Karen Falzon

Set up of risk management function Chairperson of Risk committee and trading committee Designing risk management framework for crypto industry

- PQ'd by MFSA -Set up the Risk and Credit departments -Set up a robust risk management framework implementing three lines of defense -Develop risk and credit related policies -Implementing and monitoring risk appetite and risk limits -Developing ICAAP and ILAAP annual reports -Perform Risk assessments -Review, recommend and decision making of credit assessments including treasury investments -Overseeing the bank’s overall existing and new emerging risks -Develop contingency plans such as Recovery and Resolution Plans -An active member of several committees of the bank including risk management committee, asset and liability committee, executive committee and credit committee -Review compliance related policies, procedures, customer and business risk assessments -Perform presentations to Board members about Risk related matters including monthly risk reports and emerging risks -Managing bank wide risk including credit risk management, operational risk management, financial risk management, Liquidity risk management, reputational risk, regulatory risk, Market risk management -Set up Risk register, risk appetite dashboard, risk reporting, risk monitoring tools, credit risk rating models -Promotes risk awareness culture -Reports emerging risks to board with recommended mitigating factors -conduct regular analysis on portfolio level including stress testing scenarios -coordinating with all senior management, internal and external auditors, MFSA -leading a team of risk and credit specialists -develop training material and deliver training on risk management throughout the entire institution including the board of directors

Deputize Head of unit. Analysing and approving new and existing complex corporate business facilities. Active Member of credit committees. Provide detailed analysis of financial statements, ratios, feasibility, stress testing. Perform due diligence checks. Operational Risk monitoring and reporting including mitigating actions. Provide on the job and formal credit related training to subordinates. Conduct credit related presentations

Leading several branches. Opened the first Banif branch in St Julian’s during 2008, followed by Gozo branch and opening of Naxxar branch. Take over of San Gwann branch during 2012. Additionally credit committee member for approving facilities within the retail network and SME facilities. Monitoring and reporting operational risks and recommending mitigating actions.

Involved in the setting up project of Banif Bank. Designing training material and performing formal training on branch management including cash handling. Documentation, testing and training of the bank’s core banking system. Drafting and implementing policies, guidelines and procedures related to branch and cash handling. Designing documentation required. Designing bank products and related documentation and material. Created bank awareness and prepared market analysis. Other on the job training to peers and lower level management and new entrants relating to branch handling including credit. Any other related work associated with the set up of the Bank.

Experience within accounts and foreign and credit departments. Responsible for a portfolio of corporate lending customers and recommending facilities for approval. Monitoring non performing facilities and other associated work such as working of provisions for doubtful debts. Leading a team. Reviewing other branches facilities.