Lead Quantitative Analytics Specialist-Market Risk Model Validator

Wells Fargo & Company•Charlotte, NC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

About this role: The Markets Model Risk Management (MRM) team is seeking an experienced Lead Quantitative Analytics Specialist- Market Risk Model Validator (Vice-President) to join the Trading and Market Risk Division to support the independent validation of derivative pricing models used by Macro trading desk within Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), with a primary focus on Rates and FX derivatives. This position is dedicated to validating front‑office Rates and FX derivative models within the Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB) division. The role is closely aligned with the expansion needs of the Macro Trading Desk, supporting the development and implementation of new and enhanced models such as Term Structure Models, Curves, and Volatility Surfaces. These models are designed for a range of products, including single currency and cross-currency Bermudan options, callable instruments, range accruals, collateralized inflation-linked floaters, hybrids, etc. The position offers significant exposure to the intricacies of complex derivative modeling while maintaining a strong commitment to model‑risk governance and control. The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of front‑office quantitative modeling and regulatory model risk management, partnering closely with trading, quantitative research, risk, and senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have deep hands-on experience in derivative pricing within Rates, FX and Muni business units, including term structure modeling, volatility modeling, and curve construction. Their primary responsibility will be to deliver independent risk assessment of models across their entire lifecycle, ensuring robustness, accuracy, and alignment with model risk standards. In addition, the candidate will be expected to provide effective challenge to models developed within the lines of business (LOB), with a particular focus on the Rates, FX, and Muni business units, ensuring that assumptions, methodologies, and implementations are conceptually sound and appropriately governed. This role requires an inquisitive mindset and a willingness to challenge (even established) modeling choices and assumptions, to design relevant testing scenarios, to numerically implement model components, to conduct and analyze comprehensive testing, and to develop alternative models. Each of these steps needs to be executed and documented with risk-based rationale to support or invalidate modeling choices, assumptions and adequacy in the context of the model purpose and usage. This highly visibly position will provide interaction with various key model stakeholders and therefore requires someone with the ability to develop and maintain strong strategic partnerships. The ability to communicate with different audiences (technical staff, senior management, regulators) both verbally and in writing is very important. The team operates in a fast-paced environment and the ability to multi-task and meet strict timelines is critical.

Requirements

5+ years of Quantitative Analytics experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
Master's degree or higher in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, economics, or computer science

Nice To Haves

Experience as a quantitative analyst specializing in financial models, with a strong theoretical foundation in derivatives pricing and hands on experience in model development, validation, and research in the areas of computational finance
Expertise spans term structure models, volatility models, and curve construction under both single currency and cross currency frameworks
Understanding of SR 11‑7 or similar regulatory model risk frameworks
Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Java
Experience working closely with front‑office quantitative or trading teams
Experience with Rates and/or FX derivatives in a trading or front‑office‑adjacent environment

Responsibilities

Perform independent model validation for front‑office pricing and risk models across Rates and FX businesses, clearly documenting validation conclusions and risk assessments
Provide effective challenge to models developed within the lines of business, particularly CIB front‑office quantitative teams
Validate models used for single currency and cross-currency Bermudan options, callable instruments, range accruals, collateralized inflation-linked floaters, FX Options, hybrids, etc.
Review and assess term structure models, including multi‑factor interest‑rate models, as well as stochastic (local) volatility frameworks
Develop benchmark or alternative models, or replicate front‑office implementations, to support validation conclusions
Identify conceptual weaknesses, limitations, and assumptions in models, and clearly communicate associated risks to stakeholders
Validate spreadsheet‑based and non‑library models, including controls, calculations, and governance standards
Ensure models meet regulatory expectations and internal model risk standards (e.g., SR 11‑7)
Interact with front‑office quants, risk managers, senior management, and regulators on model‑related topics
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior validators and contribute to process improvements within the MRM framework