Maintaining Strong foundations in Risk Management

There’s a spot I love to sit and read—a comfy chair, a few books, maybe a podcast or two. Continuous learning has always been important to me, especially in finance, where staying informed about industry trends is key. But sometimes, growth isn’t just about chasing the latest developments—it’s about revisiting the foundations.

That’s why this January, I found myself returning to the Credit Institute of Canada Handbook, Volume 1 (last updated in July 2008). Covering everything from credit fundamentals to risk management, it remains a valuable resource even years later.

Back in 2008, I was working as a Credit Underwriter for a leasing company, navigating the nuances of credit decisioning in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. I was fortunate to have a mentor who not only supported my career growth but encouraged me to pursue certification through the Credit Institute of Canada. That decision shaped my approach to credit and risk management in ways I still appreciate today.

Since then, the financial industry has undergone major transformations—advancements in credit scoring, the financial crisis, the rise of crypto, and now the rapid development of AI-driven risk models. I’ve worked hard to keep up with these changes, adapting my knowledge and skills along the way.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the connections I’ve made. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside talented peers, both within the companies I’ve been part of and through the Credit Institute. Serving as the BC Chapter president was a particularly meaningful experience—I had the chance to contribute to the profession, collaborate with industry leaders, and make some lifelong friends in the process.

Lately, my focus has shifted. Between taking on my new role and earning my sub-mortgage broker certification, I haven’t been out and about as much as I once was. But I’ve been enjoying the fresh challenges that come with my expanded responsibilities—evaluating commercial credit, managing mortgages, and overseeing risk within a leasing portfolio.

Now, my learning is taking me in new directions. I’m diving deeper into risk outside of credit, broadening my understanding of enterprise and operational risk, and tackling new and complex problems. It’s a reminder that while industries evolve, the fundamentals remain essential—and every so often, revisiting them provides the best foundation for tackling what comes next.