Arun Veera Balaji S
Chennai
Summary
Dynamic risk management professional with extensive experience at Wells Fargo, excelling in control management and data analysis. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency through automation strategies and fostering a culture of accountability. Adept at leading teams and driving process optimization, delivering impactful results in compliance and risk mitigation.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Vice President – Risk & Control
Wells Fargo
04.2024 - Current
- Identified and mitigated emerging risk exposures across business activities, ensuring alignment with organizational risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by driving process and control improvements within assigned business control responsibilities.
- Conducted research and analysis on business challenges, presenting data-driven recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Designed, implemented, and monitored risk reporting frameworks; performed periodic evaluations and shared findings with leadership.
- Delivered insights on complex risk scenarios, applying sound judgment and supporting development of subject matter expertise within Control Management.
- Interpreted and applied policies, governance programs, and regulatory guidelines, serving as a first-line liaison with Independent Risk Management.
- Collaborated with stakeholders across Control Management, Compliance, and Audit to ensure risk strategies were effectively embedded.
- Developed and executed control testing strategies, including test scripts and evaluation of control design/effectiveness.
- Conducted Risk Control Self-Assessments (RCSA), internal audits, and control testing to validate adequacy and compliance.
- Assessed processes for control gaps, performed root cause analysis of control failures, and implemented remediation plans.
- Supported regulatory and internal audit reviews by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and ensuring timely resolution.
- Contributed to governance activities, including issue management, corrective action tracking, and escalation protocols.
- Promoted a risk-aware culture through knowledge sharing, training, and embedding best practices.
Senior Manager – Reconciliation & Payments
NatWest Markets
04.2022 - 11.2023
- Directed a 16-member team overseeing reconciliation and payment operations across multiple business lines, ensuring operational integrity and scalability.
- Led succession planning, talent development, and performance optimization to build a resilient, future-ready team.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships by embedding a client-first culture and delivering service excellence.
- Partnered with leadership to embed risk and control frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and risk appetite.
- Identified and mitigated emerging risks through periodic risk assessments, control effectiveness reviews, and scenario analysis.
- Drove regulatory readiness and audit management, including walkthroughs, control testing, remediation, and environment enhancements.
- Streamlined reconciliation workflows through automation and process re-engineering, improving turnaround time and reducing manual intervention.
- Delivered insights via risk dashboards and control metrics, enhancing proactive decision-making.
- Served as a trusted advisor on risk and control design, influencing policy interpretation and supporting change initiatives.
- Fostered accountability, continuous improvement, and risk ownership through coaching and transparent communication.
Manager – Reconciliation & Payments
NatWest Markets
11.2018 - 04.2022
- Managed and developed a 12-member high-performing team, driving accountability through structured performance monitoring and coaching.
- Enhanced reconciliation processes and control frameworks to meet compliance, audit, and regulatory standards.
- Supported accurate and timely financial reporting by monitoring KRIs and KPIs for risk and performance tracking.
- Implemented process optimization initiatives, achieving a 30% improvement in operational efficiency through automation and data accuracy.
- Collaborated with risk management to assess operational risks and implement mitigation strategies aligned with enterprise risk appetite.
- Facilitated cross-functional engagement (Risk, Audit, Technology, Finance) to ensure seamless control execution.
- Conducted issue management and root cause analysis to resolve control failures and implement preventive measures.
Brokerage – Senior Associate
NatWest Markets
05.2015 - 11.2018
- Executed daily reconciliations and payments, ensuring accuracy and control during managerial transitions and attrition periods.
- Resolved discrepancies with a focus on risk management and control effectiveness.
- Prioritized broker queries to ensure timely settlement of payments and reduce outstanding balances.
- Maintained positive P&L by monitoring ledger balances and ensuring accurate fund credits to traders.
- Investigated breaks and reconciled complex general ledger accounts with precision, minimizing operational risk.
Fixed Income Settlement – Senior Analyst
NatWest Markets
07.2012 - 05.2015
- Processed Fixed Income (FI) transactions, including pre-matching, confirmations, settlements, corporate actions, and late settlement queries.
- Managed ABN AMRO’s MTN, CD, and private placement issuances, facilitated ISIN requests, and served as calculation and paying agent.
- Coordinated corporate actions with accuracy and efficiency.
- Facilitated Root Cause Problem Solving (RCPS) sessions to address process issues and drive continuous improvement.
Client Data Management – Analyst
NatWest Markets
09.2010 - 07.2012
- Created and maintained counterparty static data and Standard Settlement Instructions (SSI) to optimize payments and strengthen operational controls.
- Led migration of ABN AMRO clients to RBS, managing client onboarding with rigorous due diligence.
- Ensured full compliance with KYC and AML requirements during migration and onboarding activities.
Education
PGDM - MBA
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)
Chennai01-2013
B.Com -
SRM College of Arts And Science
Chennai01-2010
XII -
Kendriya Vidyalaya (Madras IIT)
Chennai01-2007
Skills
- Risk management
- Control management
- Data analysis
- Communication Skill
- People Management
- Automation strategies
- Process optimization
- Problem solving
Languages
English
First Language
Hindi
Beginner
A1
Tamil
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Assistant Vice President – Risk & Control
Wells Fargo
04.2024 - Current
Senior Manager – Reconciliation & Payments
NatWest Markets
04.2022 - 11.2023
Manager – Reconciliation & Payments
NatWest Markets
11.2018 - 04.2022
Brokerage – Senior Associate
NatWest Markets
05.2015 - 11.2018
Fixed Income Settlement – Senior Analyst
NatWest Markets
07.2012 - 05.2015
Client Data Management – Analyst
NatWest Markets
09.2010 - 07.2012
PGDM - MBA
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)
B.Com -
SRM College of Arts And Science
XII -
Kendriya Vidyalaya (Madras IIT)
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