This is a profile image of Dan Williams

Dan Williams

Dan Williams

Brings hands-on risk-management expertise in the financial-services sector, helping companies transform programs and functions to reduce risk while increasing value

Dan advises financial institutions seeking to improve risk management and ensure regulatory compliance. In this work, he draws on previous experience as a national bank examiner helping depository institutions find opportunities to enhance the control environment and the effectiveness of risk management.

Since joining McKinsey, Dan has advised major US and international banks and insurance companies as they navigate the changing regulatory environment, set new strategy, and enhance their overall approach to managing risk. Deploying comprehensive compliance assessments and stress tests, he helps companies pursue large-scale transformations that address regulatory mandates while creating business value.

Examples of his recent client work include the following:

  • leading a transformation program addressing conduct-related risk management for a large universal bank in North America, including setting up the program office and developing initiatives to transform first- and second-line programs

  • designing and implementing a new operating model for two lines of business of a global universal bank to meet heightened regulatory expectations with respect to BSA/AML, while minimizing adverse customer impact

  • conducting mock regulatory examinations across risk, compliance, operational, and technology dimensions to assess readiness for becoming a bank

  • transforming the stress-testing function of the US subsidiary of a leading global bank, including an enhanced governance and operating model, change management, and transfer of core capabilities
  • helping lead a transformation of the investment-management division of a global insurance company, from changes in the overall investment strategy to the build-out of investment-function processes and systems
  • developing a risk-management framework for the wealth-management business of a regional bank, including an explicit focus on fiduciary and suitability risk

Dan has contributed to publications addressing risk in wealth management and bank liquidity. He is conversant in Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Published work

The next frontier in risk efficiency,” McKinsey & Company, April 2023

Risk and resilience priorities, as told by chief risk officers,” McKinsey & Company, December 2022

Perspectives on conduct risk in wealth management,” McKinsey & Company, May 2018

Between deluge and drought: The future of US bank liquidity and funding,” McKinsey & Company, July 2013

Past experience

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, US Treasury Department
National bank examiner

Education

Harvard Business School
MBA

Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
BSFS, international economies