Manjula Gunawardena
Colombo Colombo
Summary
A dynamic leader with over 25 years of expertise in banking and finance. Recognized for strategic excellence in risk management, governance, compliance, and operational efficiency. Skilled in fostering high- performance cultures and innovation, resulting in a 25% team efficiency gain and substantial operational cost reductions. I am ready to apply my extensive leadership experience to a key role in risk management.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Head of Operational Risk Asia
National Australia Bank, NAB
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Revitalized operational risk governance structure by establishing effective reporting mechanisms and fostering cross-functional collaboration, which facilitated prompt issue resolution and contributed to a 10% reduction in risk exposure
- Provided strategic oversight and delivered comprehensive risk reporting to regional and head office risk committees, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and mitigating potential risks; contributed to a reduction in compliance issues; and enhanced the overall risk management framework
- Executed the development and implementation of governance strategies, risk profiling, and incident management procedures, ultimately achieving a seamless transition of 1st line ownership for risks and controls and increasing overall risk maturity
- Orchestrated successful engagements with regulatory authorities such as HKMA, CBRC, SGMAS, RBI, and FSA, ensuring compliance and achieving favorable audit outcomes throughout Asia
Chartered Banker
Chartered Institute of Bankers
01.2001 - 01.2019
- Facilitated collaboration between Australian banking institutions and global counterparts, driving successful implementation of cross-border initiatives and facilitating revenue growth.
Head of Risk/Chief Risk Officer
National Australia Bank, NAB
Mumbai, Maharashtra
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Orchestrated comprehensive compliance planning and delivered training programs, ensuring flawless execution of regulatory obligations in both local and global contexts; achieved a 100% compliance rating in audits conducted by regulatory bodies
- Spearheaded internal and external audits, demonstrating adaptability and alignment with regulatory requirements during the demonetization initiative.
National Australia Bank
Melbourne, Victoria
01.2013 - 01.2014
- (NAB) - Heading Regulatory & Vendor
- Management, Revamped relationships with Australian regulators, demonstrating exceptional prowess in implementing compelling governance and compliance frameworks
- Monitored, analyzed, and ensured compliance with ever-evolving regulatory changes and industry standards, particularly in vendor management; successfully maintained 100% compliance with all relevant regulations and standards
- Directed the Next Generation Banknote Program, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement enhanced security features and preparing for a 20% decrease in counterfeit banknotes in circulation.
Manager
National Australia Bank, NAB
Melbourne, Victoria
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Pioneered specialized SS frameworks, boosting overall risk maturity by in just six months, effectively meeting diverse organizational needs
- Collaborated with executive leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy, resulting in a 20% decrease in financial vulnerabilities and ensuring business continuity during critical periods
- Conducted immersive risk profiling workshops, analyzing potential threats and vulnerabilities; provided critical insights to inform strategic decision-making and mitigate risks, resulting in a 20% reduction in operational risk exposure.
Senior Manager
National Australia Bank, NAB
Melbourne, Victoria
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Directed a team of risk experts in developing and implementing a robust risk management framework, resulting in a 15% reduction in operational risks and a 20% increase in compliance with industry regulations
- Developed and implemented comprehensive risk control assessments
- Key Risk Indicator (KRI) frameworks, and control testing regimes for
- Lending Services, resulting in a 30% reduction in operational risk incidents and a 25% increase in overall process efficiency
- Accomplishments
- Consistently achieved "Role model/Outstanding" performance ratings
- Recognized as a top performer and a part of the NAB high- performing Women group
- Proficient in presentation composition, communications technology, and delivering engaging and articulate presentations to diverse audiences
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership across Asia, consistently delivering outstanding results through a strong work ethic and unwavering professionalism
- Nominated as the chairman of the
- Australian and New Zealand
- Business Indian Forum, contributing to the Australia-India
- Free Trade Agreement
- Key Achievements
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance risk management, reducing financial and reputational risks
- Developed stakeholder engagement models for collaboration between risk teams and business units
- Expert in operational and compliance risk management
- KRIs, and assurance frameworks
- Streamlined team operations with
- Agile methodologies, boosting productivity by 25%
- Advocates for diversity and inclusion in a world-class organization.
Operations Manager National Mortgage Center
NAB
Melbourne, Victoria
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Consolidated Credit and Specialized Mortgage Units into the National Mortgage Centre, streamlining operations and achieving cost savings of $500k annually.
- Established and implemented risk mitigation strategies to address operational gaps in the National Mortgage Centre; achieved a 15% decrease in operational losses and improved overall operational efficiency.
HSBC
HSBC
colombo, Western Province
01.1993 - 01.2001
- Ascended through various roles, including management of cash, operations, trade services, and payments.
- Developed and executed personalized wealth management strategies for affluent clients, delivering an achieving 95% retention rate.
Education
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Australian Institute of Management
06.2023
Graduate Diploma - Management
Australian Institute of Management
04.2023
Graduate Certificate - Management
Australian Institute of Management
01.2022
Skills
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Leadership
- Team building
Timeline
Regional Head of Operational Risk Asia
National Australia Bank, NAB
01.2018 - 01.2019
Head of Risk/Chief Risk Officer
National Australia Bank, NAB
01.2015 - 01.2018
National Australia Bank
01.2013 - 01.2014
Manager
National Australia Bank, NAB
01.2011 - 01.2013
Senior Manager
National Australia Bank, NAB
01.2009 - 01.2011
Operations Manager National Mortgage Center
NAB
01.2007 - 01.2009
Chartered Banker
Chartered Institute of Bankers
01.2001 - 01.2019
HSBC
HSBC
01.1993 - 01.2001
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Australian Institute of Management
Graduate Diploma - Management
Australian Institute of Management
Graduate Certificate - Management
Australian Institute of Management
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