Model Risk Management - Associate, Commodities Pricing Models and Tools Validation

Morgan Stanley

Background on the Position:

This role will reside within Firm Risk Management's Model Risk Management team, which has global responsibility for the independent control, review, and validation of models used across the Firm. In addition to traditional quantitative methodologies, MRM also reviews models based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, including Generative AI solutions. This role is responsible for the validation of commodities pricing models and tools. This position requires strong risk management mindset, proven subject matter expertise in commodities pricing models development and validation, and excellent technical, leadership, and organizational skills.

MRM professionals are based in major financial centers worldwide, including New York, London, Budapest, Frankfurt, Mumbai, and Tokyo, and work closely with business units, capital and risk analytics teams, risk managers, and financial controllers. The New York team collaborates closely with colleagues across the global Model Risk Management organization on model related issues spanning all asset classes. Primary Responsibilities
Understand the use and effectiveness of models and tools within the context of relevant Firm businesses and processes.
Perform independent model and tool validation of complex, state of the art pricing models used by Morgan Stanley's Fixed Income businesses - particularly within Commodities Trading-for daily valuation and risk management of trading positions.
Evaluate whether model and tool documentation meets established firmwide standards and policy requirements, and whether model testing is sufficiently robust to assess model performance, limitations, and risks.
Assess conceptual soundness and fitness for purpose of models and tools, ensuring that key assumptions and limitations are clearly identified, well understood, and appropriately controlled.
Conduct independent quantitative testing and verify that ongoing model performance monitoring frameworks are adequate and consistently applied.
Proactively identify, assess, and escalate thematic and idiosyncratic model and tool risk themes. Engage with 1LOD and 2LOD stakeholders to develop effective solutions to manage model and tool risks including evolving the model risk management practices such as performance monitoring and change management
Communicate model and tool review conclusions to relevant stakeholders and work with relevant 1LOD and 2LOD functions to develop appropriate remedial actions to effectively resolve identified model and tool issues. Track progress against issue remediation actions and take appropriate review actions to resolve.
Collaborate closely with a broad range of stakeholders - including developers, desk strategists, Market Risk, and Valuation Control-to ensure models and tools meet high standards of quality, governance, and implementation while supporting evolving business needs.
Produce high quality model and tool review reports consistent with MRM standards and suitable for senior management and governance forums.
Perform ad hoc and on demand analyses of model behavior, performance, and risk characteristics as required.
Own and deliver on high-profile, time-sensitive deliverables with minimal supervision
Establish and sustain productive relationships with model stakeholders in 1LOD, 2LOD and 3LOD
Represent the Model Risk Management team in interactions with Internal Audit department and with regulatory agencies as required
Work as part of a global Model Risk Management team spanning multiple locations, including New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

Experience Required
At least 5 years of experience in derivative pricing model development and/or validation, with a particular focus on Commodities as well as Rates and FX asset classes.
Proficiency in statistical software packages, data mining and machine learning techniques
Prior management or team lead experience (preferred).
Regulatory and internal audit engagements

Skills Required
Masters degree or PhD in a quantitative discipline or Finance, with a strong foundation in numerical methods, probability theory, stochastic calculus, and the practical application of quantitative models in finance.
A genuine and broad interest in financial markets, combined with a strong internal drive to critically challenge, improve, and enhance models using a rigorous, quantitative, and practical mindset.
Risk-oriented mindset including effective risk prioritization, critical and analytical questioning, and ability and willingness to speak up.
Clear analytical and critical thinking, sound business judgment, resourcefulness and a proactive, collaborative approach to problem solving.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex quantitative concepts to both technical and non technical stakeholders, and ability to influence and effect change.
Must be comfortable leading meetings and engaging with senior leaders in the Firm.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MORGAN STANLEY:

At Morgan Stanley, we raise, manage and allocate capital for our clients – helping them reach their goals. We do it in a way that’s differentiated – and we’ve done that for 90 years.  Our values - putting clients first, doing the right thing, leading with exceptional ideas, committing to diversity and inclusion, and giving back - aren’t just beliefs, they guide the decisions we make every day to do what's best for our clients, communities and more than 80,000 employees in 1,200 offices across 42 countries. At Morgan Stanley, you’ll find an opportunity to work alongside the best and the brightest, in an environment where you are supported and empowered. Our teams are relentless collaborators and creative thinkers, fueled by their diverse backgrounds and experiences. We are proud to support our employees and their families at every point along their work-life journey, offering some of the most attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks in the industry. There’s also ample opportunity to move about the business for those who show passion and grit in their work.

To learn more about our offices across the globe, please copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser.

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $100,000 and $140,000 year at the commencement of employment.However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs