Augustine Backer

About Augustine Backer

I’m a quantitative risk leader with 15+ years spanning market, interest rate, FX, counterparty, and model risk, as well as ALM and treasury. My background spans a PhD in Theoretical Physics, an MBA in Finance, and the CFA, CIPM, and CMT designations — a combination that enables me to bridge deep technical analysis with clear, decision ready insights for senior leadership.I’m known for transforming manual, error prone processes into scalable, automated solutions using GenAI, Python, and VBA; elevating KPI/KRI frameworks; strengthening risk aligned controls; and improving the clarity and reliability of risk information for senior leadership.My career has centered on strengthening risk frameworks, governing complex models, and enhancing IRRBB, NII, and MVE analytics across first and second lines. I’ve led oversight of investment portfolio hedging models and partnered with Treasury and ALM teams to improve interest rate risk measurement, liquidity insights, and balance sheet transparency. Across these roles, I focus on elevating the clarity, reliability, and decision‑readiness of risk information for senior leadership.I’m equally passionate about education and curriculum design. I’ve contributed to CFA Institute’s curriculum review, supporting curriculum quality across CFA Levels CIPM, and ESG programs, taught a Python based fintech course, and developed learning content that blends rigor, clarity, and real-world application.I thrive in roles where analytical depth, governance discipline, and cross functional leadership come together to solve complex problems and build systems that last.

Experience

1. Content Reviewer & Errata Specialist (Consultant)

   CFA Institute

   May 2021 — Present · Charlottesville, VA, US

   Review and validate technical content across CFA Program Levels CIPM, and ESG curricula, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with CFA Institute learning outcomes.• Serve as an errata specialist, identifying and correcting technical, quantitative, and conceptual issues to maintain curriculum integrity and improve candidate experience.• Evaluate new and updated curriculum materials, applying deep subject matter expertise.• Partner with curriculum developers to enhance examples, problem sets, and explanations, strengthening pedagogical quality and technical rigor.• Contribute to the continuous improvement of CFA Institute’s global learning ecosystem by ensuring high quality, industry aligned educational content.

Education

• University of Massachusetts Lowell

  Doctor of Philosophy, Theoretical Physics

• Bentley University

  Master of Business Administration, Finance

Skills

• Portfolio Performance Analysis
• Cognos
• Statistical Modeling
• Finance
• Financial Modeling
• Investment Management
• Interest Rate Hedging
• Risk Management
• Essbase
• Liquidity Management
• Treasury
• Portfolio Management
• Analytical Skills
• Business Intelligence
• Management
• Bloomberg
• Analysis
• Financial Risk
• Valuation
• Analytics
• Streamlining Operational Processes
• Managerial Finance
• Strategic Financial Planning
• Business Analysis
• Alm
• Lotus Notes
• Financial Planning
• Data Analysis
• Financial Reporting
• Business Analytics
• Interest Rate Risk Management
• Fixed Income
• Derivatives
• Financial Analysis
• Equities
• Quantitative Research