Stephen Owolabi
San Diego,CA
Summary
Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Consultant
Self Employed
03.2021 - Current
- Conducted thorough reviews of clients' operations to devise and deploy improvement strategies.
- Reviewed internal systems and organized training plans to address areas in need of improvement.
- Facilitated change management initiatives within client organizations, minimizing resistance and maximizing adoption rates.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
Risk Advisor Executive
Self-Employed (Fiducia Data Services Ltd)
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Enhanced overall company resilience by integrating effective risk management practices into daily operations.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments, identifying potential threats and opportunities for improvement.
- Evaluated third-party relationships to ensure compliance with industry standards and minimize potential risks associated with partnerships.
- Developed and executed tailored risk mitigation plans to address specific organizational vulnerabilities.
Chief Risk Officer
Impact Credit Guarantee Limited
12.2019 - 01.2021
- Increased transparency of risk-related information, fostering better decision-making among key stakeholders.
- Established effective communication channels between departments to proactively address emerging risks.
- Presented risk-related findings to executive management and the board of directors, ensuring that key stakeholders are equipped with the information needed to make informed decisions.
- Fostered strong relationships with regulators, auditors, and other external stakeholders through open communication and collaboration on risk-related matters.
- Reduced operational risks by implementing robust risk management frameworks and policies.
- Managed regulatory compliance efforts by staying abreast of changes in legislation and ensuring timely implementation of required actions.
Head of Risk - [Group Credit Portfolio & Projects]
Access Bank Plc
01.2017 - 11.2019
- Established an effective framework for monitoring concentration risk within the Bank’s credit portfolio, preventing overexposure to any single counterparty or sector.
- Promoted a proactive approach to managing problem loans through early identification of deteriorating accounts and swift implementation of workout strategies.
- Reduced credit losses by identifying early warning signals and taking prompt corrective actions.
- Implemented a comprehensive credit risk reporting system to provide timely and accurate information for senior management decision-making.
- Improved the Bank's overall credit portfolio quality with thorough risk assessments and effective mitigation strategies.
- Reduced past due balances and bad debt by coordinating collection efforts with customer service, sales and remedial assets units.
- Participated in strategic projects to support business goals.
Chief Risk Officer
Access Bank Plc [GHANA]
10.2014 - 12.2016
- Implemented an enterprise-wide risk management framework, aligning organizational goals with acceptable levels of risk exposure.
- Increased transparency of risk-related information, fostering better decision-making among key stakeholders.
- Presented risk-related findings to executive management and the board of directors, ensuring that key stakeholders are equipped with the information needed to make informed decisions.
- Fostered strong relationships with regulators, auditors, and other external stakeholders through open communication and collaboration on risk-related matters.
- Led cross-functional teams in the development of enterprise-wide risk management initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Developed key performance indicators for measuring the effectiveness of implemented risk management strategies, allowing for continuous improvement efforts.
Head of Credit Risk Management [International]
Access Bank Plc
02.2009 - 09.2014
- Managed a diverse team of professionals responsible for overseeing all aspects of credit risk management, including underwriting, monitoring, reporting, and policy development.
- Conducted periodic reviews of the bank's lending guidelines to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Enhanced the bank's overall risk culture by promoting increased awareness of credit risks throughout the organization, fostering accountability at all levels.
- Streamlined the credit approval process, increasing efficiency and reducing turnaround time for loan applications.
- Provided expert guidance to business units on structuring complex transactions while minimizing credit risk exposure.
- Enhanced credit risk management capabilities by developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures.
- Structured complex transactions and negotiated complex credit documentation to mitigate risk.
Education
MBA -
Bangor University
Gwynedd, Wales, UK Bachelor of Science - Finance
University of Lagos
Lagos, NigeriaPostgraduate Certificate - Project Finance
Middlesex University
London, UK04.2022
Postgraduate Certificate - International Trade Finance
Middlesex University
London, UK09.2022
No Degree - Middle Management Program (MMP)
University of Pennsylvania [Wharton]
Philadelphia, PA08.2016
Skills
- Risk Reporting
- Portfolio Management
- Leadership and People Development
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Attention to Detail
- Decision-Making
- Client Relationship Building
- Interpersonal Communication
- Policies and Procedures
- Negotiation
Affiliations
- Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)
- Chartered Banker Institute, UK
- Risk Management Association of Nigeria (RIMAN)
- Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Timeline
Risk Advisor Executive
Self-Employed (Fiducia Data Services Ltd)
08.2022 - 05.2023
Independent Consultant
Self Employed
03.2021 - Current
Chief Risk Officer
Impact Credit Guarantee Limited
12.2019 - 01.2021
Head of Risk - [Group Credit Portfolio & Projects]
Access Bank Plc
01.2017 - 11.2019
Chief Risk Officer
Access Bank Plc [GHANA]
10.2014 - 12.2016
Head of Credit Risk Management [International]
Access Bank Plc
02.2009 - 09.2014
MBA -
Bangor University
Bachelor of Science - Finance
University of Lagos
Postgraduate Certificate - Project Finance
Middlesex University
Postgraduate Certificate - International Trade Finance
Middlesex University
No Degree - Middle Management Program (MMP)
University of Pennsylvania [Wharton]