Ernest Dio

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT ERNEST DIO

I help boards and executives strengthen governance frameworks, build risk-aware cultures, and navigate the complex intersection of regulation and strategy. With more than 25 years of leadership across the United States, Europe, and Africa, I’ve guided financial institutions through transformation—balancing regulatory expectations with sustainable business growth.As Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at UBA America, I lead enterprise-wide risk and compliance strategy across US and Cayman operations. I’ve built governance and compliance models that resolved long-standing supervisory concerns, enhanced relationships with the OCC and CIMA, and elevated the institution’s regulatory posture. Earlier in my career, as Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO, I spearheaded the launch of the U.S. dollar clearing and cross-border payments business—expanding revenue streams, strengthening correspondent relationships, and embedding enhanced AML, CFT, and sanctions controls.My leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration and clarity. I translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable frameworks that enable boards and management teams to make confident, risk-informed decisions. I regularly advise board committees on risk appetite, compliance governance, and regulatory reporting, helping directors fulfill their fiduciary and oversight responsibilities with confidence.