CEO Monthly Issue 10 2018

CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 10 2018 27 Pioneering Technology for the Future of Risk Management in Modern Finance Your decisions affect the lives of actual people: your employees and their families, your clients, your suppliers, etc”. Elizabeth is a skilled economist at heart; as a graduate of the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, she went on to hold key positions at Citigroup, Deutsche Bank and Scotiabank, speaking volumes about her experience and expertise in financial markets. “I started my career doing investigation for a book (the Economic History of Banco Nacional de Mexico during the Porfiriato, 1886- 1910) and thereafter, moved into the Mexican Pension Funds Regulator (CONSAR), where I was fully focused on setting up the risk management area at a time when the Presidential project was the public pension funds’ reform.” “Since then, my whole career has been in the Risk industry, as a regulator, consultant and auditor. I have over 20 years of risk related experience internationally. After the Pension Funds Regulator, I moved into risk consulting with Algorithmics/IBM, and thereafter into auditing risk in Citigroup (in Mexico and the UK). Finally, since 2013 I moved to Rhisco, joining originally as a partner, head of risk consulting practice, but thereafter also becoming the CEO.” The conversation turns to a moment on Rhisco’s team dynamic and internal culture, which celebrates – above all else – a high degree of personal responsibility, as Elizabeth details. “We have a culture centred around “the individual”. We balance work/life flexibility with very high standards of work and a dedication to delivering client work on time. Everyone is treated as an adult and a professional, especially regarding their own time and each person is responsible for his/her own career with the guidance of a ‘board’ of mentors he/she selects. Equally, we ensure that quality and ethical standards have been established and communicated to all collaborators”. “I am not a hand-holding person. I demand from myself as much or more than I ask from my team, and I try to expose them to multiple opportunities to learn and achieve. I am strong believer that you can only learn something until you have to do it. You learn the most when you fail and try again a second time. I am very direct and candid when I provide feedback, but I think I am fair, and I tend to give two opportunities before making any drastic decisions.” “Throughout my career, I have been able to interact with outstanding collaborators, mentors and friends, and have been able to identify the right opportunities and capitalise on them successfully.” Finally, when it comes to the future of Rhisco, Elizabeth emphasises the metamorphoses that the company is currently undergoing, as it pivots from consulting services to more technology-focused solutions. “We are expanding our portfolio of products, and looking into new industries, making our offering more rounded and ambitious. This will make the company go into the next stage, which will bring new challenges. We have started new ventures with business partners to produce integrated solutions and are investing in new technology, producing more intellectual property.” “I will continue walking the path of being a CEO, as I don’t believe one can say ‘you know it all’. Leading Rhisco will continue to be one of my most satisfactory achievements and I want to ensure I consistently make a positive difference in the company creating great opportunities for each member of the team and, as a woman in technology, I want to make a difference to the industry so more women are attracted to it.” In her closing comments, Elizabeth shares her personal goals: “My personal (recurring) project is to ensure I have a balanced life, where I enjoy nature, culture and time with loved ones. Ultimately, this has proven to be the second most difficult thing I have faced as a CEO.” Contact: Elizabeth Marvan Company: Rhisco Solutions Limited, a company of Rhisco Group Headquarters Address: Level 39, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB, UK Web Address: www.rhisco.com Telephone: 0203 819 0146