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
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