Business Details
20 Years
experience
Trusted Risk Management Solutions for Financial Institutions
Rochdale Paragon operates at the intersection of strategy, opportunity, and risk, dedicated to empowering financial institutions through integrated risk management solutions. With over 200 years of combined experience, our team specializes in enterprise risk management (ERM), vendor management, and strategic planning tailored exclusively for credit unions. Founded in 2006, we embody the cooperative spirit of Rochdale Paragon, England, where the first business cooperative emerged in 1844. Our mission is to serve financial institutions by fostering trust, professionalism, and service-oriented relationships. We deliver industry-leading tools like apogee iQ, a risk management platform infused with decades of financial industry expertise.Our approach combines consultative services with intuitive software to build resilient programs that align with organizational goals. We prioritize long-term relevance for clients by transforming risk into strategic advantage through customized solutions. Our team of seasoned experts, including CEO Tony Ferris, collaborates with boards and executives to enhance governance frameworks and risk cultures. We champion a philosophy of curiosity, integrity, and results-driven initiatives to ensure client success in an evolving regulatory landscape.
Services
Enterprise Risk Management
Vendor Management
Risk Appetite
Strategic Planning
Governance
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 200+ years of combined experience in financial institution risk management.
- Our apogee iQ platform integrates ERM, vendor management, and governance processes.
- We provide customized programs aligned with credit union-specific regulatory requirements.
- Our team includes former credit union executives with firsthand industry expertise.
- We combine consultative expertise with ongoing support for program sustainability.
What people say
Trusted partner
Instrumental to success
Thoroughness of reviews
Proactive risk guidance
Effective vendor management
Services
Enterprise Risk Management
Our Enterprise Risk Management services help financial institutions identify, assess, and prioritize risks across their operations. We develop customized frameworks that align with strategic objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance. Our experts leverage the apogee iQ platform to provide predictive modeling and real-time risk visibility, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance organizational resilience and long-term sustainability.
Vendor Management
Vendor Management solutions ensure credit unions maintain control over third-party relationships through comprehensive due diligence and risk assessments. Our 25+ years of industry experience inform tailored programs that address contractual obligations, security audits, and compliance requirements. Using apogee iQ's Document Manager, we streamline vendor reconciliation and reporting to mitigate operational risks while optimizing partnership value.
Risk Appetite
Risk Appetite programs formalize organizational boundaries for risk-taking through data-driven surveys and facilitation processes. We help credit unions define measurable risk tolerance levels aligned with strategic goals, transforming subjective decisions into fact-based frameworks. This service includes developing key risk indicators (KRIs) and performance metrics to ensure consistent risk management across governance levels.
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning services create unified roadmaps for organizational growth by aligning leadership teams around measurable objectives. Our methodology combines environmental analysis with risk-reward assessments to identify growth opportunities and potential pitfalls. We facilitate interactive sessions that challenge assumptions and validate strategies, ensuring plans remain adaptable to evolving market conditions and member needs.
Governance
Governance consulting strengthens credit union leadership frameworks through customized assessments of board structure, policies, and risk oversight practices. We evaluate governance effectiveness against industry benchmarks and develop action plans to enhance strategic decision-making. Our holistic approach integrates risk management, executive oversight, and cultural alignment to future-proof governance programs.
People
Tony Ferris
CEO
Tony Ferris leads Rochdale Paragon with a vision to transform risk into strategic opportunity. With decades of financial services experience, he champions innovative ERM solutions that align with credit union missions. His leadership emphasizes long-term relevance through risk-intelligent decision-making.
Jeff Owen
COO
Jeff Owen oversees daily operations at Rochdale Paragon, ensuring seamless delivery of risk management services. His expertise in organizational efficiency and process optimization supports scalable solutions for credit unions navigating complex regulatory environments.
Brandon Schmidtberger
CFO
Brandon Schmidtberger manages financial strategy at Rochdale Paragon, combining fiscal oversight with risk management expertise. He ensures sustainable growth while maintaining alignment with client-focused service delivery objectives.
Avery Tummons
Product Manager
Avery Tummons drives development of Rochdale Paragon's apogee iQ platform, integrating industry insights with technological innovation. Her focus on intuitive design enhances risk management capabilities for financial institutions nationwide.
Questions
What industries does Rochdale specialize in?
Rochdale exclusively serves financial institutions, with a primary focus on credit unions and their unique risk management needs.
How does Rochdale's apogee iQ software integrate with existing systems?
apogee iQ offers modular integration with core banking systems and compliance tools, enabling seamless data flow for risk assessments and reporting.
Can Rochdale help with regulatory compliance requirements?
Yes, our programs address NCUA guidelines and other regulatory standards through customized frameworks that ensure audit readiness.
What sets Rochdale apart from other risk management firms?
We combine credit union-specific expertise with proprietary technology and a cooperative philosophy that prioritizes client success.
How long does ERM program implementation typically take?
Implementation timelines vary by institution size but typically range from 6-12 months with ongoing support options available.
Do you offer training for risk management staff?
Yes, we provide customized training programs and certification schools in partnership with industry organizations like CUNA.
