Niels Baars on Model Risk Management at Advanced Model Risk Europe

Video

Adapting Model Risk Management for an Era of Increasing Complexity

At Advanced Model Risk Europe, Niels Baars discusses how financial institutions are evolving their model risk management frameworks to keep pace with increasing model complexity, regulatory expectations and the growing use of AI. He highlights the importance of strengthening governance, validation processes and cross-functional alignment to ensure models remain robust, transparent and fit for purpose in a rapidly changing risk landscape.

Apr 06, 2026

Niels Baars, Head of Model Risk Strategy, Rabobank

Tags: Model risk

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In this interview, Niels Baars explores the challenges organisations face as model ecosystems become more complex and interconnected. He reflects on how regulatory scrutiny is driving greater expectations around model governance, documentation and validation, while also requiring institutions to maintain flexibility as new technologies emerge.

He also discusses the impact of AI and machine learning on model risk, including the need for enhanced transparency and oversight. As institutions balance innovation with control, Baars emphasises the importance of integrated frameworks that support consistency, resilience and effective decision-making across the model lifecycle.

Niels Baars Bio

Niels leads Rabobank’s Model Risk Strategy department, focusing on model risk governance and oversight, as well as bank-wide AI risk management (2LoD). Before joining Rabobank, he worked as a (Big Four) Financial Risk Management Consultant for approximately 14 years, advising leading financial institutions on regulatory compliance and model risk management.