ABOUT US
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.
We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
The Senior Risk Partner is a critical member of the Business Risk function, supporting strategic decision-making and strengthening risk excellence across the organisation. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, provide independent second-line challenge, and lead deep-dive assessments across key risk areas. This role requires a proactive thinker with strong analytical capability, solid judgement, and the ability to influence across functions.
Job Description — Senior Risk Partner
Location: United Kingdom Function: Business Risk Level: Senior Individual Contributor
About the Role
The Senior Risk Partner is a critical member of the Business Risk function, supporting strategic decision-making and strengthening risk excellence across the organisation. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, provide independent second-line challenge, and lead deep-dive assessments across key risk areas. This role requires a proactive thinker with strong analytical capability, solid judgement, and the ability to influence across functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide independent second-line challenge on risk topics including operational, technology, regulatory, and strategic risks.
- Conduct deep-dive assessments, thematic reviews, and targeted analyses to evaluate risk drivers and control effectiveness.
- Lead and contribute to cross-functional risk initiatives, ensuring alignment with Swift’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework and risk appetite.
- Support senior management with risk insights, scenario analysis, and recommendations for decision-making.
- Support preparation of materials for governance forums, committees, and regulators.
- Partner with business teams to strengthen risk culture, improve risk awareness, and advocate for consistent risk practices.
- Drive continuous improvement in risk processes, tools, and reporting.
- Deliver thought leadership on emerging risks, best-practice methodologies, and industry trends.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strategic and critical thinking — able to synthesise complex information and form clear, actionable views.
- Thought leadership — comfortable shaping narratives and understanding risk profiles in evolving risk areas.
- Cross-functional collaboration — proven ability to influence and partner effectively across diverse teams.
- Analytical depth — strong capability to conduct deep dives and identify root causes.
- Risk challenge mindset — confidence and maturity to provide independent, balanced second-line oversight.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-engagement skills.
- High integrity, sound judgement, and a commitment to maintaining a strong risk culture.
Experience
- Experience in banking, financial market infrastructure (FMI), or payments (highly preferred).
- Prior background in risk management, internal audit, financial advisory, or regulatory work.
- Big Four experience (consulting, advisory, or assurance) highly advantageous.
- Strong understanding of risk frameworks, operational resilience, controls, and regulatory expectations.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree required (business, finance, economics or related).
- MBA preferred.
- Professional certifications (e.g., IRM, CIA, PRM) beneficial but not mandatory.
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy influencing senior stakeholders and helping an organisation raise its risk maturity. You combine intellectual curiosity with practical judgement, and you can move comfortably between strategic thinking and detailed analysis.
What we offer
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact [email protected] or indicate this in your application.
Please note that this mailbox is not monitored for general recruitment enquiries and should only be used for accessibility or accommodation-related requests (for example related to vision, hearing or neurodiversity).
All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy.
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.
Top Skills
SWIFT London, England Office
55 Mark Lane, 6th floor, The Corn Exchange, London, United Kingdom, EC3R 7NE
