Alam Azhar

Accomplished Internal Controls and Audit executive with 15+ years of experience in operational risk management and corporate governance. Expertise in developing risk-based audit frameworks and strengthening internal control environments across financial services and multinational organizations. Proven ability to lead comprehensive assurance programs while serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on risk mitigation and control optimization.

Adept at aligning audit functions with organizational objectives and implementing governance best practices.

Head of Internal Controls & Audit at RABKA Group (2015-06 – Present)

Responsible for strengthening the organization's operational risk posture by overseeing internal controls, audit functions, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Lead the internal audit function with dual focus on assurance and advisory services, incorporating operational risk considerations into all audit activities.
• Developed and implemented dynamic audit plans aligned with operational risk exposure, ensuring coverage of high-risk processes, fraud vulnerabilities, and regulatory compliance gaps.
• Identified controls deficiencies and process deficiencies and process inefficiencies through operational audits, recommending actionable risk remediation measures to reduce financial, compliance and reputational risks.
• Advise executive leadership on risk mitigation strategies and control enhancement opportunities.
• Conducted follow-up audits to track the implementation of risk mitigation measures, ensuring sustainable improvements in control effectiveness.
• Manage the complete audit lifecycle in compliance with IIA standards and regulatory requirements.
• Partnered with external auditors to align on risk assessment priorities, ensuring seamless regulatory audits and minimizing findings.
• Advised the senior leadership on internal control enhancement, risk appetite alignment, and emerging operational risk impacting business resilience.
• Managed concurrent audit projects with a risk-based approach, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining focus on high-impact risk areas.
• Reviewed and updated risk management policies and procedures regularly.
• Conducted operational risk-focused audits of high-impact global programs.
• Executed comprehensive assessments on audit records.
• Developed targeted audit programs focused on key risks.
• Managed the preparation of detailed audit reports and presented findings to stakeholders.
• Created detailed reports for Exit Conference evaluations.
• Provided detailed reports on audit conclusions directly to the head auditor.
• Analyzed incident reports to pinpoint root causes, preventing future occurrences.
• Collaborated with external regulators on audits and investigations.

AVP- Operational Risk at Barclays Bank PLC (2010-05 – 2015-05)

Focus on operational risk management and compliance within the banking sector.

• Supported business units in identifying, assessing, and managing operational risks.
• Coordinate the Quarterly Self Assessment for the Business, help respective units to report their self assessment result on Operational Risk tracking and reporting system (open page unified system- OPUS), ensure final submission and closure of quarterly self assessment package on OPUS.
• Led risk and control assessments (RCAs) to evaluate business processes.
• Implemented a comprehensive monitoring program for effectiveness evaluation.
• Issue tracking, follow-ups with business units for timely closure if issues and closure validation
• Managed timely reporting of risk events and led root cause analysis to drive improvements.
• Developed Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) and risk profiles for enhanced risk measurement.
• Advised business leaders on operational risk, fostering a culture of risk management.
• Continuous review of the processes to eliminate the gaps or break downs of processes
• Managed a team of operational risk champions, providing guidance and coaching.

Branch Operations Manager at Barclays Bank PLC (2008-04 – 2010-04)

Oversaw and managed operations within a retail banking branch.

• Managed day-to-day branch operations ensuring customer service excellence.
• Trained and developed branch operations staff on internal policies.
• Conducted regular audits of branch processes for compliance.
• Reviewed and authorized financial transactions for accuracy.
• Active member of Branch Expansion project.
• Responsible for completion of all operational requirement of a new branch prior to opening.
• Supervised and trained Cash Area employees.
• Responsible for renewal of department related internal policies, procedure and Service Level Agreements.

Cash Area Supervisor at Citibank N.A. Pakistan (2007-07 – 2008-04)

Responsible for managing cash operations and supervisory roles in the bank.

• Supervised cash operations, ensuring adherence to policies and regulations.
• Daily supervision of tellers to facilitate smooth customer traffic across the cash counter.
• Ensure strict compliance of all internal policies / SBP regulations / A&P / other manuals of Citibank.
• Ensure smooth operations of all the On-Site Off-Site ATMs.
• Managing the Risk Control Self Assessment of the branch cash area.
• Managed cash flow, ensuring accurate reporting and secure cash storage.
• Conducted reviews of cash handling processes to streamline operations.
• Designed training programs to ensure standardization of operational protocols across departments.
• Mentored team members to implement process improvements within their respective roles.

Customer Service Representative at Citibank N.A. Pakistan (2005-04 – 2007-06)

Involved in customer service and banking transaction operations.

• Processed banking transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Responsible for Cash Withdrawals & Deposits from and to State Bank of Pakistan for Branch Cash Reserves.
• Processing of standing instruction transaction periodically.
• Handling ATM related customer complaints.
• Co-ordinate with bank's clearing department in case of Customer's queries.
• Issuance and redemption of Bank instruments like Manager's checks, Dollar Demand Drafts and Multi-Currency Demand Drafts.
• Reporting to treasury all necessary FCY and LCY transactions.
• Daily Balancing and Replenishment of new cash in On-Site Off-Site ATMs.

Self-Assessment Coordinator-QAU & Compliance at Citibank N.A. Pakistan (2004-04 – 2005-03)

Focused on internal controls and compliance within the organization.

• Reviewed departmental processes to identify control gaps.
• Participated in audits and developed self-assessment documents.
• Coordinated with law enforcement agencies on legal matters.
• Assist QA Head in conducting Business Risk Compliance & Control Committee meetings.

Graduation in Business Studies – University of Karachi (2002)

Intermediate (H.S.C) Examination – Govt. Premier College (1998)

Secondary School Certificate Examination – Bliss English School (1996)