Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages & Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Gilbert J. Masís-Quesada

San José

Summary

Experienced Risk Management Executive with 15+ years of leadership across global financial institutions, multilateral banks, and regulated entities. Proven expertise in operational risk frameworks, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and enterprise-wide risk strategy. Adept at navigating multicultural environments, influencing senior leadership, and aligning risk functions with institutional objectives. Passionate about advancing risk culture, strengthening governance, and supporting organizations with a public interest mandate, including international financial institutions.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Global Director of Operational Risk

VisionFund International
02.2023 - Current
  • - Lead operational risk management across 25 countries (Asia, Africa, ME, Europe, LAC).
  • - Developed and rolled out Operational Risk Framework aligned with regulatory and strategic needs.
  • - Oversaw RCSAs, policy compliance, internal control design, and risk appetite implementation.
  • - Collaborated with local CEOs and Boards to embed risk culture and governance.

Regional Audit Director – Latin America & Caribbean

World Vision International
02.2020 - 02.2023
  • - Directed integrated audit strategy across 15 countries including Brazil and Mexico.
  • - Supervised ~30 audits annually, ensuring effective controls and regulatory adherence.
  • - Championed risk-based planning and harmonized isolated audit teams into a regional function.

Cluster Director Internal Audit

Citigroup
03.2014 - 09.2019
  • - Led 195+ annual audits across 18 countries in consumer, corporate, and investment banking.
  • - Reported directly to regional senior management and supported remediation of control gaps.
  • - Hired and developed 10 in-country audit leaders across the region.

Chief Risk Officer

Banco Internacional de Costa Rica (BICSA)
04.2011 - 03.2014
  • - Headed enterprise risk management across 6 locations including the US.
  • - Advised the Board Risk Committee on governance and capital exposure.
  • - Built an independent team overseeing credit, operational, market, liquidity, and AML risks.

Senior Executive

Central American Bank for Economic Integration
10.2005 - 03.2011
  • - Oversaw strategic planning and risk oversight for a multilateral development bank.
  • - Acted on behalf of CEO in key governance committees (Audit, Risk, ALCO).
  • - Spearheaded performance monitoring via Balanced Scorecard and KPIs.

Education

Master of Arts - Policy Economics

Williams College
01.2010

MBA - Finance

ULACIT
01.2008

BSc - Economics

University of Costa Rica
01.1998

Skills

  • Operational Risk Framework Design & Implementation
  • Risk Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) & Scenario Analysis
  • Regulatory Compliance (Basel, AML, GRC)
  • Three Lines of Defence (3LoD) Model Adoption
  • Internal Loss Database Management & Risk Reporting
  • Governance & Board-Level Risk Advisory
  • Integrated Audit & Assurance Planning
  • Strategic Risk Appetite & Policy Development
  • Cross-Functional & Cross-Cultural Leadership

Certification

  • ISO 31000 Lead Risk Manager – Restrepo Oramas SAS, Colombia (2019)
  • 20th GARP Risk Convention – Global Association of Risk Professionals, NYC (2019)
  • Anti-Money Laundering – CABEI, Honduras (2008)
  • ALM – Euromoney Training, Mexico (2008)
  • Project Evaluation & Finance – INCAE, Honduras (2006)

Languages & Additional Information

Languages: Spanish (Native), English (C2), Portuguese (Advanced), French (Basic)
National of Costa Rica; Permanent Resident in Panama; Former Resident of Colombia
Eligible and willing to relocate globally for international assignments

Timeline

Global Director of Operational Risk

VisionFund International
02.2023 - Current

Regional Audit Director – Latin America & Caribbean

World Vision International
02.2020 - 02.2023

Cluster Director Internal Audit

Citigroup
03.2014 - 09.2019

Chief Risk Officer

Banco Internacional de Costa Rica (BICSA)
04.2011 - 03.2014

Senior Executive

Central American Bank for Economic Integration
10.2005 - 03.2011

MBA - Finance

ULACIT

BSc - Economics

University of Costa Rica

Master of Arts - Policy Economics

Williams College
Gilbert J. Masís-Quesada