Chief Risk Officer
EBA CLEARING is a provider of pan‑European payment infrastructure solutions founded in 1998. The company is owned by 48 of the major banks operating in Europe and works on a country‑neutral governance model. Its payment systems – EURO1, STEP2, RT1 and value‑added services – are designed for pan‑European use and are developed in close cooperation with a multinational user community and leading technology partners.
Before applying for this position, which can be based in Paris (France), Brussels (Belgium) or Frankfurt (Germany), please ensure that you are authorised to work in the European Union. Please apply with a CV in English.
Role Overview
The Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is responsible for leading the enterprise‑wide risk management function of EBA CLEARING, ensuring resilience, security, risk management and compliance across EURO1, STEP2, RT1 and associated value‑added services. In a provider of two systemically important payment systems overseen by the European Central Bank (ECB), the CRO must balance operational integrity with strategic foresight amid changing regulations, technology and competitive dynamics.
Responsibilities
* Maintain and update a comprehensive risk management framework and related risk policies, covering operational, information security, cyber, financial and strategic risk, fully aligned with ECB oversight and EU regulatory standards.
* Serve as the primary liaison between the Company’s Risk Management function and the ECB Oversight Team.
* Develop, mentor and organise the Risk Management team, ensuring up‑to‑date skillsets and a proactive risk culture.
* Act as senior risk advisor to the CEO, Board Risk Committee and internal Heads of Units; cultivate a culture of risk awareness and challenge counterparts constructively.
* Align the Risk Management function with the Company’s current and future strategic direction; conduct horizon scanning on developments in banking, payments, technology and other areas that could impact the Company and its services; evolve risk tolerance, frameworks and policies supporting innovation within prudent boundaries.
Qualifications
* Master’s degree in Finance, Risk, Economics, Computer Science, Law or a related field with evidence of continuous learning; advanced risk certification is an advantage.
* 15+ years in senior risk roles with payment system operators, other financial market infrastructure providers or central banking; experience in major financial institutions is highly relevant.
* Strong knowledge of regulatory and oversight processes, the SIPS Regulation and the CPMI‑IOSCO Principles for FMIs; knowledge of CROE and DORA is an advantage.
* Technical expertise in cyber‑resilience, ISO 20022, real‑time payments, EPC rulebooks, and the ability to assess risks and evaluate risk mitigation plans.
* Proven leadership across multi‑jurisdictional and multi‑cultural teams; fluent English (minimum C2 level), with French or German an advantage.
Core Competencies
* Strategic Systems Thinking – connect micro‑risks with macro‑risks and systemic impacts.
* Innovative Pragmatism – balance regulatory compliance with forward‑looking innovation.
* Stakeholder Management – engage effectively with ECB, regulators, Board, Company management and shareholder banks; effective use of Key Risk Indicators.
* Resilience & Crisis Leadership – calm, structured leadership under stress.
* Ethical Leadership – integrity, independence, accountability, transparency and the ability to challenge constructively.
* Excellent communication skills at all levels, including external stakeholders.
Success Indicators
* Key risks identified, escalated as required, and well managed.
* ECB oversight feedback on the risk function consistently satisfactory.
* Risk tolerance framework embedded across services.
* Measurable improvements in resilience and user confidence.
What We Offer
* A competitive salary package and attractive benefits, including a wellness and cultural activities budget and meal tickets.
* Professional development opportunities, including training budgets and internal mobility.
* A flexible work environment, including the option to work from home.
* Happy workplace initiatives – well-being workshops, social events, green initiatives, onboarding support and more.
Equal Opportunity
EBA CLEARING is committed to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. All recruitment decisions are based solely on the individual’s qualifications, skills and experience. EBA CLEARING ensures compliance with the principle of non‑discrimination toward any person in the context of a recruitment procedure.
For questions about the interview process, please let our Talent Acquisition Specialist know. Visit our website to learn more about EBA CLEARING and submit your application via our career portal.
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