Global Head of AI and Data Risk Audit

RBC; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 200,000 - 340,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

RBC is seeking an experienced Internal Audit leader to provide independent, risk-based assurance over the bank's AI and data governance frameworks. The role ensures AI adoption is responsible and compliant while enabling innovation across global operations.

Responsibilities include developing the Global AI Audit Coverage Strategy, coordinating cross-functional audits, and leading regulatory responses. A senior-level background in financial sector IT audits and strong regulatory knowledge are

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of experience in financial sector audit with IT focus.
• Excellent communication skills and accountability, with leadership and initiative.
• In-depth knowledge of US regulatory landscape and experience with key US regulators.
• Ability to manage risk, audit expertise and strong collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Independent assurance of AI governance, model risk management, and AI lifecycle controls.
• Develop and maintain RBC's Global AI Audit Coverage Strategy.
• Lead annual AI and data risk audit planning with cross-functional partners.
• Define audit methodologies for Generative AI, AI workbenches, and Agentic AI technologies.
• Coordinate integrated audits with Technology, Data, Cybersecurity, and Compliance teams.

Skills

IT Audit

AI Governance

Regulatory Knowledge

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Job Description

The role provides independent, risk-based assurance over RBC's AI and data governance frameworks, ensuring that AI adoption is responsible, compliant, and aligned with the bank's risk appetite—thereby protecting RBC's reputation, clients, and stakeholders while enabling innovation.

• Independent Assurance: Assess the design and operating effectiveness of AI governance, model risk management, and AI lifecycle controls across global operations
• Strategic Coverage Planning: Develop and maintain the Global AI Audit Coverage Strategy, ensuring comprehensive audit coverage of AI platforms, use cases, and supporting infrastructure
• Regulatory Compliance: Validate adherence to evolving AI regulations and coordinate responses to regulatory exams and inquiries
• Risk Monitoring: Conduct continuous risk monitoring of the AI landscape, identifying emerging risks and reporting to senior leadership
• Thought Leadership: Position RBC Internal Audit as an industry leader in AI assurance, contributing to standards development and peer collaboration

Strategy and Planning

Develop and Maintain the Global AI Audit Coverage Strategy

• Annually refresh the AI Audit Coverage Strategy, ensuring alignment with RBC's AI transformation roadmap, regulatory expectations, and emerging risks
• Define audit methodologies for traditional AI/ML, Generative AI, and Agentic AI technologies
• Conduct risk assessments over AI-related Auditable Entities (AEs), mapping AI models, platforms, and business processes to audit coverage
• Coordinate with other IA teams (Model Risk, Data, Technology, Operations, Cybersecurity, Compliance) to ensure integrated audit approach

Lead Annual Audit Planning for AI and Data Risk

• Partner with Regional Chief Audit Executives (CAEs) to prioritize AI audits based on risk, cycle requirements, and strategic initiatives
• Balance audit coverage across:
• 2LOD AI Risk Management (AI Risk Governance, Enterprise Model Risk Management)
• 1LOD Centralized AI Governance (AI Group, Data & Analytics, Enterprise Architecture)
• 1LOD Platform Audits (Capital Markets, Wealth Management, Banking, Insurance)
• Allocate budget and resources for AI and data audits, including co-sourcing arrangements

Define Audit Methodologies for Emerging AI Technologies

• Establish audit approaches for Generative AI platforms, AI workbenches, and Agentic AI systems
• Develop testing methodologies for:
• AI governance frameworks and committee operating models
• Model validation processes (bias testing, fairness metrics, model cards, datasheets)
• AI lifecycle controls (development, deployment, monitoring, change management)
• Data governance for AI (lineage, retention, classification, consent, privacy impact assessments)
• Third-party AI vendor risk management
• AI security and resilience (zero-trust architecture, RBAC, output sanitization, drift detection)
• Regulatory compliance (EU AI Act, Canadian Federal Anti-Fraud Strategy, OSFI guidance)

Partner with 2LOD and 1LOD on Evolving AI Frameworks

• Engage proactively with the AI Risk Governance team and Enterprise Model Risk Management to provide input on framework development
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the AI Group on control design and best practices
• Participate in industry forums (e.g., OSFI's Financial Industry Forum on AI) to contribute to AI governance standards

Global Audit Execution

Direct Audit Engagements Across Platforms

• Oversee execution of AI and data audits across Capital Markets, Wealth Management, Personal & Commercial Banking, Insurance & GAM, and Enterprise Functions.

