Model Risk Mgmt Governance Sr. Lead Analyst

Citigroup Inc.; Chennai District; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Citi is seeking an senior contributor in Chennai to lead governance across the model lifecycle, acting as the SME and primary point of contact for Model Sponsors and the 2LoD IRM organization. The role requires independent judgment on complex model risk matters and supports the Head of MRM Governance in delivering strategic objectives.

The role encompasses framework execution, lifecycle governance, inventory and attestation, and stakeholder mentorship, with minimal travel and strong

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in risk management or model risk governance within a large financial services firm.
• Strong working knowledge of model risk management principles and full lifecycle.
• Experience coordinating complex governance processes and multiple workstreams.
• Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at various levels, including Model Sponsors.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills and ability to review model documentation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to Citi MRM Policy, Standard and Execution Manual; identify gaps and recommend actions.
• Serve as SME and day‑to‑day contact for Model Sponsors on policy interpretation and governance requirements.
• Represent the business in meetings with central MRM and support Internal Audit/regulatory engagements.
• Prepare materials for Segment Model Risk Councils on behalf of Head of MRM Governance.
• Lead model identification, development/documents reviews, validation coordination, and remediation of findings.
• Oversee model implementation evidence, monitoring usage, and escalation of model overlays as needed.
• Coordinate the semi‑annual model inventory attestation and MRMS data accuracy.
• Mentor junior professionals and promote risk-awareness across model-owning teams.

Skills

Model risk governance

Quantitative analysis

Regulatory guidance

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Governance processes

Job description

Role Summary

This is a senior individual contributor role within the first-line-of-defense (1LoD) that plays a lead operational role in executing and maintaining the business line's compliance with the enterprise-wide Model Risk Management (MRM) Policy. This role owns end-to-end governance activities across the model lifecycle, acting as a subject matter expert and primary day-to-day liaison with Model Sponsors, Model Developers, and the second-line-of-defense (2LoD) Independent Risk Management (IRM) organization.

This role operates with a high degree of independence, exercises sound judgment on complex model risk matters, and supports the Head of MRM Governance (C14) in delivering strategic objectives for the function.

Key Responsibilities

Framework Execution & Advisory

• Execute and monitor the business line's adherence to the Citi MRM Policy, Standard, and Execution Manual, identifying gaps and recommending corrective actions.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and day‑to‑day point of contact for Model Sponsors on policy interpretation and governance requirements.
• Represent the business line in working‑level meetings with the central MRM organization and support preparation for Internal Audit and regulatory engagements.
• Prepare materials, briefings, and updates for Segment Model Risk Councils on behalf of the Head of MRM Governance.

Model Lifecycle Governance

• Model Identification: Lead the ongoing process to identify quantitative methods, systems, and approaches that may qualify as models; assess scope and coordinate submissions to MRM for determination.
• Development & Documentation:
  • Partner closely with Model Sponsors to ensure Model Development Documents (MDDs) are complete, accurate, and of high quality prior to submission for validation.
  • Review documentation for conceptual soundness, data usage, and performance substantiation, providing detailed feedback and guidance to model owners.
  • Coordinate governance requirements for vendor models, ensuring equivalent standards are applied.
• Validation & Remediation:
  • Manage the end‑to‑end coordination of model validation activities, including initial validations, annual reviews, and ongoing validations.
  • Track and drive the timely remediation of model limitations and validation findings; develop detailed action plans and monitor progress against due dates.
  • Escalate at‑risk remediations to the Head of MRM Governance with recommendations for resolution.
• Implementation & Use:
  • Review model implementation evidence to confirm deployment in approved, controlled production environments (e.g., CSI, RPA, EUC) and that implementation testing is appropriately completed.
  • Monitor model usage to ensure alignment with approved purposes; review, document, and elevate any model overlays for appropriate justification and approval.
• Ongoing Monitoring:
  • Coordinate the ongoing performance monitoring (OPA) schedule for the model portfolio, ensuring Model Sponsors adhere to required frequencies (Quarterly/High, Semi‑Annually/Medium, Annually/Low).
  • Analyze monitoring results to identify performance trends or degradation signals, and recommend or elevate actions as appropriate.
• Model Change & Retirement:
  • Manage the governance process for model methodology, implementation, or usage changes, ensuring documentation and MRM approval are obtained prior to implementation.
  • Facilitate the formal retirement process for decommissioned models, ensuring all records are updated accordingly.

Inventory, Attestation & Reporting

• Maintain and continuously validate the completeness and accuracy of the business line's model inventory within the Citi Risk Model Risk Management System (MRMS).
• Lead the execution of the semi‑annual model inventory attestation process, coordinating with Model Sponsors and compiling outputs for senior review.
• Manage the end‑to‑end process for Policy Dispensation requests and ensure Policy Breaches are identified, documented, escalated, and remediated in a timely manner.
• Produce management reporting on the health of the model portfolio, including key risk indicators, finding aging, and monitoring status.

Stakeholder Engagement & Mentorship

• Act as a mentor and technical resource to junior professionals, reviewing their work and providing guidance on complex matters.
• Foster a culture of model risk awareness and accountability across model‑owning teams.

Qualifications

• 12+ yrs of experience with at least 7–10 years of experience in risk management, quantitative analysis, model risk governance, or a related field within a large, complex financial services firm.
• Strong working knowledge of model risk management principles, regulatory guidance, and the full model lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex governance processes and managing multiple workstreams concurrently.
• Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at various levels, including Model Sponsors and business managers.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess model documentation and identify substantive gaps or risks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing high‑quality management reports and presentations.

Working Environment

• Office setting, minimal travel required.
• Minimal physical effort required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Accessibility and EEO Policy Statement

Accessibility at Citi.

View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.