Director, Financial Crimes Model Risk Management

01/29/2026

Address:

100 King Street West

Audit, Risk & Compliance

Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of financial crime prevention.

As a leader in our Model Risk Management team, you’ll play a pivotal role in safeguarding the organization from cyber, fraud, and emerging risks.   This is more than a job—it’s a chance to make an impact by ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the models that protect our financial ecosystem.  This team is a specialized group within the Financial Crimes Unit. Their mission is to evaluate and validate models used to detect and prevent fraud, cyber threats, and financial crime. This includes traditional statistical models and cutting-edge AI/ML and GenAI models.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Cutting-edge innovation: Work with advanced technologies like Generative AI, large language models, and machine learning to assess and improve models that detect fraud and cyber threats.

• Leadership with purpose: Lead a high-performing team of experts, shaping the future of model risk governance in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

• Collaborative culture: Join a tight-knit, supportive team that values knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collective success.

• Strategic influence: Your insights will directly inform business decisions and regulatory compliance, giving you a seat at the table where it matters most.

• Career-defining experience: Gain deep exposure to financial crimes, cyber risk, and AI/ML model validation—a rare and valuable combination in today’s market.

Team Culture:

• Highly collaborative and supportive—team members actively share knowledge and help each other grow.

• Innovative and forward-thinking—always exploring new technologies and methodologies.

• Mission-focused—driven by a shared purpose to protect the organization and its custom

***This is a HYBRID role***

Two day in office is required. (This may change due to changing needs of Tech and Ops Return to work office strategy )

SKILLS and Experience:

•  7+ years of people leadership (managerial) experience with  leading large teams of direct reports

• 10+ yrs of experience and expert knowledge of model validation, model risk management practices

• Expert knowledge in managed model development

• 10+ yrs of experience with risk policy frameworks; quality control / testing frameworks, and regulatory requirements

• 7 yrs with Artificial Intelligence

• 10 + years in each of the following: : Python, SAS,   SQL, PySpark

• 10+ years in Cloud,

• Expertise with Advanced Analytics

• Expertise with Quantitative analysis ( in Statistics )

• Expertise with data modeling

• Solid knowledge of anti-fraud in Banking and Cards and/or cyber domains

Nice to HAVE skills:

• Generative AI,

• large language models

• natural language modeling

CORE Responsibilities:

• Performs validation of models and assesses model risk to confirm model appropriateness and capability for a designated portfolio.

• Evaluate model development and communicates decisions regarding model use to the business to ensure transparency and understanding of models and model risks.

• Assesses model’s capabilities, stress points and limitations; assesses the associated model risk and the controls in place to mitigate identified risks.

• Provides technical advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of the model vetting framework, and resolution of model risk issues.

• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of business and related risk management requirements and legislative/ regulatory directives and guidance.

• Identifies deficiencies, conditions for model use, recommends changes, and escalates as required; quantifies model risks, documents outcomes and communicates with stakeholders.

• Leads and integrates the monitoring, measurement & reporting of the status of the model development program / portfolio to internal & external stakeholders

Additional Information:

Performs validation of models and assesses model risk to confirm model appropriateness and capability for a designated portfolio. Provides effective challenge during model development and communicates decisions regarding model use to the business to ensure transparency and understanding of models and model risks. Assesses model’s capabilities, stress points and limitations; assesses the associated model risk and the controls in place to mitigate identified risks.

• Fosters a culture aligned to BMO purpose, values and strategy and role models BMO values and behaviours in all that they do.
• Ensures alignment between values and behaviour that fosters diversity and inclusion.
• Regularly connects work to BMO’s purpose, sets inspirational goals, defines clear expected outcomes, and ensures clear accountability for follow through.
• Builds interdependent teams that collaborate across functional and operating groups to create the highest value for all stakeholders.
• Attracts, retains, and enables the career development of top talent.
• Improves team performance, recognizes and rewards performance, coaches employees, supports their development, and manages poor performance.
• Acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders for making business decisions and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Develops an expert understanding of business/group challenges.
• Networks with industry contacts to gather competitive insights and best practices.
• Recommends measures to improve organizational effectiveness.
• May consult to or serve on various committees and task forces.
• Influences and negotiates to achieve business objectives.
• Identifies emerging issues and trends to inform decision-making.
• Recommends business priorities, advises on resource requirements and develops roadmap for strategic execution.
• Manages resources and leads the execution of strategic initiatives to deliver on business and financial goals.
• Measures the effectiveness of validation and monitoring framework; recommends changes as required.
• Conducts independent analysis and assessment to resolve strategic issues.
• Acts as the prime contact for internal/external stakeholder relationships, which may include regulators.
• Represents the model validation program / portfolio for internal/external regulatory audits and/or examinations.
• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
• Designs and produces regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
• Develops and manages comprehensive information management systems; designs and/or leads initiatives to improve processes, analysis and reporting.
• Defines business requirements for analytics & reporting to ensure data insights inform business decision making.
• Assesses and adapts existing operational programs; develops new capabilities to ensure ongoing success.
• Leads the research and development for validation of new types of models.
• Leads and integrates the monitoring, measurement & reporting of the status of the model validation program / portfolio to internal & external stakeholders.
• Provides input into the planning and implementation of ongoing operational programs in support of the model vetting framework and portfolio.
• Leads in the design, implementation and management of core business/group processes.
• Develops validation strategies and plans to ensure appropriate type and level of vetting of models is carried out.
• Independently validates / tests models and their associated assumptions, benchmarks, and supporting documentation against model vesting process, standards, guidelines and principles; assesses the data for model development as well as inputs to the model; compares validation results with model developer results for replicability.
• Identifies deficiencies, conditions for model use, recommends changes, and escalates as required; quantifies model risks, documents outcomes and communicates with stakeholders.
• Identifies where corrective actions are required and escalates per guidelines; monitors and ensures corrective action is taken.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to assigned business/group on implementation of the model vetting framework, and resolution of model risk issues.
• Develops and maintains in-depth knowledge of business and related risk management requirements and legislative/ regulatory directives and guidance.
• Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders.
• Ensures alignment between stakeholders.
• Monitors and tracks performance; addresses any issues.
• Coordinates and monitors the review and sign-off of model validation reporting including model inventory and model inventory attestations.
• Operates at a group/enterprise-wide level and serves as a senior specialist resource across BMO.
• Influences how teams/groups work together.
• Applies expertise and thinks creatively to address unique or ambiguous situations and to find solutions to multiple, interdependent, complex problems.
• Communicates abstract concepts in simple terms.
• Fosters strong internal and external networks and works with and across multiple teams to achieve business objectives.
• Anticipates trends and responds by implementing appropriate changes.
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

  Qualifications:

• Typically 9+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of the model validation, model risk management practices.
• Expert knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Expert knowledge & experience with risk policy frameworks; quality control / testing frameworks.
• Seasoned expert with extensive industry knowledge.
• Technical leader viewed as a thought leader for innovation.
• Verbal & written communication skills - Expert.
• Analytical and problem solving skills - Expert.
• Influence skills - Expert.
• Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - Expert.
• Able to manage ambiguity.
• Data driven decision making - Expert.

$121,600.00 - $211,800.00

Salaried

The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type.

Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position.

BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards

About Us

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.

To find out more visit us at https://jobs.bmo.com/ca/en.

BMO is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. By learning from each other’s differences, we gain strength through our people and our perspectives. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please contact your recruiter.

Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.