RAJAT KUMAR SAHGAL
IT Professional
Ghaziabad,U.P.
Summary
Results-driven IT executive with over 18 years of experience in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and trading systems, with a strong focus on financial services. Proven ability to lead large-scale technology initiatives, optimize networks for ultra-low latency trading, and implement secure, high-availability systems. As CTO at K2J Financial Services, I drive IT strategy, automation, cloud integration, and regulatory compliance. Known for aligning technology with business goals, mentoring teams, and delivering scalable, innovative solutions that enhance performance and resilience.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CTO
K2J Financial Services (P) Ltd.
Delhi
09.2024 - Current
- Ensure 24x7 uptime of mission-critical infrastructure including trading platforms, colocation setups, and connectivity to stock exchanges (NSE, BSE, MCX, IX, INX, DGCX, SGX).
- Manage and maintain enterprise-class servers, switches, firewalls, and network links.
- Implement high-availability systems for zero disruption in trading and back-office systems.
- Lead the design and implementation of secure, scalable, and high-performance networks across all office branches and data centres.
- Conduct regular cybersecurity audits and vulnerability assessments in line with SEBI and CERT-In compliance standards.
- Monitor intrusion detection/prevention systems, VPNs, and firewalls to ensure a hardened security posture.
- Develop and deploy automation scripts (Linux/Python/PowerShell) to streamline system backups, log monitoring, failovers, and reporting.
- Automate EOD/BOD processes, algo health checks, and network alerts for minimal human intervention.
- Ensure sub-millisecond latency optimization for HFT (High-Frequency Trading) systems.
- Oversee algorithm deployment, server overclocking, and OS kernel tuning for performance.
- Maintain synchronization using NTP/PTP servers for all co-location and DR setups.
- Lead the IT team, promoting a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate with vendors, exchanges, auditors, and business units for project alignment and compliance.
- Mentor junior staff and ensure SOPs are followed across shifts for IT operations.
- Design, test, and maintain BCP/DR plans covering primary and backup WANs, cloud integration, and regular simulations.
- Ensure instant switch-over capabilities during critical infrastructure failures, cyber incidents, or natural disasters.
- Manage strategic relationships with OEMs, ISPs, and software vendors.
- Negotiate and renew AMC/SLA contracts, procurement of licenses, hardware, and software tools.
- Evaluate new technologies and recommend cost-effective solutions aligned with business goals.
- Ensure complete readiness for SEBI, CISA, and ISO audits with documentation on IT practices, logs, and incident reports.
- Conduct monthly audit reviews covering cybersecurity policies, access control, patching, and infrastructure health.
- Lead IT modernization initiatives (e.g., cloud migration, virtual desktops, hybrid setups).
- Track project timelines, budget allocations, and delivery against KPIs and milestones.
- Drive initiatives for introducing AI, ML, or analytics into trading strategy tools or operational intelligence.
- Provide monthly MIS reports on infrastructure status, incidents, and performance KPIs to the management board.
- Document and maintain IT policies, SOPs, DR plans, and architecture diagrams.
- Maintain dashboards for real-time monitoring of critical systems.
Vice President IT
Findoc Financial Services Group
Gurugram
08.2022 - 09.2024
- Ensured seamless and uninterrupted global stock exchange network connectivity, including NSE, BSE, IFSC, MCX, and NCDEX.
- Spearheaded the implementation and enhancement of networking solutions, including POP, P2P, MPLS, and high-speed switching (1G/10G/100G), routing, servers, and firewalls.
- Led a successful upgrade and enhancement of the company intranet, improving internal communication and collaboration.
- Analysed and recommended technology solutions for business processes, driving efficiency and innovation across initiatives.
- Directed development, administration, and support for the corporate intranet, ensuring alignment with organizational needs.
- Established and enforced hardware and application standards, optimizing hardware deployment and performance.
- Managed external support vendor partnerships, ensuring adherence to SLAs and contract obligations.
- Oversaw vendor management, procurement, and contract services, achieving cost containment and performance goals.
- Developed and deployed automated scripts for Linux and Windows to streamline backups of databases, VMs, and network storage.
- Established a new organization for production support, automating monitoring processes for the application portfolio.
- Initiated the corporate enterprise architecture function, defining roles, charters, and governance processes.
- Provided 24x7x365 infrastructure support, focusing on KPIs, high availability, backups, restores, and monitoring.
- Evaluated and selected infrastructure components, including servers, switches, fabrics, virtual tape libraries, PDUs, and HVAC systems.
Senior VP Enterprise Architecture
Ebullient Securities (P) Ltd.
Gurugram
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Strategically planned, organized, and evaluated IT and data center operations to ensure efficient and secure system management.
- Designed, developed, and implemented systems, policies, and procedures to safeguard data, network access, and backup systems.
