Riyad Bank —
Basel II Advanced IRB
Implementation
Umair Ahmed served as Head of Basel II A-IRB Implementation at Riyad Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading retail banks, leading the bank’s application for Advanced Internal Ratings-Based (A-IRB) approval across its retail portfolios. The engagement encompassed the full programme — from credit scorecard development and capital computation through to regulatory submission with SAMA. Umair managed a Big Four implementation team integrated with the bank’s internal teams, overseeing both the quantitative modeling stream and the qualitative governance and policy stream throughout the programme lifecycle.
Riyad Bank’s A-IRB programme represented one of the most complex regulatory undertakings in Saudi banking — requiring the development of robust internal credit risk models, the build-out of a supporting risk governance framework, and a structured application process aligned to SAMA’s regulatory expectations. As Head of A-IRB Implementation, Umair led the programme end-to-end, managing a large cross-functional team and serving as the primary point of accountability for both delivery and regulatory engagement.
- Served as Head of Basel II A-IRB Implementation, with full accountability for programme delivery and regulatory outcomes
- Led communications with SAMA to align programme strategy, model methodology, and governance framework with regulatory expectations
- Presented project progress and key decisions to Steering Committee and Operating Committee members
- Managed the Big Four implementation team and oversaw their integration with the bank’s internal risk, technology, and operations teams
- Ensured the full programme followed the complete SDLC lifecycle, from requirements and design through to testing, validation, and submission
- Led development of Application and Behavioural Probability of Default (PD) scorecards across retail portfolios
- Oversaw development of Loss Given Default (LGD) and Exposure at Default (EAD) models aligned to A-IRB requirements
- Directed integration of PD, LGD, and EAD model outputs with the capital calculation engine
- Managed computation of Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) parameters using internal model estimates
- Ensured model development and validation met Basel II A-IRB standards and SAMA’s specific regulatory requirements
- Led the qualitative stream covering risk governance optimisation and credit policy development
- Implemented the Basel II A-IRB Risk Management and Governance Framework across the bank’s retail credit function
- Developed and documented credit policies aligned to A-IRB requirements and SAMA’s governance expectations
- Ensured the governance structure supported the bank’s use test requirements for internal model adoption
- Led preparation of the formal A-IRB application for Riyad Bank’s retail portfolios, covering all quantitative and qualitative components
- Compiled and reviewed model documentation, validation reports, governance evidence, and use test documentation for submission
- Coordinated submission to SAMA and managed ongoing regulatory dialogue throughout the review process
- Ensured the application package met SAMA’s requirements and Basel II framework standards in full
- Full Basel II A-IRB programme delivered across Riyad Bank’s retail portfolios, covering both quantitative and qualitative streams
- Application and Behavioural PD scorecards, LGD models, and EAD models developed and validated to A-IRB standard
- PD, LGD, and EAD model outputs integrated with the capital calculation engine for CAR and RWA computation
- Basel II A-IRB Risk Management and Governance Framework implemented bank-wide
- Credit policies developed and documented in alignment with A-IRB governance requirements
- Formal A-IRB application prepared and submitted to SAMA, with regulatory communications managed throughout
Umair Ahmed led the engagement as Head of A-IRB Implementation — a role that combined programme management, quantitative model oversight, regulatory strategy, and stakeholder governance at the most senior level. He was responsible for the coherence and quality of the entire programme across both the quant and qualitative streams, while managing a large cross-functional team drawn from a Big Four firm and the bank’s own divisions.
This engagement represents one of the most demanding and technically complex regulatory programmes in retail banking. It reflects Asteriqx’s deepest capability: leading large-scale, multi-stream credit risk programmes that span model development, governance frameworks, and direct regulatory engagement — from inception through to submission.
The programme delivered a complete Basel II A-IRB capability at Riyad Bank — including internally developed credit risk models, a supporting governance framework, and a formal regulatory submission to SAMA — positioning the bank for Advanced IRB approval across its retail credit portfolio.