Credit Risk in the Private Banking Industry

Summary

Gain fresh perspectives on the current landscape of credit risk within the Swiss private banking industry, focusing on the implications of recent credit events and geopolitical developments. Key topics will include the analysis of recent credit events that have impacted market stability, the effects of geopolitical tensions on credit risk assessment, and effective risk mitigation strategies. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and share best practices in managing credit risk.

In this event, we will cover the following topics:

• Impact of recent credit events: Analyze the implications of recent credit events that have shaken the market, exploring how these incidents have influenced risk assessment and management strategies within private banking.
• Geopolitical developments: Examine the effects of geopolitical tensions and economic instability on credit risk, including how global events are reshaping the risk landscape for private banks.
• Market trends and regulatory changes: Explore the latest trends in credit risk management, including regulatory updates and their impact on private banking operations in the context of recent events.
• Technological innovations: Learn how advancements in technology, such as AI and machine learning, are transforming credit risk assessment and management processes, especially in response to emerging challenges.

We look forward to discussing these topics and sharing further insights.

Presenters

• Donatien Di Marco (UBP, Head of Credit Risk)
  Seasoned expert in credit risk, with over 13 years of experience in the private banking sector. Holding an engineering diploma in mathematics and finance, he has worked both as a consultant and within leading institutions, such as Lombard Odier. Currently serving as Group Head of Credit Risk at UBP SA, he oversees the credit risk strategies and frameworks across all jurisdictions where the bank operates.
• Frédéric Distel (Pictet Group, Group Head of Credit Risk)
  Frédéric Distel is the Group Head of Credit Risk at Pictet Group, bringing over 20 years of experience in credit and lending across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance, structuring complex financing solutions for non-investment grade corporates and private equity sponsors, including senior debt, high-yield bonds, mezzanine financing, and private equity subscription lines. He has also been actively involved in balance sheet financial restructuring, navigating debt-to-equity swaps, covenant resets, waivers, amendments, and liquidity raises for stressed and distressed borrowers. His experience spans both bilateral and syndicated lending formats, offering strategic solutions in secondary markets. Beyond structuring and restructuring, Frédéric has played a key role in credit portfolio management, defining underwriting standards, risk appetite, and credit approval processes for investment banking and wealth management borrowers. Having worked in London and New York, he is now based in Geneva, where he continues to leverage his extensive industry knowledge to drive credit risk strategy at Pictet Group.
• Achille Yomi (CEO and Founder of ScenarioX)
  Achille Yomi is the CEO & Co-Founder of ScenarioX, a cutting-edge platform at the intersection of finance, AI/ML, and quantum computing. With over 20 years in banking, he specializes in financial and risk modeling, scenario projection, and stress testing. Before founding ScenarioX in 2022, he held senior roles at BNP Paribas, HSBC, and Standard Chartered, leading global stress-testing initiatives and shaping regulatory frameworks. ScenarioX made history as the first Swiss startup to develop a quantum algorithm for Value at Risk (VaR) simulation. Achille holds the FRM and CQF certifications and is a GARP member. Passionate about financial innovation, he has also completed an AI & ML certification from UC Berkeley.

Moderators

• Jean-Noël Ardouin (Partner, Financial Services – Risk Consulting at EY Switzerland and Sub-Chapter Manager for Romandie at Swiss Risk Association)
  Jean-Noël leads the Quantitative & Analytics competency team of the Financial Services Consulting organization of EY Switzerland. He has more than 15 years of professional experience in risk management (market, credit and liquidity), at EY and at a global bank. He combines his deep knowledge in analytics and risk management with his passion for new technologies to bring innovation to EY clients.
• Iván Diego Expósito (Specitec SA, Senior Consultant & Lecturer in Risk Management & Financial Derivatives)
  Iván Diego Expósito is a highly experienced financial professional with over 12 years in financial risk management. Specializing in quantitative finance and financial modeling, he holds the FRM and CIIA certifications, bringing a unique blend of analytical expertise and clear communication to his roles. Iván currently serves as a Senior Consultant at Specitec SA and also lectures on Risk Management & Financial Derivatives for students pursuing the Chartered Expert in Financial and Managerial Accounting and Reporting, as well as the Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education. With a strong passion for advancing financial knowledge, Iván is dedicated to fostering professional growth and shaping the next generation of risk solutions in private banking.

Agenda

17:45 Doors open – Name Tag Collection
18:00 Welcome and Introduction (Jean-Pierre Colombara and moderators: Jean-Noël Ardouin and Iván Diego Expósito)
18:05 Presentation (Donatien Di Marco)
18:30 Presentation (Frédéric Distel)
18:55 Presentation (Achille Yomi)
19:20 Questions & Answers (Q&A) – Moderators with all speakers
19:45 Networking Drinks (all)
20:30 End

Chapter Event

This Chapter Event is available to members and free. We will be presenting one or more speakers to share their knowledge, updates and best practices on a specific risk topic. Within the small groups of risk professionals you can exchange thoughts and test ideas. This event is hosted by chapter Romandie.