Transversal Technology Senior Risk Partner

Introduction:

We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.

We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.

What to expect

In this role you will:

Technology Risk Management:

• Support first line to identify, assess, and monitor risks and controls associated with application changes, including upgrades, migrations, and new implementations
• Independently challenge changes, deployments, and application strategies to propose ‘control by design’ within software development, in alignment to industry standards where applicable.
• Work within the Enterprise Risk Management Framework to provide independent challenge to the first line of defence to empower strong decision making.
• Provide independent challenge to an ambitious technology strategy in a dynamic change environment.
• Conduct regular second-line reviews and challenges of change management processes, outcomes, and effectiveness.

Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Risk Management:

• Assess and provide strong independent challenge on risks and controls throughout the SDLC, from design to deployment and maintenance to ensure secure and software development practices in line with Swift’s control frameworks.
• Partner with development and security teams to assess risks related to coding, testing, deployment, and release management.
• Assess and provide strong independent challenge on Swift’s Agile Control Framework, Control Plans and the governance and updates of the framework.
• Consult with second line colleagues on specific risk assessments for Product changes as needed.
• Provide challenge to the first line to ensure adherence to ITIL practices including effective incident, problem, and change management.
• Navigate existing governance framework requirements for technology change management to ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability when they are applied.

Cyber Risk Management:

• Challenge cyber risks and controls associated with technology changes, digital transformation, and operational processes in line with the Enterprise Risk Management Framework (ERMF).
   
• Work closely with cybersecurity teams and within second line to ensure robust security controls are integrated within change management and technology initiatives.
   
• Challenge the first line to ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations, industry frameworks, and best practices (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, CIS).
   

Operational Excellence:

• Champion best practices in operational risk management and continuous improvement across first and second lines.
• Work with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, ensure risks are identified, enhance controls, and ensure operational excellence is at the forefront of all that we do.
• Report on operational risk performance to various governance forums at Executive, Board and Oversight levels.

Incident Management and Lessons Learned:

• Participate in root cause analysis of technology-related incidents and provide clear challenge to ensure the efficient implementation of corrective actions.
• Support management in identifying controls that failed, and/ or the absence of a control and taking corrective action. Share any identified control weaknesses and gaps in second line.
• Collaborate with Product and Technology Platform Risk Partners to monitor implementation of actions identified post-incident.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing insights and recommendations on risk management and operational resilience.
• Facilitate risk workshops and training sessions to enhance risk awareness across the organization.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and alignment.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Information Technology, Risk Management, Internal Audit, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or certifications (e.g. ITIL, CBEST, CRISC, CISSP, or an engineering certification) preferred.
• Experience of implementing, challenging or providing assurance on NIST, ISO27001 or CIS control environments.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in technology risk management, operational risk, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of technology change management frameworks, ITIL, and operational risk methodologies.
• Experience with SDLC risk management, in an Agile environment.
• Strong understanding of Agile principles and their implications for risk management and the internal control environment.
• Experience applying ITIL best practices in software development and operational processes.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders including Executives, Board and Oversight.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and ability to balance risk and business priorities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in using risk management tools and software.
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

What we offer

• We put you in control of your career
• We give you a competitive package
• We help you perform at your best
• We help you make a difference
• We give you the freedom to be yourself

We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals—like you—with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone's voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.

If you believe you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us to request accommodation.

Don't meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.