Balaguru Kumar
Banking Risk Management
Chennai
Summary
Dynamic banking professional with over 19 years of total experience, including 17+ years in International Banks such as Citigroup and Standard Chartered. Proven expertise in managing Banking Operations, Operational Risk, and Compliance, with a strong focus on enhancing process efficiency and risk mitigation. Recently completed a Senior Management Program from IIM Trichy, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development. Skilled in leading cross- functional teams, driving process improvements, and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements. Recognized for strong analytical and interpersonal skills that foster collaboration and achieve business excellence. Adept at navigating complex operational landscapes while delivering strategic solutions.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
3
3
Languages
Work History
Director - Data Management, Ops Effectiveness & Risk, RCFCR
Standard Chartered Bank GBS India
06.2023 - Current
- Directing the rollout of Data Management Risk Control Framework across applicable processes, ensuring adherence to organizational policies and standards.
- Leading the Annual and Semi-Annual Risk Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) reviews, ensuring accurate completion of risk assessments within prescribed timelines.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of operational risk controls, ensuring that delegated activities are completed in alignment with service-level agreements (SLAs).
- Monitor Timely execution of Controlled Sample Testing (CSTs), Key Control Indicators (KCIs), Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), and Risk Information Reports (RIRs), meeting quality expectations.
- Regularly reporting on the status of CSTs, KCIs, KRIs, and RIRs to internal committees and stakeholders, identifying any control gaps or lapses.
- Collaborating with Process Universe Owners, Framework Owners, and Policy Owners to ensure compliance with control requirements across all processes.
- Driving the attestation process by ensuring that delegated control activities are effectively completed, enhancing risk mitigation across RCFCR, related to Data Risk Sub-Types (namely Privacy, Record Keeping, Data Sovereignty, Data Quality & Responsible Artificial Intelligence [RAI]).
- Handled additional responsibilities related to ‘Managing Regulatory Changes Ops Effectiveness’ related activities, effective Jan 2024 until June 2024.
- In addition to the above, supported GPO Risk & CFCC on deliverables related to managing ‘Group Licensed / Regulated Individual’ across the Bank.
Associate Vice President - GBS India Cash Ops Risk & Control Team
Standard Chartered Bank GBS India
09.2020 - 05.2023
- Oversaw the timely completion of Operational Risk Framework (ORF) checks for the Cash Operations team, ensuring that all processes adhered to established risk management standards.
- Led the coordination and execution of both internal and external audits, focusing on maintaining compliance with operational risk requirements across all cash operations activities.
- Managed the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks associated with Cash Operations transaction processing, enhancing overall risk management effectiveness.
- Drove key initiatives and conducted comprehensive reviews to strengthen operational risk management practices within the Cash Operations domain.
- Delivered targeted training sessions and facilitated group-led programs aimed at raising awareness of operational risk procedures and best practices among team members.
Associate Vice President & Head - Transaction Banking Front Office ORF Process
Standard Chartered Bank GBS India
12.2017 - 08.2020
- Established and led a new team focused on centralizing Transaction Banking Front Office ORF Checks for over 40 countries, ensuring streamlined operations at the GBS India location.
- Ensured the timely execution of ORF checks related to Front Office activities, which included Cash, Trade, and Securities Services, to maintain high operational standards.
- Directed initiatives for process improvements and enhancements to the ORF framework, aiming to increase efficiency and compliance across transaction banking operations.
- Managed the coordination of both internal and external audits, ensuring that all front office processes adhered to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Spearheaded efforts to optimize transaction banking processes, implementing strategies that drove operational excellence and risk management.
- Oversaw the implementation of key refurbishments in the ORF process, aligning operational practices with evolving business needs and risk frameworks.
- Played a crucial role in the successful migration and integration of front office functions into the GBS India platform, ensuring seamless transitions and effective risk oversight.
Senior Manager and Risk Manager FCC MI
SCB - Scope International Pvt. Ltd
03.2016 - 11.2017
- Formulated New ORF for FCC MI. To Ensure completion of FCC MI related ORF Checks on a timely manner, as per the prescribed frequencies.
- Manage the Risk MI and Risk Reporting System
- Centrally manage the Risk Applications like Optial / EORP (OR Systems) for FCC MI Team
- Manage Internal / External Audits
- Lead & Drive Key Operation Risk Related Risk initiatives and Reviews.
Unit Ops Risk Manager – Transaction Screening & Financial Crime Surveillance Unit
SCB - Scope International Pvt. Ltd
09.2013 - 03.2016
- Work closely with FCC Process Owners, Group OR and FCC Risk Control Owners in finalising the Residual Risk Assessment (RRA) for Transaction Screening and Trade AML processes
- To Ensure completion of Transaction Screening /FCSU related ORF Checks on timely manner, as per the prescribed frequencies.
