Abhishek Bhargava

With over 21 years in the banking industry, I've become a global leader in managing Compliance and Financial Crime Compliance risks, specialising in Data, Digital payments and emerging technologies used by financial institutions and Financial Technology (FinTech). I have headed senior global roles in Compliance functions for SME and Retail businesses for a large multi national bank with presence in over 50 countries.  Throughout my tenure, I have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to addressing Financial Crime Risk, encompassing Anti Money Laundering, Fraud Prevention, Sanctions Adherence, and Anti-Bribery & Corruption. I've also excelled in Regulatory Compliance, managing risks related to Digital and FinTech, Data Privacy and Secrecy, Data Quality and Sovereignty, cross-border, Responsible Management of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Consumer Protection. 

Chartered Accountant with over 22 years of professional experience, in managing the second line Regulatory Compliance, Financial Crime & Conduct risk control functions and first line Retail Branch Banking business.

Currently working as Director – Conduct, Compliance and AML/FCC (CFCC), Consumer Personal & Business Banking (CPBB) in Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) in Singapore responsible to provide CFCC advisory second line support to the Retail/SME Product teams and Digital payments. The Product coverage areas include Digital Payments, Digital initiatives, traditional Deposits & Payments, Mortgage and Personal loans, Credit and Debit/Prepaid Cards and SME Products.

Worked as Executive Director and Head, Group Conduct, Compliance and AML/FCC (CFCC), Business Banking (SME) and Corporate Partnerships for SCB in Singapore in the previous role, heading the second line risk control function as the Risk Framework Owner (RFO) to the global Business Banking and Corporate Partnerships businesses. The role involved ensuring a robust independent risk control, provision of specialist advice and constructive challenge to the first line and promoting a culture and practice of conduct and compliance. Provided active advisory support to adoption of new technology and digital partnerships by Business Banking.

Worked previously as the Head, Group Financial Crime Compliance (FCC), Retail Individual clients and Distribution channels heading the Financial Crime risk management for the Retail Individual client segment and the Distribution channel of Group Retail Banking business at SCB in Singapore. The role involved discharging the Risk Framework Owner function for financial Crime risks for the global Individual client’s segment and Distribution channel of Retail Banking, leading advisory function on Global Retail CDD Standards, and partnering with the global Process Owners in managing the global systems and processes effectively.

Worked as Regional Consumer Banking (CB) CDD Advisor – India and South Asia for SCB in Mumbai in an earlier role providing regional CFCC leadership and best practice in India and South Asia, to assist countries with the appropriate management of CDD regulatory standards and legal, compliance and reputation risk arising from anti money laundering and customer due diligence. Discharged the dual responsibilities of the advisory in the region as well as the lead for country advisory in CB India

Consistently rated very high in the appraisals in various roles at SCB and previous organisations.

I am a Chartered Accountant by training affiliated with the Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants of India since year 2002. This includes training on core skills related to Finance, Accounting, Corporate Law, Direct and Indirect Taxation matters.

I am a believer in constant upskilling. My most recent achievement has been completing the Advanced Certification in Blockchain For Business Professionals from Singapore Management University (SMU) in 2022.