- Conducted system audits and assessments to preserve asset integrity and enhance information security and control structures.
- Facilitated effective communication between the technology team and other departments to ensure collaborative success.
- Identified and mitigated security vulnerabilities, implementing strategic solutions to enhance data security.
- Coordinated IT activities to maintain data availability and network services, minimizing downtime.
- Managed departmental finances, including budgeting and forecasting to align with organizational goals.
- Oversaw and established timelines for major IT projects, including system updates, upgrades, migrations, and outages.
- Supported senior creative staff with day-to-day tasks, ensuring seamless operations.
- Documented and reported concerns and incidents to senior supervisors, maintaining clear communication and accountability.
- Implemented and updated application modules in collaboration with senior software developers.
Manager IT
Pace Stock Broking Services (P) Ltd.
Delhi
04.2012 - 04.2021
- Managed trading systems across multiple data centers for Algo Trading, including NSE, BSE, MCX, and INX.
- Designed and implemented networking solutions for managing multiple data center racks in co-location environments, optimizing high-bandwidth traffic management.
- Automated system monitoring processes, including network failure detection, EOD/BOD procedures, and system alerts.
- Overclocked trading systems and tuned operating systems to achieve ultra-low latency for arbitrage trading.
- Handled a range of IT infrastructure, including Dell, HP, IBM, Supermicro servers, SonicWALL, Fortinet, and Cisco routers, as well as L2/L3 networks, FTP servers, NTP/PTP servers, radio links, point-to-point links, V-Sat, ILL, VPN, and both Linux and Windows platforms.
- Collaborated with the IT team to ensure proper installation and functionality of security software across all employee computers.
System Administration
Pace Financial Services (P) Ltd.
Delhi
07.2009 - 03.2012
- Managed customer sites across over 100 cities in India, addressing daily incidents related to network infrastructure, including LAN devices (Cisco switches, wireless controllers) and WAN devices (Cisco high-end switches, routers).
- Monitored circuits and generated MIS reports on link uptime, downtime, and bandwidth utilization using MRTG/PRTG.
- Created and deleted VLANs, and managed access lists and distribution lists.
- Troubleshot LAN issues related to TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and general LAN connectivity.
- Provided support for Windows-based systems (XP, Vista, Win7, Win8) and Mac systems.
- Managed user accounts through Microsoft Management Console, including unlocking accounts, enabling/disabling accounts, and resetting passwords.
System Engineer
Baseline Computers
Delhi
08.2006 - 06.2009
- Managed and resolved daily software, hardware, and networking issues for clients.
- Conducted testing and troubleshooting of Intel-based PCs (Compaq, HCL, IBM), as well as printers, routers, hubs, and other peripherals.
Education
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Swami Vivekananda Subharti University
01.2021
Bachelor of Computer Application - undefined
Shobhit University
01.2015
12th - undefined
DAV Senior Secondary School
01.2005
10th - undefined
Govt. Sarvodaya Boys Sr. Sec. School
01.2003
Skills
- Network & Security Management
- System & Cybersecurity Audits
- Procurement & Vendor Management
- Team Leadership
- Solution Architecture
- IT Strategy & Planning
- Infrastructure Design & Management
- Cloud Computing & Virtualization
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
- Regulatory Compliance
- Automation & Scripting (Linux & Python)
- Algorithmic and High-Frequency Trading (HFT)
- Incident & Problem Management
Certification
- CCNA, Net Tech Delhi, 2016
- CCNP, Net Tech Delhi, 2017
- BGP Essential Training, LinkedIn Learning
- CISSP Certification Preparation (2021): Asset Security, LinkedIn Learning
- IT and Cybersecurity Risk Management Essential Training, LinkedIn Learning
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100) Certification Preparation: Design Strategy for Data and Applications, LinkedIn Learning
- Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-801) Certification Preparation: Secure Windows Server On-Premises and Hybrid Infrastructures, LinkedIn Learning
- Windows Operating System Fundamentals, MindLuster
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), 2024
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 01 Aug 1988
- Nationality: Indian
Disclaimer
2025-07-01, I hereby declare that all the information provided above is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Timeline
CTO
K2J Financial Services (P) Ltd.
09.2024 - Current
Vice President IT
Findoc Financial Services Group
08.2022 - 09.2024
Senior VP Enterprise Architecture
Ebullient Securities (P) Ltd.
05.2021 - 07.2022
Manager IT
Pace Stock Broking Services (P) Ltd.
04.2012 - 04.2021
System Administration
Pace Financial Services (P) Ltd.
07.2009 - 03.2012
System Engineer
Baseline Computers
08.2006 - 06.2009
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Swami Vivekananda Subharti University
Bachelor of Computer Application - undefined
Shobhit University
12th - undefined
DAV Senior Secondary School
10th - undefined
Govt. Sarvodaya Boys Sr. Sec. School
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