Senior Model Validator – Trading Book & XVA (m/w/d)

Our client is looking for an experienced Senior Model Validator to join a specialist Model Risk Management team responsible for the independent validation of Trading Book financial risk models.

In this role, you will lead end-to-end model validation activities with a primary focus on XVA methodologies, financial derivatives valuation, and valuation adjustments. You will independently assess model design, implementation, assumptions and performance while providing effective challenge to model developers and model owners.

Working within a highly regulated environment, you will produce high-quality validation reports for governance committees and senior stakeholders, advise on model risk and remediation strategies, and contribute to the continuous enhancement of validation methodologies. The role also offers the opportunity to help shape the future of model validation by leveraging automation and AI-driven validation techniques.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Model Validator, you will:

• Lead the end-to-end validation of Trading Book financial risk models with a focus on XVA and derivatives valuation.
• Independently assess model methodology, implementation, assumptions and performance against regulatory and internal standards.
• Execute risk-based model validations in accordance with the organisation's Model Risk Management Framework.
• Prepare comprehensive validation reports and present findings to governance committees and senior stakeholders.
• Assess model limitations, material risks and recommend appropriate remediation actions.
• Provide effective challenge to model developers and first-line model owners throughout the validation process.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of validation methodologies, governance and best practices.
• Support innovation initiatives through the application of automation, data analytics and AI-enabled validation techniques.
• Mentor junior team members and promote knowledge sharing across the validation function.
• Collaborate closely with quantitative analysts, risk managers, model developers and regulatory stakeholders.

 

You are an experienced quantitative risk professional with deep expertise in financial modelling, derivatives valuation and model risk management. You combine strong analytical capabilities with excellent stakeholder management skills and are comfortable challenging complex quantitative models within a regulated environment.

You bring:

• Extensive experience validating Trading Book financial risk models.
• Strong expertise in XVA methodologies and the valuation of complex financial derivatives.
• A solid quantitative background in Financial Mathematics, Stochastic Calculus, Statistics, Econometrics or a related discipline.
• Experience working within Model Risk Management or an independent model validation function.
• Strong understanding of valuation adjustments, including Additional Valuation Adjustments (AVA) and related regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively challenge first-line model development teams and provide independent model risk assessments.
• Hands-on programming experience in Python, including libraries such as NumPy, pandas, Polars, QuantLib and Open Source Risk Engine (ORE).
• Familiarity with emerging AI technologies, including prompt engineering, agentic workflows and AI governance principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting technical findings to senior stakeholders.
• A proactive, analytical mindset with a strong focus on quality, governance and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• A challenging assignment within an international financial services environment.
• Opportunity to work on complex Trading Book and XVA models used in critical risk management processes.
• Collaboration with highly experienced quantitative specialists and model risk professionals.
• Exposure to evolving regulatory requirements, advanced quantitative techniques and AI-driven innovation.
• An inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Long-term project opportunities within a highly specialised quantintative risk function

All our positions are open to both women and men and are, of course, open to people with disabilities.