- Conduct Transaction Screening and FCSU Business Operational Risk Forum
- Manage the Risk MI and Risk Reporting System
- Centrally manage the Risk Application like Optial / EORP / KNOX (OR System) for Transaction Screening / FCSU
- Manage Internal & External Audits
- Participated in the Knox Optial and EORP UAT and UVT Testing.
- Lead & Drive Key Operation Risk Related Risk initiatives and Reviews.
- Ensure the relevant stakeholder complete the ORF and Risk Assessment in the M7 system on a timely manner.
Risk Assistant Manager – Cash Operations
SCB - Scope International Pvt. Ltd
09.2009 - 08.2013
- To Ensure completion of Cash Ops BKCSA / ORF Checks on timely manner, as per the prescribed frequencies.
- Manage Internal / External Audits.
- To Control and Manage Operational Risk on Cash Ops Transaction Processing.
- Led Key Operation Risk Related Risk initiatives and Reviews (Error SharePoint Creation, Authored the Cash Ops RP Guide, Cash Ops Workshops etc.).
- Conduct Risk related Trainings and other Group initiated Trainings.
Senior Officer, Cash Ops Process
SCB - Scope International
11.2008 - 08.2009
- Processing of Hong Kong, Singapore and UAE Outward Telegraphic Transfers
- Cash Ops and OTT related MI preparation.
- ALM Reporting
Officer – Cash Investigations and Nostro Reconciliation
Citigroup Global Services
04.2006 - 10.2008
- Handling various processes such as Nostro Reconciliation for Twelve Citi Bank branches in Europe. Bulk Reconciliation of Special account and Denmark Branch
- To make internal and external manual payments wherever applicable, by using applications as PEGA, CITIFT, FTI, FLEXCUBE.
- Interacting with the Customer Service Representatives, Banks and other institutions around the world using electronic message types.
- Co-ordinating with various Citibank Internal departments, to ensure that the expected by them are logged accordingly, without manual intervention.
- Reviewing and investigating payments to clear the outstanding funds in Nostro account.
- Acting as effective back up as and when required
- Resolving by follow-up and call backs to internal departments on the ownership taken by the team members.
Web Journalist
The New Indian Express
06.2004 - 04.2006
- Approx. 1.5 years of experience in Web Journalism at “The New Indian Express” (Leading Daily News Paper in South India).
Education
PG Certificate - Senior Management Program
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Trichy
01.2025
Bachelor of Law - LLB
Bharath Law University
01.2022
Bachelor of Mathematics - undefined
University of Madras
01.2021
Skills
Risk management expertise
Banking Operations
Project Management
Audit & Compliance
Data Management
Financial Crime Compliance (FCC)
Process Improvement
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Regulatory Compliance
Transaction Banking
Cash Management Operations
Operational Risk Framework (ORF)
Internal and External Audits Stakeholder Management
Digital Banking
Artificial Intelligence Basics & Governance
Strategic Planning
Risk Analysis
Process Automation
Data Analytics
Change Management
Relationship Management
Team Development
Problem-solving
Project management
Team management
Decision-making
People management
Certification
Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA)
Timeline
Director - Data Management, Ops Effectiveness & Risk, RCFCR
Standard Chartered Bank GBS India
06.2023 - Current
Associate Vice President - GBS India Cash Ops Risk & Control Team
Standard Chartered Bank GBS India
09.2020 - 05.2023
Associate Vice President & Head - Transaction Banking Front Office ORF Process
Standard Chartered Bank GBS India
12.2017 - 08.2020
Senior Manager and Risk Manager FCC MI
SCB - Scope International Pvt. Ltd
03.2016 - 11.2017
Unit Ops Risk Manager – Transaction Screening & Financial Crime Surveillance Unit
SCB - Scope International Pvt. Ltd
09.2013 - 03.2016
Risk Assistant Manager – Cash Operations
SCB - Scope International Pvt. Ltd
09.2009 - 08.2013
Senior Officer, Cash Ops Process
SCB - Scope International
11.2008 - 08.2009
Officer – Cash Investigations and Nostro Reconciliation
Citigroup Global Services
04.2006 - 10.2008
Web Journalist
The New Indian Express
06.2004 - 04.2006
Bachelor of Law - LLB
Bharath Law University
Bachelor of Mathematics - undefined
University of Madras
PG Certificate - Senior Management Program
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Trichy