00342955

PROFILE:

Results-driven, Chartered Accountant (ACA)® with 14 years' experience in banking, specialising in internal audit and credit risk. 5+ years in UK banking, SMF 5 certified individual under SMCR regime. Proactive and delivery-focused with excellent communication skills and an organised approach to meeting deadlines. Meticulous attention to detail and expertise in risk based internal audits, risk management, governance, systems and internal controls. Specialised in establishing risk-based audit programs and executing financial and non-financial audits, particularly in credit risk, financial crime, compliance and treasury operations. Adept at identifying risks, planning and executing audits, and providing actionable recommendations. Strong ability to clearly communicate complex issues to stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Credit Risk Management
• Financial Crime Risk
• Counterparty Risk
• ESG and Climate Risk
• Stakeholder Management
• Portfolio management
• Financial Analysis
• Regulatory compliances
• Corporate Credit
• Report writing
• Governance
• Data Analytics

KEY SKILLS:

• Proven ability to conduct independent, objective reviews of controls, processes, and culture to enhance operational effectiveness and governance.
• Skilled in drafting reports and collaborating with senior management.
• Proven ability in the end-to-end delivery of multiple complex engagements, both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience of developing working relationships and maintaining credibility with Board and senior management.
• Recognised for open discussion, critical thinking, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality work.
• Proficient in data analytics, Microsoft Office Suite, and has working knowledge of Power BI and SQL.

CAREER HISTORY:

December 2024 – Present

Banking

Credit Risk Manager

• Part of the FI team within the second line of defence, preparing credit risk notes for application of Banks, FIs, Insurance and Funds based on underlying risk and presenting to approving authority.
• Provide critical challenge and detailed review on credit application submitted by Front Office.
• Engage with front office colleagues to develop workable relationship, streamlining the quality and timelines.
• Contributed to the team’s success by supporting colleagues and sharing expertise, ensuring the best possible outcome.

APRIL 2024 – JULY 2024

Banking

Internal Audit Manager

• Managed a critical remediation project addressing regulatory deficiencies in product execution across entire zone.

FEBRUARY 2019 – MARCH 2024

Banking

Internal Audit Manager – Credit

• Managed the internal audit functions for both the Wholesale Branch and retail subsidiary of the bank, conducting comprehensive risk assessments aligned with FCA regulations.
• Performed credit portfolio reviews, focusing on post-lending activities, loan maturity strategies, and ensuring compliance with wholesale banking regulations and credit policies.
• Conducted in-depth reviews for corporate portfolios including syndicated loans, leverage finance, development finance, and mortgage-based financings, ensuring alignment with the Bank's risk appetite.
• Challenged risk reports, including credit risk assessment, risk appetite statements, stress testing from the first and second line, providing critical review and recommendations to improve risk identification and mitigation strategies.
• Played a lead role in monitoring emerging credit risks, particularly focusing on geopolitical and sanctions risks impacting cross-border transactions.
• Regularly reviewed obligor ratings to ensure they accurately reflected the forward-looking risk profile of each client and portfolio.
• Reviewed early warning systems and continuous monitoring to assess the performance of credit portfolios, managing both underperforming assets and ensuring timely intervention in deteriorating credit situations.
• Monitored management actions, ensuring timely issue resolution, closure and strengthening governance.
• Strengthened credit portfolio management across commercial, syndicated, and mortgage finance by conducting targeted audits, due diligence, and ensuring loan documentation compliance, resulting in improved risk management and reduced non-performing assets.
• Contributed to key committees including Credit Committee, Risk Management, ALCO, Management, Board Risk & Compliance, Board and working groups for policies and RCSA review.
• Leveraged data analytics tools to analyse large data volumes, reports, and identify potential risks and discrepancies.

Achievements:

• Successfully established internal audit department for UK subsidiary aligned with 3LoD principles and UK best practices.
• Compelled integration of ESG criteria and climate change considerations into credit risk assessments and risk appetite.
• Key member of the Credit Risk Section 166 Remediation Committee, leading improvements in credit processes.

OCTOBER 2016 – FEBRUARY 2019

Banking

Structured Finance Manager

• Prepared comprehensive credit risk assessments notes including in depth financial and market analysis for large corporate clients, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s risk appetite and strategic objectives.
• Maintained and administered a diverse banking portfolio across sectors such as financial institutions, NBFCs, real estate, and major Indian conglomerates.
• Prepared and presented credit assessment notes to Board Credit Committee, ensuring alignment with the bank's risk appetite and lending policies.
• Led credit risk management and client negotiations, structuring complex credit deals, optimising terms and aligning with the bank’s risk appetite and capital efficiency.

Achievements:

• Improved credit portfolio performance by 25% through strategic risk management and regular portfolio reviews.
• Contributed to the digital transformation of credit assessment processes as part of a team.

SEPTEMBER 2011 – OCTOBER 2016

Banking

Credit Underwriting Manager

• Responsible for branch credit portfolio management and credit underwriting; exposure to activities and functions including Credit Administration, Trade Finance and Operations, Credit Rating, & Relationship Management.
• Analysed financial statements and prepared detailed analysis notes for granting Working Capital Finance, Term/Demand Loan and Trade Finance to large corporate and SME borrower.
• Mitigated credit risks through robust post-lending reviews and early warning systems.
• Processed disbursement applications, verifying compliance with relevant conditions and co-authorising disbursements.
• Processed requests for waivers, amendments, cancellations, and prepayments and recommending approval.

Achievements:

• Successfully managed large credit portfolio of more than INR 40 bn. across industries such as Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, and Windmills.
• Successful in reducing the NPAs and resulting delinquencies.

EDUCATION:

2021: Associate Chartered Accountant, Institute of Chartered Accounts

2011: Associate Chartered Accountant, Institute of Chartered Accountants

2008: Bachelor’s in commerce (Honours), University

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Present: Dip. IFRS - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• 2024: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)® - Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
• 2021: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)® - Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist
• 2022: Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR)® - Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
• 2020: Investment Foundation - CFA Institute
• 2018: Certificate in Commercial Credit - Moody’s Analytics
• 2013: Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers - Indian Institute of Banking and Finance

References Available Upon Request