FP&A Today Chikako Tyler FP&A lessons getting from CFO to COO at California Bank & Trust
Oct 23, 2025
Chikako Tyler, COO at California Bank & Trust, transitioned from a math PhD to banking, revealing insights about her path from analytics to leadership. She discusses stress testing and the importance of efficiency ratios in driving growth. Chikako highlights the significance of aligning diverse teams with corporate strategy and shares lessons learned from crises like COVID. She also emphasizes inclusion in banking and the evolving role of AI, showcasing her passion for mentorship and technology.
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From Short-Term Hire To Long-Term Banker
- Chikako joined California Bank & Trust as a temporary real estate analyst after the 2009–10 crisis and stayed long-term.
- The role exposed her to balance sheet management and launched her banking career.
Building Stress Testing From Scratch
- After managing acquired real estate portfolios, Chikako helped build CB&T's stress testing process when the bank crossed $10B.
- That work evolved into risk appetite frameworks and centralized risk grading teams.
Prioritize High-Leverage Improvements
- Focus effort where returns are largest: lift Cs to Bs rather than perfecting As to A+.
- Prioritize work by operating leverage and bang-for-buck impact.