Nick He
SERVING A SHARED MISSION
"Give your best and treat every opportunity as though it’s your last." This guidance from his mother has been the principle that Nick He has lived by throughout his life. Raised by his single mother in Shanghai, he learned early on the importance of perseverance, especially in the face of adversity, and seizing every opportunity.
Once Nick became a teenager, his mother sent him to school in Australia to expand his horizons. After a year or so, she immigrated to the U.S. with him, and that's when he started exploring the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) to learn regiment and discipline. He grew to love the military life and had a dream of becoming a U.S. fighter pilot — but life had other plans. It was during this time that Nick met his future wife, Cynthia, and he decided to transition to finance.
Out of college, Nick’s first job was with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as a regulatory staff conducting investigations. He later had stints at Booz Allen Hamilton and Navy Federal Credit Union before joining Freddie Mac in 2021 as a consultant in the Single-Family division. Eventually, Nick made his way to Multifamily on the Operational Risk team and has been with the group for a year and half.
Multifamily Operational Risk is part of the first line of defense within the Multifamily division and is responsible for identifying and measuring risk, including managing issues and operational risk events; analyzing and reporting on those risks; and collaborating with the three lines of defense and management across the company. Nick applies his expertise in conducting thorough risk assessments for various business areas and skillfully designs controls that seamlessly integrate with and uphold the enterprise risk management framework to ensure compliance. Recognizing the distinct risks inherent to each business area, he tailors the controls to align with their specific processes to maximize effectiveness.
Below, Nick shares how he contributes to Freddie Mac’s mission and beyond
What trait makes a great teammate or ally?
A: Coming from a military background, I consider accountability as a crucial trait in a teammate. It’s someone who can ‘watch your six’1 and whom you can rely on in various capacities. Another quality of a good teammate is the willingness to learn. We don’t know what we don’t know – and I believe being open to learning and being taught is essential. I apply this principle to myself and actively seek advice from others within my team, ensuring that I'm not solely focused on what I already know. Ultimately, this approach enables me to deliver better results by approaching problems from diverse perspectives.
1 A military phrase meaning watch your back.
Nick in his ROTC uniform.
How do you see your job impacting the bigger mission of Freddie Mac?
A: My role entails supporting the business rather than assuming full control – it involves ensuring that all components are in place and functioning as intended. By collaborating with the business areas to implement effective procedures and process flows that enhance the risk and control environment, we can further the overarching mission of fostering stability, liquidity and affordability.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month. Is there an Asian American figure, historical or personal, whom you admire?
A: The individual who immediately comes to mind is Bruce Lee. I find his legacy of innovation and consistency truly impactful. During his formative years, he studied under numerous martial arts masters, synthesizing various styles to forge his unique approach. Through this innovative mindset, he established his martial arts academy in the U.S., welcoming a diverse range of students. His unwavering commitment to training exemplified the notion that long-term dedication yields significant results. He stands as a compelling example of the determination and relentless pursuit of excellence, regardless of the challenges encountered.
I’d also be remiss to not give my wife Cynthia a shout-out. Together, we’ve embarked on a journey of shared aspirations and goals, supporting each other through the highs and lows of our early careers. I admire how she has stood by my side and provided unwavering encouragement as we both established ourselves in the professional world.
Nick and his wife Cynthia at a restaurant.
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