I am a data science leader with 8+ years of experience driving business strategy through advanced analytics, machine learning, and robust statistical modeling. I specialize in building scalable risk models, fraud prevention, and financial forecasting, and I enjoy translating complex data insights into clear, actionable strategies for executives. I have led cross-functional teams across finance, risk, operations, and technology to deploy end-to-end solutions, design robust data pipelines, and steer data initiatives that align with company objectives. I thrive in dynamic environments and continuously pursue opportunities to scale impact through innovation and collaboration.

Unnikrishnan Sivakumaran Nair

I am a data science leader with 8+ years of experience driving business strategy through advanced analytics, machine learning, and robust statistical modeling. I specialize in building scalable risk models, fraud prevention, and financial forecasting, and I enjoy translating complex data insights into clear, actionable strategies for executives. I have led cross-functional teams across finance, risk, operations, and technology to deploy end-to-end solutions, design robust data pipelines, and steer data initiatives that align with company objectives. I thrive in dynamic environments and continuously pursue opportunities to scale impact through innovation and collaboration.

Available to hire

I am a data science leader with 8+ years of experience driving business strategy through advanced analytics, machine learning, and robust statistical modeling. I specialize in building scalable risk models, fraud prevention, and financial forecasting, and I enjoy translating complex data insights into clear, actionable strategies for executives.

I have led cross-functional teams across finance, risk, operations, and technology to deploy end-to-end solutions, design robust data pipelines, and steer data initiatives that align with company objectives. I thrive in dynamic environments and continuously pursue opportunities to scale impact through innovation and collaboration.

See more

Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
See more

Work Experience

Senior Data Scientist at Financeit
July 1, 2024 - Present
Led the strategic transition from US GAAP to IFRS9 loss provisioning. Architected and developed end-to-end PD, LGD, EAD, and FLI models to calculate expected credit loss across diverse loan portfolios, and developed segmentation models to enhance risk assessment. Designed and delivered executive dashboards visualizing risk metrics and model performance; built risk-specific data pipelines using Fivetran and DBT to support reporting and analysis.
Senior Data Scientist at Canadian Tire Bank
June 1, 2023 - July 1, 2024
Spearheaded the creation of an enterprise stress testing solution to project credit performance under future macroeconomic scenarios. Drove strategic planning and adoption across teams, achieving a 20% reduction in projected credit losses. Developed and deployed PD, LGD, and EAD models for regulatory-compliant Expected Credit Loss calculations, and communicated insights to senior stakeholders to foster data-driven decisions.
Data Scientist at Scotiabank
October 1, 2022 - June 1, 2023
Designed and developed robust credit risk analytics models for retail and small business portfolios, ensuring compliance with OSFI guidance and IFRS9. Implemented rigorous model validation processes and led testing/implementation in UAT and production environments to guarantee model integrity and regulatory approval.
Data Scientist at Rio Tinto
May 1, 2022 - September 1, 2022
Applied causal & graph analytics to identify key drivers of EBITDA variability across mining sites. Developed a Python-based internal library for model explainability (XAI) to improve robustness and transparency, and partnered with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to align analytics with strategic financial goals.
Lead Data Analyst at EY
January 1, 2017 - April 1, 2021
Architected and deployed a machine learning solution to minimize false positives in sanctions screening for a Fortune 500 bank, achieving significant cost savings. Led intelligent automation initiatives (chatbot framework and virtual scheduling assistant) to scale business processes. Built NLP applications for a Child Protection Agency to map relationships from court documents, reducing investigation effort. Developed a graph-based AML system using Neo4j to detect complex money laundering patterns.
Senior Data Analyst at fractal.ai
June 1, 2015 - December 1, 2016
Led automation of the business review process for a Fortune 500 CPG client, delivering a consolidated view of sales and financial data for C-suite decision-making. Built predictive models to identify key drivers of SKU performance and improve marketing ROI.

Education

Master of Data Analytics at University of Western Ontario
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2022
Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Engineering at University of Kerala
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2015

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Financial Services, Professional Services, Software & Internet