and external audits
Chair the ALCO committee to balance profitability, funding, and risk exposure
Collaborate with executive leadership on obtaining and managing financial licenses under regional regulations
Supervise credit risk model development and calibration (PD, LGD, EAD)
Implement stress testing and adverse scenario frameworks
Lead advanced analytics and machine learning initiatives for risk optimization
Coordinate with Finance, Product, Capital Markets, and Audit to enhance risk-adjusted returns
Report regularly to risk committees, executive boards, and regulators

The ideal candidate

8+ years of experience in portfolio or risk management within banking, fintech, or asset management
5+ years leading quantitative and risk teams of at least 10 people
Proven experience implementing regulatory frameworks and managing risk under pressure
Expert knowledge of risk metrics including ECL, LGD, PD, EAD, RAROC, VaR, and Expected Shortfall
Proficiency in statistical modeling and machine learning applied to credit risk
Strong understanding of financial regulations in Mexico and Chile
Experience with stress testing, scenario analysis, and risk modeling frameworks
Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, or R preferred
Transformational leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams
Excellent communication and stakeholder management across technical and executive audiences
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset

Plus

Master’s degree in Finance, Risk Management, or MBA
Continuous education in financial regulation and emerging technologies
Fluency in English and Spanish
Experience leading risk transformation projects using AI and machine learning
Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory environments in emerging markets