Headline

Global AI, Automation & Transformation Leader | 3AI Thought Leader I AI Governance & GenAI Risk | Banking & Financial Services | Scaling Enterprise Platforms & Operating Models | Open to Global Roles

About

I help banks and financial institutions scale AI, automation, and enterprise transformation—while ensuring strong governance, risk alignment, and regulatory readiness. With 23+ years of experience, including leading global AI and automation governance at HSBC, I have built and scaled enterprise-wide AI governance frameworks, automation platforms, and operating models across geographies. My work sits at the intersection of strategy, transformation, and responsible AI, enabling organizations to adopt AI at scale—safely and sustainably. Currently, I am advising emerging organizations on AI strategy, governance, and go-to-market enablement, with a focus on: 1. Aligning AI solutions with EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001 (AIMS) 2. Shaping, strategizing governance-led client positioning and enterprise sales strategy 3. Enabling risk-aware AI adoption through structured POCs and scalable operating models I specialize in: 1. AI & GenAI Governance (Responsible AI, risk frameworks, regulatory alignment) 2. Enterprise Transformation (AI, automation, and operating model redesign) 3. Automation & Platform Strategy (building and scaling global CoEs) 4. Business-led AI adoption (aligning AI initiatives with measurable enterprise value) Throughout my career, I have: 1. Built and led global Automation Governance CoEs from the ground up 2. Defined and implemented enterprise-wide Process Management, AI and GenAI governance strategies 3. Partnered with senior leadership (SVP/EVP level) to embed AI into business strategy 4. Delivered large-scale transformation programs across retail and commercial banking 5. Driven measurable impact through automation, platform strategy, and process transformation My approach is simple: AI transformation succeeds only when governance, business strategy, and execution scale together. I am particularly interested in opportunities where I can: 1. Shape AI and transformation strategy at an enterprise level 2. Build or scale AI governance, GenAI risk, and automation capabilities 3. Partner with global organizations navigating next-generation AI adoption Currently open to global leadership roles across: 1. AI / GenAI Strategy & Governance 2. Transformation & Operating Model Design 3. Automation & Platform Strategy

Location

Greater Bengaluru Area

AI stack

claude

gemini

grok

metaai

openai

ChatGPT

Work experience

AI Strategy, Governance & Transformation at Principal Consultant – AI Strategy, Governance & Transformation Advisor, Mar 2026 - Present · 7 mo, Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India, Advise a high-growth startup on AI strategy, governance frameworks, and responsible AI adoption, enabling scalable and risk-aligned AI deployment Lead alignment of AI solutions with EU AI Act and ISO/IEC 42001 (AIMS), ensuring regulatory readiness and future-proof governance design Define AI governance-driven go-to-market strategy, guiding positioning, risk articulation, and differentiation in client pitches Advise on POC strategy and enterprise sales approach, including structuring use cases, value articulation, and risk-aware deployment models Provide strategic input on contracting and commercial models, including key governance clauses, risk allocation, and compliance safeguards Support revenue strategy through solution bundling and value-based pricing, aligning AI offerings with client risk, compliance, and business priorities

Head Automation at HSBC, 2020 - Dec 2025 · 6 yrs, Defined and executed enterprise-wide AI governance operating models aligned with global transformation priorities, Responsible AI principles, enterprise risk standards, and regulatory expectations. Designed and operationalized the end-to-end AI delivery lifecycle — spanning ideation, intake governance, prioritization, approvals, build, testing, deployment, monitoring, and continuous oversight. Established AI governance as the centralized enterprise intake function, ensuring all AI/GenAI initiatives were assessed, risk-evaluated, prioritized, and governed through standardized lifecycle controls. Governed AI and automation use cases across diverse banking and corporate functions including Retail, Commercial, Real Estate, Operations, HR, Legal, KYC, Knowledge Management, Financial Crime Risk, and enterprise support functions within the GCC ecosystem. Built and scaled a global AI Governance & Automation CoE, embedding frameworks, lifecycle controls, operating models, and Responsible AI practices across geographies and enterprise functions. Led strategic AI use case governance by defining prioritization frameworks based on business value, ROI, customer impact, feasibility, regulatory considerations, and transformation alignment. Developed enterprise AI risk assessment frameworks covering business impact, data sensitivity, customer impact, financial exposure, regulatory risk, privacy, bias, hallucination, and model governance requirements. Defined AI risk classification methodologies and governance controls including human-in-the-loop reviews, access controls, approval workflows, monitoring, audit checkpoints, and compliance validation. Established governance sign-off mechanisms across risk, compliance, legal, data, technology, and business stakeholders to ensure controlled progression of AI initiatives. Implemented governance workflows for full lifecycle traceability, ensuring audit readiness, approval tracking, governance visibility, and centralized oversight.

Vice President – Automation Solution Lead , HSBC at HSBC, Apr 2019 - Jul 2020 · 1 yr 4 mos, Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India, • Spearheaded automation initiatives for KYC, Payments, and Financial Crime Risk Operations at HSBC. • Guided teams in selecting optimal automation tools and prioritizing projects based on ROI. • Achieved over 250 FTE savings, translating to approximately $3.8 million in benefits across multiple markets. • Enhanced operational efficiency for Retail and Commercial Banking segments in the UK, HASE, China, and India.

Global Head of Standards and Governance, Intelligent Automation CoE at HSBC, Apr 2008 - Dec 2025 · 17 y 8 mo, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, In my role at HSBC, I spearheaded governance initiatives for Intelligent Automation, driving responsible AI adoption and optimizing business operations. I established a Center of Excellence for automation governance and developed frameworks that aligned with organizational goals. My efforts resulted in enhanced compliance and operational efficiency across diverse geographies.

Consultant at Oracle Financial Services Consulting, May 2004 - Mar 2008 · 3 yrs 11 mos, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Delivered onshore Process Consulting and Target Operating Model engagements for global clients such as - • Citibank, Delaware • China Trust Bank, Taiwan • Barclays, India • National Bank of Panama, Panama City

Proprietor | Soma & Associates, Chartered Accountants at Freelance, Jan 2003 - May 2004 · 1 yr 5 mos, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, In my role at Soma & Associates, I directed financial services and audits for a varied portfolio, including public sector banks and charitable trusts. My focus was on ensuring compliance and delivering accurate financial reporting, which significantly improved client satisfaction and retention rates. I successfully managed multiple projects, including those funded by the World Bank, contributing to their financial transparency and accountability.

Owner at Soma Associates, 2003 - 2004 · 1 yr, Managed financial services, audit, and advisory for diverse client portfolio including banks, government institutions, and private entities.

Education

Chartered Accountant, Institue of Chartered Accountants of India

Chartered Secretary, The Institute of Company Secretaries of India