Finance & Risk Management

Using abstract thinking to make real-world impact

“I actually started in science and got a PhD in chemistry from the University of Southern California. My work in quantum chemistry was pretty abstract. While I loved it, I wanted to work on something closer to real life but also still make use of my skills. This search led me to work for an investment bank.”

A good mix of technical knowledge and leadership skills

“I started my career as a prime brokerage quantitative analyst, then switching to a market risk role. After more than five years in market risk, I grew interested in data science and AI and its applications. I enrolled in a one-year training program in that field offered by one of research universities. It was after completion of the program that I relocated to the Netherlands with my family and shortly after that started working at ABN AMRO. This has been the best job for me to use both my risk knowledge and data science skills.”

“My role now combines data science and project management, as I am responsible for model re-development projects. In general, I tend to be quite a structured person and I also like to influence the content discussions, so the responsibilities of my role excite me.”

Seeing your work make a difference

“It takes time for anyone to acclimate themselves to a new work environment. For me, it only took a couple months to see where we were going as a group and how I could contribute. My first project at the bank was back-scoring the new definition of default on seven years of past data. The main challenges we faced were the usual pitfalls of historic data, namely its quality and availability. However, we accomplished it as a team and that success really inspired us. Now that solution is used as a basis of many model redevelopments.”

“I like the importance of our job because it directly impacts the bank. Models are used to quantify risk, which is essential for regulatory capital and deal pricing. Risk estimates must be accurate in order to know how much capital the bank needs to hold in order to maintain financial strength. Stability of banks is fundamental to stability of financial system, the latter directly impacts our society. With this in mind, I feel that what I do really makes a difference.”

Flexibility paves the way

“I very much like ABN AMRO’s open culture. It allows people from different departments to work together collaboratively. Everyone strives to help each other. When you reach out to people within the organisation, you know that they will respond with care.”

“You can also bring your ideas on board and implement your vision. Yes, you will have some logical constraints because you have to deliver particular product by particular deadline. However, you are free to choose the path to it. This flexibility helps us push past the impediments and difficulties. We always find a way.”

“During my initial interview, I noticed that people were very friendly and outgoing. They were less concerned with exact answer and more interested in the way of thinking and arriving to it. Of course, the role is quantitative and technical, so a good foundation in mathematics and statistics is necessary. However logical thinking, effective communication and genuine interest in the field are often more important than having all the right answers.”

Opportunities for personal growth and development

In addition to a wide variety of e-learning opportunities for all employees, we have an annual budget of EUR 1,000 per person set aside for personal development, language courses, or professional courses. Sometimes, you can also qualify for additional budget if you find another external course related to your role. Furthermore, you can always participate in ABN AMRO's learning week, intended for all employees with very diverse topics.
For my role, leadership courses are very relevant now, but I also enjoy taking technical courses on occasion.

A team that brings out the best in each other

“Everyone on our team brings their own perspective to every challenge. But we all share that ‘can-do’ attitude so we can find a solution.”

“Plus, the ability of our team to draw the best out of each other makes us stronger than solely relying on our individual strengths. When we encounter an especially complex problem, we analyse it together to have a full grasp of it and come up with several scenarios to solve it. All challenges can be overcome. It’s just a matter of figuring out the right path.”

“We always try to set aside some time for celebrations after the important delivery. In the past, we’ve gone to escape rooms, played padel and arcade games. These activities serve as a celebration of our accomplishment as a team and strengthen our collaboration. They also help us continue working together more smoothly and effectively in the long run."