BCBS-239 Isn’t Just Compliance – It’s a Game-Changer

"BCBS-239 Isn’t Just Compliance – It’s a Game-Changer"

Anouar Zian on Data Governance, Leadership, and the Power of Niche Expertise

From Right-Winger To Strategic Playmaker

I was born and raised in Amsterdam, grew up supporting Ajax, and still play football.
These days, I’m no longer a pacey right-winger, but a central defender. That actually reflects my professional style: seeing the bigger picture, mitigating risk, and building both on the pitch and in finance.

After completing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Management Consulting
at the ‘Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’, I began my career at Solid Professionals. My move to Firm C was intentional. I wanted to make a real impact and work in a fast-paced, evolving environment. At Firm C, I was given the space to deep dive into a niche, which has now become my area of expertise.

Do Not Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
One thing I always tell new consultants is this: do not be afraid to make mistakes. My view? You have to jump. Sure, you might sink a little at first, but you will always resurface. Because, we foster a culture of trust and support at Firm C.

Challenge + Support = Growth
That is our core strenght at Firm C: we push you to grow, but we are right there with you. Every new project comes with a steep learning curve – with new people, new systems and new contexts. It can be overwhelming at first. But then, the puzzle starts to come together. You build momentum, find your flow and thrive.

What Do You Actually Do at Firm C?
As a senior consultant, I help financial institutions solve complex challenges
around data and risk management. My niche? BCBS-239 - a critical topic in banking, but one that is often misunderstood and poorly implemented. It is a framework designed to improve risk data capabilities and decision-making. What pulled me into consulting in the first place was solving tough problems with no playbook. Over time, I chose to focus on one of those challenges: strengthening
data quality and risk frameworks within banks through the lens of BCBS -239. That is what drives me: being part of meaningful solutions.

BCBS -239: A Must-Have for Modern Banks
Many banks struggle with how to actually implement BCBS-239.
On the surface, it feels technical; but at its core, it’s about trust in your data. If
you do not know where your numbers come from, you cannot make smart decisions -
especially in high-stakes situations or during a crisis. Right now, I lead a team at a major bank focusing on data-lineage, data quality requirements and governance. It is a high-pressure environment: you are right in the middle of strategic conversations about approach, accountability and how we get it right.

More Than Just Rules
For me, BCBS-239 is not a box-ticking exercise - it is an opportunity. It is made up of 14 principles, not rigid regulations , which gives room for flexibility and customization. I see it as a blueprint for future-ready data ecosystems - boosting transparency, improving reporting and helping banks build resilience.

What’s Next: Leadership, Teams & Entrepreneurship
In the near future, I want to grow as a leader. I am looking to build and lead a new team at a (different) client, something that will challenge me beyond just technical know-how. I want a
team that is independent, trusted and focused on quality from day one.

Looking ahead, I have bigger plans. I envision launching my own proposition within Firm C: a laser-focused, expert-led unit that helps get their data management and risk reporting right. Not generic advice but real practical expertise. That is where the future lies.