Role Overview for Chief Risk Officer with a Public FinTech – San Francisco, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, publicly-traded Financial Technology (FinTech) company based in the vibrant tech hub of San Francisco, CA. Our client is a market leader, renowned for its innovative solutions that are reshaping the financial landscape. As a public entity, they operate with the highest standards of transparency, governance, and regulatory scrutiny.
We are seeking a visionary and highly experienced Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to join their executive leadership team. This is a critical, strategic role responsible for the entire enterprise risk management (ERM) framework, ensuring the company’s sustained growth and stability in a complex and rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned risk professional with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the FinTech sector, coupled with the rigorous discipline required for a public company. You will be the principal architect and steward of the company’s risk appetite, policies, and culture. Reporting directly to the CEO and the Board of Directors’ Risk Committee, you will provide the essential independent oversight and strategic guidance necessary to navigate financial, operational, technological, and regulatory risks.
Your leadership will be instrumental in balancing innovation with prudent risk-taking, safeguarding the company’s assets, reputation, and shareholder value. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a high-growth organization at the forefront of financial innovation.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Risk Officer with a Public FinTech – San Francisco, CA
The Chief Risk Officer will have a broad and influential mandate. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework
Design, implement, and continuously enhance a comprehensive ERM framework that identifies, assesses, mitigates, and monitors all material risks across the organization. This includes credit, market, liquidity, operational, compliance, strategic, and technology/cybersecurity risks.
Risk Appetite and Strategy
Collaborate with the executive team and the Board to define and articulate the company’s risk appetite statement. Ensure that business strategies and objectives are aligned with this appetite and that a robust risk culture is embedded throughout the organization.
Regulatory Compliance and Relations
Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies (e.g., SEC, FINRA, CFPB, OCC). Ensure the company’s full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. Oversee regulatory filings and examinations.
Board and Executive Reporting
Develop and present clear, concise, and actionable risk reports to the executive management team, the Risk Committee, and the full Board of Directors. Provide insightful analysis on risk exposures, trends, and mitigation strategies to inform strategic decision-making.
Credit Risk Management
Oversee the credit risk function, including underwriting policies, portfolio management, loan loss reserving, and collections strategies. Implement advanced analytics and modeling to optimize credit decisioning and manage portfolio performance.
Operational Risk Management
Establish and manage a robust operational risk framework, including risk and control self-assessments (RCSAs), key risk indicators (KRIs), incident management, and business continuity planning (BCP). Address risks related to processes, people, systems, and external events.
Technology and Cybersecurity Risk Oversight
Partner closely with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to identify and mitigate technology and cybersecurity risks. Ensure the company’s data, systems, and platforms are secure and resilient against evolving threats.
Third-Party Risk Management
Develop and maintain a comprehensive program for managing risks associated with vendors, partners, and other third parties. Conduct due diligence, monitor performance, and ensure contractual compliance.
Leadership and Team Development
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing, multi-disciplinary risk management team. Foster a culture of collaboration, critical thinking, and continuous improvement within the risk function and across the company.
Capital and Liquidity Management
Work with the CFO to assess capital adequacy and manage liquidity risk, ensuring the company maintains sufficient resources to meet its obligations under various stress scenarios.
Requirements for the Chief Risk Officer with a Public FinTech – San Francisco, CA
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in senior risk management roles within complex financial organizations. The ideal candidate will possess:
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CRO, Deputy CRO, Head of Enterprise Risk) within the financial services, banking, or FinTech industry.
Public Company Expertise
Demonstrable experience working within a publicly-traded company is essential. Deep familiarity with SEC reporting requirements, SOX compliance, and public company governance is required.
FinTech Acumen
A strong understanding of the FinTech ecosystem, including digital lending, payments, blockchain, or other related areas. Experience managing risks associated with innovative products and technology platforms.
Regulatory Knowledge
Expert-level knowledge of the U.S. financial regulatory landscape. Proven experience interacting directly with federal and state regulators.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related quantitative field is required. An advanced degree (MBA, MS in Finance, etc.) and/or professional certifications (CFA, FRM, CRM) are highly preferred.
Analytical Skills
Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, develop risk models, and make data-driven decisions.
Leadership and Communication
Proven ability to lead and inspire teams. Outstanding executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex risk concepts to diverse audiences, including the Board of Directors, investors, regulators, and employees.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and act as a true business partner to the executive team, providing risk-based insights that support sustainable growth and innovation.
Integrity
Unquestionable ethics, integrity, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and professional conduct.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term equity incentive package (RSUs/Stock Options).
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with minimal employee contributions.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you prepare for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Wellness Programs
A monthly wellness stipend that can be used for gym memberships, fitness classes, mental health apps, and more.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
Family Support
Comprehensive parental leave policies and family-planning benefits.
Office Perks
A modern and collaborative office space in San Francisco, complete with catered lunches, healthy snacks, and beverages.
Commuter Benefits
Pre-tax benefits for public transportation and parking.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative risk leader ready to take on a career-defining challenge with a dynamic public FinTech company, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications for this specific role. We are committed to a confidential and thorough review process.
JRG Partners specializes in placing top executive talent in the financial technology sector. Learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting our FinTech Executive Search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.
