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Discover Divya Eapen
Tune in for an immersive CPD-accredited risk management discussion with Divya Eapen, a seasoned risk management consultant, and Chief Risk Officer, sharing her invaluable journey in the ever-evolving world of Fintech. With experience spanning from global institutions like Citibank to innovative financial technology, Divya offers unique perspectives on risk management in this rapidly changing landscape.
In this episode of RiskMasters, you will discover
Divya’s career in risk management, and how to bounce back from failure
Her insights into working with Fintechs and payment companies
How Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are reshaping risk and compliance strategies in the Fintech space and payment industry
More about Divya Eapen
Divya is a commercial and experienced credit led Chief Risk Officer (SMF4 equivalent) across the consumer and wholesale space. She has recently set up a risk consultancy focused on two segments:
Provision of risk management advisory largely to fintechs and regtechs, especially around projects involving risk culture, governance, framework and appetites
Advisory to SMEs and MMEs on optimising debt finance to support growth or turnaround, and connecting them with sources of these funding options
She is passionate about inspiring teams with a shared purpose to build and transform businesses in a positive and sustainable manner.
She embraces the usage of technology and data to enable smarter and faster decision making. And finally, Divya has strong sense of fairness, and dedicated to make improving diversity and inclusion.
Outside of work, Divya has two young boys that keep her very active, and as a result is learning to play tennis and piano with them. She has a keen interest in wine, and has studied it to a high level.
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Find out more about Divya Eapen
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divya-eapen/
Download the transcript of the interview with Divya Eapen
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Summary of the interview with Divya Eapen on RiskMasters
In the third episode of the RiskMasters series, Divya Eapen, a seasoned chief risk officer, consultant and advisor, shares her insights and experiences in the world of FinTech. Divya's journey into risk management was somewhat unexpected. She initially applied for an asset management role at Citi, only to discover during the interview that it was actually a credit risk portfolio management position. Despite the surprise, she persevered and ultimately found herself in the world of risk management.
Divya's career has been marked by a transition from traditional banking to the dynamic realm of FinTech. Motivated by a desire for excitement and the opportunity to shape organizational strategy, she took a leap of faith. This shift allowed her to bring fresh ideas, gain credibility with stakeholders, and enjoy a fulfilling career, even if it meant facing some financial trade-offs.
Balancing a demanding career with family life is a challenge many professionals face. Divya offers a unique perspective, suggesting that rather than striving for perfect balance at any given moment, it's more constructive to view life as a series of years. This approach helps alleviate the pressure of always excelling in every role simultaneously.
One of the most significant challenges Divya encountered in her career was at Greensill, an experience she describes as both incredible and challenging. Despite her best efforts, a series of events, including the pandemic, led to the company's downfall. This left Divya grappling with a sense of failure and the need for a fresh start. Taking time to recover physically and mentally, she eventually emerged stronger and more determined.
Divya emphasizes the importance of resilience in risk management, especially for women in financial services. She believes that the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in the industry, while sometimes leading to imposter syndrome, can actually be a powerful asset. The ability to navigate and articulate risks in the face of adversity can offer a valuable perspective in boardrooms and executive teams.
As a Chief Risk Officer, Divya's role extends beyond traditional risk management. She highlights the significance of being a risk partner rather than a mere manager, emphasizing the need for collaboration across the organization. This includes maintaining a commercial focus and aligning risk management with growth strategies.
In the rapidly evolving world of FinTech, regulatory compliance is a critical concern. Divya underscores the importance of staying informed about regulatory changes, even in the absence of dedicated horizon-scanning teams. Networking with peers, staying engaged with industry groups, and leveraging AI tools can help FinTech companies navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning play a pivotal role in enhancing risk management capabilities. Divya envisions AI aiding in horizon scanning, transaction monitoring, and even credit risk assessment. However, she emphasizes that human judgment remains indispensable, especially in distinguishing between correlation and causation.
Divya's journey in risk management is a testament to the value of adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking. Her insights offer valuable lessons for professionals navigating the complex world of FinTech, where balancing innovation and risk management is crucial for sustained success.
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