Dickenson Africa from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), talks to The Ortus Club’s Francine Geli about the role of the Deputy Chief Risk and Compliance Officer in overseeing risk, business continuity, and compliance management.
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Can you give us a one-sentence description of your company?
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the Philippines’ central monetary authority, which leads the formulation of financial policies conducive to the country’s balanced and sustainable economy.
Can you describe the role of a Deputy Chief Risk and Compliance Officer in one word. Why?
Governance. A part of my role is to aid top management in ensuring that the central bank identifies and assesses risks and manages its resiliency to be self-contained initiatives. Moreover, my job is to effectively implement information security and comply with various obligations that will affect the operations of a central bank as an institution.
What current challenges are Chief Risk and Compliance Officers facing right now? Can you identify a solution?
The challenge is continuing to improve and mature the program. The solution is a constant evolution. We improve our techniques, benchmark with other central banks, align ourselves with leading practices, and learn from other institutions.
How do you explain the success you’ve had in your career?
Continuous learning and networking with like-minded individuals allowed me to reach this far into my career as the Deputy Chief Risk and Compliance Officers of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It helped me broaden my horizons and share my knowledge with my peers and my team. This helped us achieve our goals as an institution and provide management advice related to our practice.
“Never stop learning, network with like-minded professionals, and be collaborative. Discover creative ways to broaden your horizons and share your knowledge with others.”
Can you tell us about a time you took a major risk in your career?
Twenty years ago, I started my career as a bank examiner. I conducted bank audits for financial institutions. During an internship in the BSP, I was allowed to implement strategies for the Business Continuity Management Systems project. It gave me the chance to focus on the external side of BSP meant examining banks and the internal process, manage disruptions, and help different business units attain a level of resiliency to continue to serve the public. I wouldn’t say it’s a risk, but instead, it was a chance for me to take on something I haven’t done before.
What marketing/business trends are you taking advantage of right now?
We’re currently focusing on digital transformation. If the government like the BSP could use this, we can recalibrate our processes and make sure that we are ready in the future, allowing us to be more effective as we fulfil our role and duty to the public.
What career advice would you like to share with other Chief Risk and Compliance Officers?
Continuously learn and network with like-minded professionals so that your knowledge will not be limited to the industry you’re working in. Always have an attitude of collaboration and partner with several organisations. I hope that these key takeaways can help fellow professionals in their careers.
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