Open to opportunities

Arun Agara

@arunagara

I’m a KYC/AML and operational risk leader transforming client onboarding and compliance controls for global tier-1 banks.

India

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead end-to-end KYC/AML and operational risk programs in a tier-1 environment—driving governance, AI-enabled transformation, stronger control environments, and measurable improvements in quality, reporting, and stakeholder outcomes.

I bring 20+ years of experience leading global KYC/AML operations, Financial Crime Compliance, Client Lifecycle Management, Operational Risk, governance, and transformation across Tier-1 global banks. I’ve managed 350+ FTE global operations, strengthened KYC control environments, and ensured compliance with AML/KYC regulations and enterprise risk standards through clear governance and control frameworks.

As Associate Vice President at Mphasis, I lead KYC, AML, CDD, client onboarding, and regulatory operations for multiple Tier-1 institutions, partnering with Compliance, Business, and Operations leadership to implement regulatory and policy changes. I’ve driven AI-enabled transformation improving productivity by 25%, built control assessment and assurance capability supporting 25 countries, and established governance forums and dashboards that improve risk reporting, quality, and operational excellence—while coaching high-performing, geographically distributed leadership teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate Vice President

Current

Mphasis Limited

Mar 2023 - Present (3 years 4 months)

Led global banking operations supporting KYC, AML, CDD, client onboarding, and regulatory operations for multiple Tier-1 institutions. Drove AI-enabled transformation and established operational risk and control governance frameworks, improving productivity by 25%.

KYC AML Client Onboarding Regulatory Compliance Financial Crime Compliance Operational Risk Governance Regulatory Change Management AI Enabled Transformation AI and Automation Resource Planning Stakeholder Management Data Quality

Senior Manager Operations

Tata Consultancy Services

Sep 2014 - Mar 2023 (8 years 6 months)

Led a 180+ member global operations team for end-to-end KYC, CDD, periodic review, and client onboarding for a Tier-1 bank. Built enterprise KYC governance and drove control assessment, reporting, and change management to strengthen the control environment.

KYC Client Onboarding Operational Risk Regulatory Compliance Quality Assurance Control Assessment Service Delivery Offshore Transition Change Management

Operations Manager

Wipro BPO Limited

Jan 2009 - Sep 2014 (5 years 8 months)

Managed securities operations for Citigroup, supporting governance, operational risk management, and executive reporting. Led fails exposure tracking, settlements, reconciliation improvements, and trade flow restructuring to enhance STP rates.

Securities Operations Fixed Income Securities Fails Exposure Tracking Settlements Trade Flow Reengineering Executive Reporting Audit Support

Team Leader – Listed Derivatives

Goldman Sachs

Jan 2006 - Aug 2008 (2 years 7 months)

Led listed derivatives operations supporting global trading activities, improving operational controls via standardized procedures and electronic control checklists. Contributed to scaling the Bangalore team from 4 to 45 in 2006 through recruitment efforts.

Listed Derivatives Operations Trading Operations Operational Controls Team Leadership Recruitment

Customer Service Executive - Credit Risk

HSBC

Apr 2003 - Jan 2006 (2 years 9 months)

Handled overdrawn and dormant customer accounts for high-profile corporate and personal clients, sending notices to bring accounts to order within required timeframes. Supported audit planning, evidence collection, and reporting to help close audit findings.

Audit Planning Audit Reporting