DS News - U.S. Bank

58 is past November, Bell Bank announced that Jesse Schwab had joined the organization as its new Chief Risk Officer. In that role, Schwab oversees all of Bell's non- credit-related risk management. Formerly a private practice attorney focusing on consumer protection and bankruptcy, Schwab joined Bell after spending six years with TCF Bank. ere, he established TCF's Regulatory Affairs Office and became the bank's Chief Compliance Officer and Director of Regulatory Affairs. He focused on areas such as consumer compliance, fair lending practices, and Community Reinvestment Act concerns. With a few months under his belt in this new position, Schwab spoke with DS News about his priorities and goals, the state of the regulatory landscape under a new presidential administration, and why he's a firm believer in being proactive when it comes to risk management and compliance. WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR TOP GOALS AND PRIORITIES AS YOU TOOK OVER THE CHIEF RISK OFFICER POSITION? When you look at top goals, you must be nimble and understand the organization's needs. I look at risk management as a strategic enabler. A strong program will give the bank, board, management, and stakeholders the information they need about risks and opportunities to influence strategy, influence business processes, and manage risk—really, to drive better business performance. So, when I look at the major goal that we have over the next year, it's building a risk framework designed to support the bank's Cover Story By: David Wharton THE STRATEGIC VALUE OF RISK MANAGEMENT Bell Bank's Chief Risk Officer, Jesse Schwab, on why developing a risk framework is about "setting the guardrails" to allow for growth in a responsible manner.

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