Jared Forman | Meet a Certified FRM

CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR CURRENT JOB?

I consult with financial services clients on risk management-related issues such as stress testing, risk modeling, governance, risk identification, risk appetites and other ERM related activities. I assist clients with their response to risk and capital related regulations, including the Federal Reserve’s Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Own Risk and Solvency Assessment.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR WAY TO THE FINANCIAL RISK INDUSTRY?

I am also an actuary and focused on pension risk management in the early part of my career, so I was very familiar with financial risk management through these early experiences. I transitioned to advising large financial institutions just after the market events of 2008 and 2009, and have been helping companies with risk management and regulatory response ever since.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACED IN PREPARING FOR THE FRM EXAM, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

The biggest challenge in preparing for the FRM was time management, especially being in a consulting role where client service is of paramount importance. My schedule would often be fluid, so finding time to prepare was difficult. I found that I could maximize my study time by reviewing concepts during commutes and other pockets of down time.

HOW DOES THE FRM COMPLEMENT YOUR OTHER EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND (SUCH AS DEGREES EARNED OR PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS ACHIEVED)?

In addition to an FRM, I am a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and a Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA). The FRM has complemented my actuarial credentials by reinforcing my education and background as an actuary, as well as by providing a sharp focus on risk-related topics in the financial markets.

IN WHAT WAYS, IF AT ALL, DOES THE FRM HELP YOU WITH YOUR DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES?

As a consultant, I assist my clients in many areas of risk management, including in many areas that GARP includes in its FRM curriculum. The knowledge obtained from earning my FRM has provided me with a broad foundation in various areas of risk, as well as deep technical expertise in key topics affecting financial institutions today. This has been vital in my interactions with clients related to prudential regulation, given its wide-ranging impact within an organization.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT SKILLS AND INSIGHTS WOULD A CERTIFIED FRM HAVE OVER A JOB APPLICANT THAT DOESN'T HOLD THE DESIGNATION?

Job applicants who are Certified FRMs have demonstrated a strong dedication to the risk management profession. The skills that they have developed through the exams are crucial for understanding the risks facing companies today and the impact those risks can have. An FRM is immediately ready to contribute to an organization with pre-packaged knowledge on how to identify, manage, assess and monitor risk.

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