Musa Potiskum, IRMCert: Chief Risk Officer, Jaiz Bank PLC | Nigeria
Musa Potiskum, IRMCert
Chief Risk Officer
Jaiz Bank PLC
Nigeria
How did you get your job?
I am a pioneer staff member with Jaiz Bank PLC, the first full-fledged non-interest financial institution in Nigeria, offering Islamic banking, and my background is in banking operations, commercial, and retail banking, prior to Jaiz bank.
I was Head of Retail banking in Jaiz, then I was reassigned to the risk management division as the Head, Credit Risk, as well as the deputy to the then outgoing CRO, to understudy and take over, on the expiration of his contract.
On assumption as the acting CRO, I quickly realized a need for a professional certification in Risk Management in order to acquire the requisite grounding, as well as to meet the requirements of the competency framework of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
After reviewing several options, I settled on the IRM’s International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management because of its relevance regardless of sector, international recognition, as well as a clear path to advanced risk management certification, for the greatest career flexibility.
What’s a typical day like as a CRO?
My day is typically spent in the review of internal risk reports, reviewing proposals from the business units, regulatory reporting and interface, and attending meetings with stakeholders.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working in risk management gives me a deep insight into the business, thereby being able to contribute to decision making by presenting objective information from the risk perspective.
What are the challenges?
Being a 6 year old pioneer in its field, the biggest challenge has been to get the whole organization to adopt a uniform risk culture that is in agreement with the mandate of the board, as well as to always conduct its business within regulatory limits.
The process of updating frameworks, manuals, and processes to be at par with regulator expectation has also been very engaging, and demands disciplined time management skills. Added to that was the time allocation required to effectively cover the assigned reading for the international certificate.
In what way are your IRM qualifications relevant?
The qualification is relevant because it validates that one has gone through a rigorous process to acquire knowledge in the principles, and practice of risk management. It also gives a clear path to further study leading to advanced certification by an internationally recognized organization.
What would you say to others thinking about joining IRM as a member?
I would greatly encourage others interested in risk management to join and be affiliated with the IRM as it offers great value by conferring on its members the requisite knowledge and skills to contribute effectively as risk managers.
How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions? Has being linked to the IRM helped?
My journey in risk has been very rewarding as it has given me the opportunity to acquire relevant professional certification, in addition to on-the-job experience, leading to more competence.
I intend to further develop my qualification, and if successful, become a certified risk management professional.
Top tips:
Acquaint yourself with the different certification routes, and choose the one that aligns best with your career aspirations. I find the IRM to offer great options, and flexibility throughout the process.
Be prepared to commit to the programme by allocating enough time to master the required reading.
The IRM has a great website with loads of resources; take advantage, and utilize it fully.
