USAA welcomes Comerica's risk management chief to its team
USAA, a leading financial services provider for military members, veterans, and their families, has announced the appointment of Brian Goldman as its new Chief Risk Officer, effective May 27, 2025. Goldman joins USAA following a successful stint as the Chief Risk Officer at Comerica, where he served for approximately 18 months [1][3].
Goldman's extensive background in risk management is expected to bolster USAA's risk management capabilities, particularly in light of the organization's recent growth. USAA has witnessed a surge in membership, adding over one million new members, and plans to expand its workforce in Chesapeake, Virginia by more than 500 employees [4][1].
Goldman's transition to USAA comes amidst regulatory challenges faced by the financial services sector. USAA, too, has been navigating regulatory issues, including a comprehensive cease-and-desist order issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in December 2023 [1]. However, there is no direct link between these regulatory issues and Goldman's appointment or USAA's central risk management function.
Comerica found itself in hot water after allowing a third-party vendor to handle cardholder data from an office in Pakistan, in violation of the Treasury Department's requirements. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) began investigating Comerica's handling of its Direct Express prepaid card program, charging the bank with "systematically failing" 3.4 million federal benefits recipients with intentionally poor customer service and illegally harvesting junk fees [2]. The CFPB also instructed Comerica to enhance its internal audit program and bolster internal controls [2].
Following these developments, Comerica informed investors it would no longer serve as the Treasury Department's bank partner for its Direct Express prepaid card program [2]. The CFPB, under Trump administration leadership, dropped the case against the bank, although without prejudice, meaning the CFPB could refile the lawsuit [2]. Goldman's tenure at Comerica saw him enhance the company's risk management model and practices [3].
Goldman's compensation at Comerica last year totalled $3.8 million [3]. His predecessor at USAA, Neeraj Singh, moved on to become M&T Bank's next Chief Risk Officer in January [3]. George Stamatelatos, USAA's interim risk chief, left the company in April to become TD's U.S. chief auditor [3].
In light of the challenges faced by Comerica and the ongoing regulatory landscape, Goldman's appointment at USAA underscores the organization's commitment to strengthening its risk management leadership. USAA continues to grow and adapt to the needs of its expanding membership, while also addressing operational and regulatory challenges as they arise [3][4][1].
Sources: [1] USAA Press Release, 2025 [2] Reuters, 2024 [3] Bloomberg, 2024 [4] Military Times, 2025
In his new role as Chief Risk Officer at USAA, Brian Goldman will bring his expertise in risk management to help navigate the financial organization's growth and ongoing regulatory challenges. Goldman's previous success in bolstering risk management at Comerica is anticipated to contribute significantly to USAA's business operations and careers.
