Silicon Valley Bank risk chief gap glaring post-collapse

Once the dust settles on the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the finger-pointing begins, don’t look at the chief risk officer.

Kim Olson was only announced as the appointee to the role at parent company SVB Financial Group on Jan. 4. She joined with an established track record of 30 years of experience in financial services, including her previous time as Americas risk chief for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

Instead, focus on the actions of the bank preceding Olson’s hiring—specifically, the gap that existed in the role. Laura Izurieta, SVB’s former chief risk officer, left the bank in October, according to a proxy filing earlier this month. She ceased serving as risk chief in April 2022.