Head of Risk Management


Location: Basel, Switzerland (Global applications welcome)
Contract: Five-year fixed term
Application deadline: Monday 8 June 2026 (end of day)

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is seeking a highly experienced Head of Risk Management with strong strategic vision to lead our independent risk management unit. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the risk strategy of a global financial institution at the heart of the international financial system.

About the Role

As Head of Risk Management, you will oversee the Bank’s approach to identifying, assessing, and managing financial and operational risks. Reporting directly to the Deputy General Manager in their capacity as Chief Risk Officer, you will ensure that risk considerations are fully integrated into decision-making processes across the organisation.

You will lead a team of 40 highly qualified professionals, fostering a strong risk culture and ensuring the BIS remains resilient in a dynamic global environment. As a member of Senior Management, you will contribute to the general management of the Bank, providing independent advice on emerging risks and collaborating with departments to implement effective risk practices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and implement the BIS’s risk management framework, policies, and governance in line with the Bank’s risk appetite and strategic goals.
  • Oversee financial risk management, ensuring independent assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of risks related to BIS banking activities.
  • Lead operational risk management efforts, including second-line-of-defence functions such as Resilience and Banking Compliance.
  • Drive scenario analysis to identify and address emerging risks, supporting the Bank’s strategy and risk appetite.
  • Inspire and lead a diverse, multicultural team, ensuring effective resource management, succession planning, and staff development.
  • Represent the BIS in external networks, liaising with central banks, international financial institutions, and professional risk management bodies.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with:

  • Extensive experience: Over 15 years in financial and operational risk management, with more than 10 years of proven leadership in a senior role. Experience in a central bank, international financial institution, or global financial organisation is a plus.
  • Exceptional leadership skills: Strategic vision, ability to drive change, and a collaborative mindset to foster a strong risk culture.
  • Technical expertise: A deep understanding of financial risk management, including credit analysis, scenario modelling, and IT systems oversight. Strong expertise in operational risk management is an asset
  • Strong communication skills: Ability to engage effectively at all levels, with excellent written and oral skills in English. Additional languages are a plus.
  • Educational background: A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.

Why Join the BIS?

At the BIS, internationalism is at the core of everything we do. With staff from over 66 countries, you will work in a truly global and inclusive environment. We offer:

  • Relocation support for you and your family, including childcare and education allowances (where applicable).
  • A hybrid working environment with home office and working-from-abroad opportunities.
  • A competitive compensation package and benefits designed to support working families.
  • A unique opportunity to collaborate with experts from central banks, international organisations, and the private sector.

Who we are:

Internationalism is at the core of our identity and the best representation of this is our workforce. With employees from over 66 countries and offices in nine locations, the BIS is a global organisation with a truly international workforce. By joining us, you will work in a unique, highly rewarding, and international work environment. We are committed to equal opportunities at the BIS and aim to build a workforce that reflects our global membership. We strive to attract the best talent and foster an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including those with a breadth of professional experience. You can discover more about our inclusive working environment here. 

What the BIS offers:

We want your time at BIS to be a rewarding and career-enriching experience. We offer an agile and flexible working environment with hybrid working opportunities including home office and working from abroad days. To support our international applicants, we offer relocation support that extends to your dependent family members. In addition, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including support for working families including childcare and education allowances (where applicable). Finally, we offer a genuinely unique international working environment, which will give you exposure to the global financial system and the opportunity to collaborate with passionate experts from all over the world. 

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.