Sasu Sihvonen's Appointment as Chief Risk Officer
Oma Savings Bank Plc, known as OmaSp, proudly announces a significant addition to its management team with the appointment of Sasu Sihvonen as Chief Risk Officer (CRO). With a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Finance, Sihvonen is set to enhance the bank's risk management strategies starting September 1.
Expertise in Financial Services
Sihvonen brings over 25 years of experience in global financial services, having held various leadership positions in Europe and the United States. His most recent role was Senior Advisor at EY since 2024, where he provided insights on risk management. Before that, he served as the Chief Risk Officer at Nordea Funds Ltd from 2019 to 2024, and as Head of Risk Management at Nordea Bank in New York from 2017 to 2019. His extensive background positions him uniquely to contribute to OmaSp's growth.
Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Karri Alameri, CEO of OmaSp, expressed enthusiasm about Sihvonen joining the team, stating, "Sasu's remarkable international experience convinced us. Sasu has designed and implemented extensive risk frameworks that, in addition to regulatory obligations, support sustainable growth and business transformation." This commitment is crucial as financial institutions around the world adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes and customer expectations.
Driving Decision-Making and Transparency
Sihvonen emphasized the importance of integrating complex regulatory demands into risk processes, stating, "Integrating complex regulatory demands into risk processes empowers decision-making, enhances transparency, and future-proofs the business." His insights and strategies are expected to enhance the bank's operational efficiency and risk management capabilities.
Oma Savings Bank's Operational Landscape
OmaSp stands as a solvent and profitable Finnish bank, delivering expert services through 48 branch offices and digital channels to over 200,000 clients, including private and corporate customers. With a primary focus on retail banking, the bank provides a wide array of services, including loans, investments, and insurance products, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.
Enhancing Customer Experience
The core philosophy of OmaSp centers around providing exceptional customer service, remaining local, and being accessible through both digital and traditional routes. The bank continually strives to enhance customer experience through personalized service and a customer-oriented approach.
Commitment to Employee Growth
Additionally, OmaSp is dedicated to fostering the professional growth of its employees. The bank works to offer versatile tasks and continuous development opportunities, ensuring that a majority of personnel are not just employees but also shareholders in OmaSp, thus aligning their interests with the bank's success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sasu Sihvonen?
Sasu Sihvonen is the newly appointed Chief Risk Officer at Oma Savings Bank, bringing over 25 years of experience in financial services.
What roles has Sihvonen held prior to his appointment?
Before joining OmaSp, Sihvonen served as a Senior Advisor at EY and held leadership positions at Nordea Funds Ltd and Nordea Bank in New York.
What is Sihvonen's educational background?
Sihvonen holds a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Finance.
What does OmaSp focus on as a bank?
OmaSp primarily focuses on retail banking operations, providing a range of banking services, including mortgages, loans, and investment products.
How does OmaSp support its employees?
OmaSp supports employee development through a variety of career-oriented tasks and encourages personnel to hold shares in the bank.
