Navigating challenges in model risk management

Marcelo Agapito Fernandes is a highly accomplished financial and risk management leader with nearly 30 years of experience spanning international commercial banking and development finance. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping risk governance, capital management, and financial sustainability strategies, driving changes across global financial institutions.

Currently, Marcelo serves as Managing Director – Financial and Operational Risk at IDB Invest, where he oversees key initiatives in risk governance, policy development, model validation, and financial and operational risk management. His leadership supports sustainable investments that foster economic growth and resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Before transitioning to development banking, Marcelo built a strong foundation in risk and financial management through leadership roles at Banco Santander and ABN AMRO, where he gained extensive experience in corporate banking, credit risk, and capital markets. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, develop strategic risk frameworks, and drive innovation in risk management has positioned him as a trusted expert in the industry.

Academically, Marcelo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering from USP (São Paulo, Brazil) and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from FGV (São Paulo, Brazil). His strong analytical background and strategic vision have been instrumental in advancing risk management practices in both private and multilateral financial institutions.

Beyond his technical expertise, Marcelo is a passionate advocate for inclusive finance, sustainable development, and diversity in financial leadership. His is committed to fostering resilient financial systems and empowering global collaboration.

Michael is the Team Lead and VP of Model Risk Management at First Hawaiian Bank. With a modeling background in data science and consulting, Michael has been working at the bank since 2019. He holds an MBA from the Carroll Graduate School of Management at Boston College, where he studied Corporate Finance and Business Analytics as well as a BA from Lehigh University.

Niluki Arsacularatne is a dynamic and result-oriented professional with 16 years of experience in statistical modelling within financial institutions. Throughout her career, she has primarily worked in the banking industry, where she has been responsible for the development, enhancement, and governance of capital and impairment forecasting models, as well as stress testing. Currently, Niluki leads multiple quantitative modelling and model risk management engagements with banks and asset management companies.

Her expertise lies in the development and validation of mathematical models used within credit risk, market risk, operational risk, and fraud risk. Niluki has also been accountable for developing credit bureau scorecards used by lenders to understand commercial credit risk and appetite. Additionally, she has experience in building application and behavioural scorecards. She has collaborated with senior leadership to define risk appetite and tolerance levels, ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives.

Academically, Niluki holds a Master’s degree in Statistics from the University of Warwick, UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.