Lessons from 21 Years of Success in Risk Management

Patience, Mentorship, and Consistency

With more than two decades in risk management, D. has witnessed how market shifts, leadership changes, and evolving client demands can significantly impact careers. His journey, from Barclays Capital to HSBC, BNP Paribas, and beyond, offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complex world of banking.

The Power of Patience

Early in his career at Barclays Capital, D. experienced the upheaval caused by the Global Financial Crisis. Teams were reshuffled, managers reassigned, and stability was hard to find. Faced with uncertainty, he transitioned into a new role that ultimately proved less rewarding. It was during this period that one of his mentors offered advice that still guides him today:

“Make sure you are running toward something, not away from something.”

This lesson on patience and intentional decision-making is one he often shares with recruits. His advice is simple: don’t make career moves in panic; wait for the storm to pass, then move forward with clarity.

Defining Success in Risk Management

For D., success comes from an engineer’s mindset: a desire to understand systems from end to end.

“I like to know why we’re doing what we’re doing, what truly matters for the project, and how every element contributes. Problem-solving is my strength, and it’s something anyone can develop by digging deep into client needs and technical requirements.”

This problem-solving orientation has allowed him to lead product development initiatives across multiple institutions, delivering results while building trust with clients.

Mentorship: A Career Accelerator

If there’s one piece of advice D. gives to newcomers in banking, it’s to find a mentor.

“Whether it’s your manager or a senior colleague, mentors provide insights that go beyond technical skills. They help you see the bigger picture and approach challenges from a different angle.”

In a fast-paced industry like banking, mentorship isn’t just valuable—it can be transformative.

Why Consistency Matters

Colleagues and clients alike have found that D. values consistency above all else. Reliability builds trust. Even something as small as acknowledging an email after hours to confirm it will be addressed the next day leaves a lasting impression.

“When firms restructure, being known as dependable, the person clients and colleagues rely on, makes you an asset. That reliability often protects you when change comes.”

Collaboration Over Competition

Even as an expert, D. emphasises the importance of teamwork. Risk management doesn’t happen in isolation; it requires coordination across departments. At times, that means working with challenging personalities, but D. has learned to remain pragmatic:

“Focus on solving the problem, not on the drama. Directness and constructive engagement go a long way in building lasting professional relationships.”

Final Thoughts

After 21 years in risk management, D.’s lessons are clear:

• Be patient—don’t rush into decisions during uncertain times.

• Find mentors—they provide invaluable perspective.

• Stay consistent, reliability builds trust and resilience.

• Value collaboration; success is never achieved alone.

For those just starting in banking, these lessons are more than career advice, they’re survival strategies in an industry where change is the only constant.