Oversee Audits of AI Governance, Model Risk Management, and AI Lifecycle Controls

• AI Governance Audits: Assess the design and effectiveness of governance structures, policies, committee operations (AI Working Forum, Executive AI Council, platform AI committees), and escalation processes
• Model Risk Management Audits: Evaluate model validation frameworks, ongoing monitoring, model documentation, and validation independence
• AI Lifecycle Audits: Review controls for AI development, deployment, monitoring, incident response, and decommissioning

Coordinate Integrated Audits with Technology, Operations, Data, Model Risk, and Cybersecurity Teams

• Lead integrated audits that combine AI-specific testing with broader IT, data, and operational risk assessments
• Partner with:
• Cyber & IT Risk Audit: AI security controls, cryptography, access management
• Model Risk Audit: Model validation, EMRM oversight
• Technology Infrastructure Audit: Cloud platforms, disaster recovery, IT asset management supporting AI
• Global Compliance Audit: BSA/AML controls, fair lending, regulatory compliance

Regulatory and Compliance Oversight

Monitor Evolving AI Regulations

• Track and interpret regulatory developments across key jurisdictions (Examples below):
• European Union: EU AI Act (risk-based classification, prohibited practices, transparency requirements)
• Canada: Federal Anti-Fraud Strategy, OSFI guidance on model risk and AI governance
• United States: OCC guidance, FCAC consumer protection, state-level AI regulations
• UK: UK AI Bill, FCA expectations
• APAC: MAS AI governance frameworks, Australian Scams Prevention Framework
• Assess implications for RBC's AI programs and audit coverage strategy

Lead Regulatory Issue Validation and Coordinate Regulatory Exam Responses

• Validate management's remediation of regulatory issues related to AI (e.g., GRM AI Governance issues, Capital Markets AI Governance Framework issues)
• Coordinate responses to regulatory exams on AI governance, model risk management, and data governance
• Liaise with regulatory affairs teams and external auditors to ensure consistent messaging

Ensure Audit Coverage Addresses Regulatory Expectations Across Jurisdictions

Liaise with Regulators (OSFI, OCC, FCAC, FCA, MAS, etc.)

• Serve as the primary IA contact for regulatory inquiries on AI and data governance
• Present audit findings and observations to regulators during examinations
• Participate in regulatory forums and roundtables on AI risk management

Governance and Reporting

Provide Executive Reporting to the Audit Committee and Risk Committee of the Board

• Deliver quarterly presentations on:
• AI risk profile and emerging trends
• Status of AI audit plan execution
• Key audit findings and management action plans
• Regulatory issues and validation status
• Continuous risk monitoring insights
• Prepare written reports summarizing AI governance maturity, control environment effectiveness, and areas requiring Board attention

Present AI Risk Profile Assessments and Audit Findings to Senior Leadership

Participate as IA Observer in Key Governance Forums

Maintain Continuous Risk Monitoring of the AI Landscape

• Conduct quarterly Continuous Risk Monitoring (CRM) assessments for AI-related Auditable Entities
• Assign risk ratings (Satisfactory, Requires Improvement, Unsatisfactory) and elevate concerns to senior leadership

What do you need to succeed?

• A minimum of 12-15 years of experience in financial sector audit with practice focus and expertise in IT
• Undergraduate degree
• Excellent communication skills
• Accountability, leadership, initiative, teamwork, change agent and impact and influence
• Risk management and audit expertise
• In-depth knowledge of US regulatory landscape and strong working background/experience with key US regulators
• Strong analytical, communication, strategic and creative mindset with strong execution ability
• High level of general management skills, including leading, negotiating, communication and team building
• Effective interaction/dealing with executives and senior management and ability to maintain a strong relationship with IA staff, partners and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical, communication, computer, and interpersonal skills

What's in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, progressive thinking to keep growing, and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program include competitive compensation and flexible benefits, such as 401(k) program with company-matching contributions, health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, and paid-time off.
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities.
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
• Opportunities to do challenging work.
• Opportunities to build close relationships with clients.

The expected salary range for this particular position is $200,000-$340,000, depending on your experience, skills, and registration status, market conditions and business needs.

You have the potential to earn more through RBC’s discretionary variable compensation program which gives you an opportunity to increase your total compensation, provided the business meets its performance targets and you meet your individual goals.

RBC’s compensation philosophy and principles recognize the importance of a highly qualified global workforce and plays a critical role in attracting, engaging and retaining talent that:

• Drives RBC’s high-performance culture
• Enables collective achievement of our strategic goals
• Generates sustainable shareholder returns and above market shareholder value

Job Skills

Adaptability, Auditing, Detail-Oriented, Internal Controls, Interpersonal Relationship Management, Long Term Planning, Multi-Level Communication, Organizational Savvy and Politics, Results-Oriented

Additional Job Details

Address: 20 KING ST W:TORONTO

City: Toronto

Country: Canada

Work hours/week: 37.5

Employment Type: Full time

Platform: INTERNAL AUDIT

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2026-09-09

Application Deadline: 2026-10-09

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above.

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

Stay in-the-know about great career opportunities at RBC. Sign up and get customized info on our latest jobs, career tips and Recruitment events that matter to you.

Expand your limits and create a new future together at RBC. Find out how we use our passion and drive to enhance the well-being of our clients and communities at jobs.rbc.com

RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.