In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Rick Flynn, Managing Director, Head of RQA EMEA at BlackRock.

This conversation explores the entrepreneurial journey of Rick Flynn in the world of risk management. Rick takes us through the processes needed to gain knowledge about risks. He shares several lessons about risk management and also how the support given to his clients while making decisions has improved their relationship over the years.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of derivatives in the financial markets. Rick addresses concerns about the potential risks associated with derivatives trading and the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure market stability.

Meet Rick Flynn

Richard Flynn, Managing Director and Head of Risk & Quantitative Analysis EMEA at BlackRock. In addition, he is the Chief Risk Officer of BlackRock Group Limited (BGL), co-chairs the EMEA Enterprise Risk Committee, and is a member of the European Executive and Global Operating Committees of the firm.

Mr. Flynn's service with the firm dates back to 2005, including his years with Barclays Global Investors (BGI), which merged with BlackRock in 2009. Prior to joining BGI in November 2005, he spent 4 years at London-based hedge fund Horizon Asset Limited focused on convertible bond arbitrage research and equity stat-arb trading. Previous experience includes setting up proprietary trading groups and managing risk arbitrage strategies at both Sanwa International plc and Sumitomo Finance International plc. Mr. Flynn began his career by spending 9 years with Salomon Brothers Proprietary Fixed Income groups variously in London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and New York.

Mr. Flynn holds a Masters in Finance from London Business School, a BSc in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and is a CFA Charterholder.