Arthur: Global FEC Product Risk Assessment Manager and Army Reservist
- Arthur Rotgersmanager Global FEC Product Risk Assessment
- Reading time
“I’m proud to make my country a safer place in two ways.”
Arthur combines his role at Rabobank with his work as an army reservist. A unique combination, but one that’s perfectly possible at Rabobank. Rabobank supports Arthur’s choice to give back to society and helps him combine work with community engagement. “The things that matter to me are taken seriously. I feel seen.”
Arthur has always had a deep interest in economics. But was he ever as passionate about the military? “Absolutely not. Conscription was mandatory when I was growing up, and it was such an inconvenience, like having your life put on pause.” Due to an administrative error, he was assigned to one of the country’s toughest selection programs: the elite Commando Corps. That unexpected turn would change his path completely. “The seventy candidates were whittled down to ten, and I’d made it through. I never expected to be picked. It was a game changer. I couldn’t get out of military service, so I thought I may as well give it my all.”
Beyond the Rambo Cliché
Arthur was awarded a symbolic green beret, given only to those who successfully complete the grueling commando training. But despite his successes, he didn’t plan on a career in the army. “The risks for my wife were too great.” He continued his economics studies and found a home away from home at Rabobank, never uttering a word about his military service for twenty-five years. “I didn’t want to be the office Rambo, because commandos are so much more than that. I learned essential life skills, such as thinking ahead, reconnaissance and risk management. I’m never caught off guard. That mindset has made me a more resilient person.”
Risk, Risk, Everywhere
As a Global FEC Product Risk Assessment Manager, Arthur reviews bank products for potential risks. “Is this mortgage truly secure? Is a credit card susceptible to fraud? My aim is to identify risks and manage them—exactly what my military service taught me.” Arthur applies his mindset to his team, too. “Recognizing vulnerabilities helps people come together and work toward a common goal. It means you can get up after a fall and are ready to lend a hand. Facing vulnerabilities head-on is the key to building true resilience.”
My aim is to identify risks and manage them—exactly what my military service taught me."
The Beret of the Bold
One day, Arthur felt ready to open up to a colleague about his military service, who then told him about Rabobank’s army reservist network. “It was the perfect way to combine my passions in life.” His green beret gave him the confidence to join the army reserve. “I didn’t need to prove myself, because it was obvious I knew what military life involved. I could focus on the task at hand.”
Reservistenverlof
Rabobank wil bijdragen aan een veerkrachtige samenleving. Daarom steunen we medewerkers die zich willen inzetten als reservist bij Defensie.
Als reservist volg je trainingen en kun je worden ingezet bij Defensie. Meestal gebeurt dit buiten werktijd, zoals in de avond of het weekend. Maar soms is er ook tijd nodig tijdens werkuren. Rabobank geeft je dan extra verlofuren.
Je kunt per jaar maximaal 2 keer je wekelijkse arbeidsduur gebruiken voor reservistentaken. Heb je een 36-urige werkweek? Dan krijg je 72 uur extra verlof. Werk je parttime? Dan geldt het aantal uren naar rato.
Arthur is seven years into his career as an army reservist and focuses on hybrid threats, which are now a major part of the security landscape. “We’ve moved beyond shooting at each other. Modern warfare involves drones, cyber attacks and other disruptions. Thanks to the economic focus I’ve honed at Rabobank, I’m able to identify new threats and act on them earlier.”
When Dreams Become Reality
Rabobank’s Managing Board spoke to a group of army reservists—Arthur being one of them—during a conference on resilience.Soon after, Rabobank signed an agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Defence, making it easier to combine work and military service. “I’m grateful that, this time, words led to real action. The signing of the agreement feels like a dream, as I’m finally able to combine both sides of my life. It’s also a major show of appreciation for what we do, even though I’ve never aimed to be in the limelight.”
