Senior Model Validator – XVA and Counterparty Credit Risk

We are looking for a Senior Model Validator with a primary focus on XVA and Counterparty Credit Risk. In this role, you will lead and oversee the independent validation of complex models used to measure counterparty exposure and valuation adjustments, while also contributing across the broader landscape of Trading Book Financial Risk models. You will play a key role in setting validation standards, providing robust quantitative challenge, and supporting strong model risk governance through expert judgement and close engagement with stakeholders.

The team

You will join ING’s Model Validation Financial Risk department, part of the global Model Risk Management function. We are an international, collaborative team of highly qualified professionals with a strong feedback culture, combining on-site work in Amsterdam with flexible remote working.

What you will do

In practice, you will:

• Validate Trading Book financial risk models end-to-end, covering Market Risk, CCR, Pricing & Valuation, Algorithmic Trading, Valuation Adjustments, and Economic Capital & Stress Testing models.
• Act as Lead Validator for XVA and Counterparty Credit Risk models, owning validations from planning to closure and challenging model developers and owners on what truly matters from a risk perspective.
• Perform risk-based portfolio activities, including thematic reviews, cross-model analyses, and identification of structural or recurring model risk drivers across the Trading Book.
• Prepare and defend clear validation conclusions, translating complex quantitative analysis into concise messages for model approval committees and senior stakeholders.
• Engage on supervisory and governance topics (e.g. ECB/JST, model approvals, audit follow-ups) as a natural extension of your validation work.
• Advise stakeholders on model risk materiality, prioritisation, and remediation strategies, acting as a trusted sparring partner rather than a checker.
• Contribute to the development of Model Validation as a function, including coaching junior validators, improving ways of working, and driving innovation (e.g. automation or AI-enabled validation techniques).
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with model developers, risk managers, and other stakeholders across the Trading Book.
• Ensure adherence to Model Risk Policy and validation standards.

What you bring

• Deep expertise in XVA and Counterparty Credit Risk and solid understanding of other Trading Book financial risk models.
• Strong quantitative background (financial mathematics, statistics, econometrics, or similar).
• Experience working in a heavily regulated environment with high standards for governance and documentation.
• Ability to challenge first line of defence decisions, and translate complex quantitative analysis into clear, persuasive messages for committees and senior management.
• A proactive, accountable mindset: you take ownership and focus on impact.
• A collaborative attitude and genuine interest in developing others.
• Knowledge in quantitative modelling using python, C++, or other programming language.

What we offer

• A senior, high-impact role at the heart of ING’s global Trading Book risk framework.
• Active involvement in model approvals, supervisory dialogue (ECB/JST), and internal audit interactions.
• Strong support for continuous learning and professional development.
• Hybrid working and flexibility to balance work and private life.

Rewards and benefits

• 25-28 vacation days depending on contract
• Pension scheme
• 13th month salary
• 8% Holiday payment
• Hybrid working
• Personal growth and challenging work with endless possibilities
• An informal working environment with innovative colleagues