Global MRM & AI Governance Leader (Finance)

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Global MRM & AI Governance Leader to lead the development, implementation, and oversight of our model risk management (MRM) strategy across all geographies. This senior-level individual contributor role is pivotal in ensuring the effectiveness of our MRM framework, governance, and control processes, aligning with global regulatory requirements, and driving continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, a leader with exceptionally strong communication and influencing skills, and a subject matter expert in model validation within the banking industry, with a proven ability to connect dots, build best practices, and broaden possibilities. This role will also oversee aspects of AI governance, ensuring alignment with the broader MRM framework. Given the highly collaborative and cross-functional nature of this work, the ability to effectively influence stakeholders across various teams and levels is paramount.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Global MRM & AI Governance, this senior-level individual contributor position demands a seasoned professional with expertise in model validation within the banking sector, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of international regulatory landscapes, including SR 11-7, BCBS 239, and EBA guidelines. The Global MRM & AI Governance Leader will spearhead the development and implementation of a robust, globally consistent MRM strategy that effectively mitigates model risk, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports the organization's strategic objectives. This involves rigorous evaluation and enhancement of the MRM framework's operating effectiveness, ensuring alignment across diverse geographies and business lines. The role requires establishing and maintaining strong governance structures and validation methodologies, with a strong emphasis on ensuring and enhancing model quality. Success in this role hinges on very strong communication and influencing skills to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively, and to drive alignment and adoption of the MRM strategy across diverse stakeholders. This individual will also be responsible for driving the strategy and implementation of the global MRM tooling and technology stack, including the MRM System of Record (SOR) and model monitoring solutions, and will oversee aspects of the organization's AI governance framework as it relates to model risk. By leveraging their expertise and strategic vision, the Global MRM & AI Governance Leader will drive the evolution of the MRM framework, ensuring it remains agile, resilient, and aligned with evolving industry best practices and regulatory expectations.

Equifax has a hybrid work schedule that allows for 2 days of remote work (Monday and Friday), with 3 days onsite (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) every week.

This role reports to our office in Alpharetta.

This position does not offer immigration sponsorship (current or future) including F-1 STEM OPT extension support.

This is a direct-hire role and is not open to C2C or vendors.

What you will do

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global MRM strategy and standards that aligns with the organization's risk appetite and business objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance and thought leadership on emerging MRM trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the MRM framework and drive innovation in model risk management.
• Own and effectively run MRM SteerCo(s).

Global MRM Framework and Governance:

• Evaluate and enhance the global MRM framework to ensure consistent application across all geographies.
• Establish and maintain robust governance structures and policies for model risk management.
• Own the definition, implementation, and execution of global KPI's and OKR's to assess MRM strategy adoption.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant international banking regulations (e.g., SR 11-7, BCBS 239, and EBA guidelines).
• Lead the roll-out and adoption of global MRM standards across all geographies.
• Oversee the implementation and adoption of MAJESTIC principles within the global MRM framework.
• Oversee aspects of the AI governance framework to ensure alignment with model risk management principles.

Model Validation and Oversight:

• Provide expert oversight and guidance on model validation activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Lead the development and implementation of model validation methodologies and standards, including those specific to AI/ML models.
• Review and challenge model validation outputs, providing critical feedback and recommendations.
• Collaborate with model developers and users to ensure models are fit for purpose and appropriately validated, including AI/ML models.

Global Collaboration and Communication:

• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders across different geographies, including risk management, business lines, internal audit, and AI/ML teams.
• Communicate complex MRM and AI governance concepts clearly, concisely, and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences, tailoring the message to the specific stakeholder.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination across the organization, including specific considerations for AI/ML model risk.
• Connect the dots between different departments and geographical regions to foster a holistic approach to model risk management and AI governance. A significant portion of this will require strong influencing skills to gain buy-in and drive collaborative solutions.

MRM Related Tooling and Technology:

• Drive the strategy and roadmap of the global MRM tooling and technology stack, including the MRM System of Record (SOR) and model monitoring solutions, with consideration for AI/ML model monitoring needs.
• Collaborate with IT and other relevant teams on the deployment and maintenance of MRM and AI governance technology solutions. This will require effective communication and influencing to align priorities and resources.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the MRM framework and AI governance oversight. Justifying and implementing these changes will necessitate strong influencing skills.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and drive opportunities to improve business operations through model risk and AI governance insights. This often involves influencing stakeholders to adopt new processes or technologies.
• Monitor and report on key MRM and AI governance metrics and performance indicators.
• Remain current on new technologies, methods, and regulatory expectations relevant to Model risk management and AI governance.

What experience you will need

• Master's degree or higher in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in model risk management within the banking industry, with a focus on model validation.
• Deep understanding of global regulatory requirements related to model risk management (e.g., SR 11-7, BCBS 239, EBA guidelines).
• Demonstrated experience in successfully influencing stakeholders across different organizational levels and functions.
• Strong track record of building consensus and driving change through effective communication and influencing strategies.
• Experience with AI/ML model risk management, AI/ML model development, validation, and governance principles.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing effective MRM strategies and frameworks.
• Experience with statistical modeling, data analysis, and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SAS).
• Experience with complex data analysis, visualization, and development of insights based on the data.
• Industry experience in Financial Services (can be within consulting at a financial services client), preferably within the retail bank.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization.

What could set you apart

• Highly independent in thinking and framing problems, driven by intellectual curiosity.
• High degree of comfort on managing multiple assignments and priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to articulate complex information clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to align and coordinate internal resources.
• High energy, with strong will and ambition to learn and work on new things.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical information to non technical audiences.

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