Nan Dong is the new Assistant Vice President, Quantitative Analyst on the Risk Management team at MountainView Risk and Analytics. With a Master’s degree in mathematics and data science, Nan puts her analytical knowledge at the forefront as she works with her team to conduct various model validations for clients. In the interview below, Nan discusses how she got her start in finance, gives us a little insight into what it’s like working on the MountainView team, and adds her input on what’s trending in the industry.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your role at MVRA?
A: I joined MVRA in June as an AVP on the Risk Management team under Bradley Miles. Mainly, we perform model validations. My current focus has been on CECL models, risk scoring models and other machine learning models.
Q: What is your background in finance?
A: I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Master’s degree in mathematics and a data science concentration. I received an internship offer from First National Bank of Omaha and that’s how I started in the model validation field. I was there for about five years, first as an intern and then as an analyst doing model validations. I was on the model validation team doing validation work and I am familiar with OCC 2011 and SR11-7 regulations.
Q: What is something from your work experience that you are looking forward to applying at MountainView Risk and Analytics?
A: In the first couple of years of my work experience, I only validated more traditional models, like risk score fields in SAS. Later on, as Banks were tapping into new technologies, I was learning Python more, and then we started building machine learning models so I was validating them. Learning Python at the same time as doing validations of machine learning models was the biggest experience for me. At MVRA, I’m looking forward to expanding on what I have already learned.
Q: How did you end up working at MVRA?
A: I was living in Chicago and looking for a new job because the cost of living in Chicago is really high. We were also living there during wintertime and didn’t really like it. I applied at MVRA and got an interview right away. The day I got this job offer I was on my way to Florida because we were moving.
Q: What does your day-to-day at MVRA look like?
A: Typically, each validator reviews two to three models every month. It’s a little bit crazy right now with CECL rolling out in 2023. I have been here for a few months now so I am more familiar with the code we have built to help in the process.
Q: Are there any trends you see in the industry?
A: Yes, as noted, we have a lot of clients rolling out CECL, so those are the bulk of our model validations right now. We have validated all types of vendor CECL models, utilizing all types of methodologies so the work is never the same.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Since we moved to Florida, I really enjoy exploring the state. On the weekends we especially like to explore the Tampa Bay area and the keys nearby by boat.
Q: What are you looking forward to in your new role?
A: I’m really excited to work at MVRA because here you are open to working with all the possible models. Also, our managers are very knowledgeable. It’s a great opportunity to learn and build my experience in the validation area.
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