Imran Kazim
Karachi,Pakistan
Summary
Seasoned banking executive proficient in orchestrating Internal Controls, IT, Operations, and Administrative functions. Intent on harnessing expertise to optimize technological integration and streamline operational workflows, thus advancing organizational prowess and strategic imperatives.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EVP – Group Head Operations, Information Technology & Admin
Samba Bank Limited
Karachi, Pakistan
05.2023 - Current
- Vigorously given update to several Governance committees, such as BAC –Board Audit Committee, BOD, Board of Directors, BRC, Business Risk Committee
- Direct and oversee all Business Operations including, Treasury, Corporate, Consumer, Credit Cards, ADC, Remittance and Branch Services
- Including Information Technology and Administration
- Lead the drive for process re-engineering and digitization to streamline the processes
- Part of leading Banks for the launch of SBP driven Roshan Digital Initiatives
- Developed new processes to ensured efficient working of system according to necessary timeline and increasing productivity
- Building robust control mechanism and culture across the board
- Ensuring team building and enhancing the quality of people by training and channelizing the resource / skill
- Coordinated closely with other heads of departments to identify opportunities for collaboration and improve overall efficiency across the organization
- Ensuring a safe and secure work environment by implementing health and safety policies and procedures
- Managing office logistics, including space planning, equipment maintenance, and office supplies inventory
- Handling correspondence, documentation, and record-keeping, both physical and digital, in accordance with organizational requirements
- Managing budgets and resources allocated for administrative operations, including procurement, vendor management, and cost control measures
- Monitoring and evaluating emerging technologies and trends in the banking industry to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage
- Establishing and maintaining relationships with IT vendors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure the timely delivery of IT products and services
- Implementing IT disaster recovery and business continuity plans to minimize disruptions and ensure the resilience of IT systems and services.
EVP – Group Head Operations
Samba Bank Limited
Karachi
03.2020 - 05.2023
- Oversee and manage day-to-day operations related to treasury functions, including cash management, liquidity management, and investment activities
- Provide leadership and guidance to operations staff, including training, coaching, and performance management, to foster a culture of excellence and accountability
- Manage remittance operations, including international fund transfers, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory guidelines
- Coordinate trade operations, including letters of credit, trade finance transactions, and import/export documentation, to facilitate smooth and efficient trade transactions
- Supervise cards operations, including credit card issuance, transaction processing, and fraud prevention measures, to ensure seamless cardholder experiences and mitigate risks
- Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to identify operational inefficiencies, implement process improvements, and optimize workflows
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to assess performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
EVP - Head of Centralised Consumer Operations & Branch Banking
Samba Bank Limited
Karachi
10.2019 - 03.2020
- As a dedicated group head, I consistently supervise the substantial volume of Hajj and Umrah transactions each year, ensuring meticulous oversight and exceptional experiences for pilgrims, a responsibility I hold with pride
- Dynamically given update to several Governance committees, such as BAC –Board Audit Committee, BOD, Board of Directors, BRC, Business Risk Committee
- Corrective Action measure on the recent ARR report
- Involved in various process re-engineering and automation to streamline the processes
- Building robust control mechanism and culture across the board
- Develop and implement strategic plans for branch network expansion, revenue growth, and customer acquisition
- Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple branches, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
- Optimize branch processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery
- Ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and risk management protocols
- Provide guidance, coaching, and support to branch personnel to foster a culture of excellence and teamwork
- Proven experience in branch banking management, with a track record of success in driving business growth and operational excellence
- Set clear expectations and performance targets, and conduct performance evaluations to drive accountability and motivation
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, colleagues, and senior management
- Sound understanding of banking products, services, and regulations.
Head of Operational Risk and Control
Samba Bank Limited
Karachi
06.2010 - 10.2019
- As head of Operational Risk & Controls core responsibilities include Compliance of Operational Risk, Fraud Risk Management, Quality Assurance, Internal Controls and Self-Assessment
- Development and implementation of Operational Risk Management Framework within the organization, based on Basel II and Central Bank's guidelines
- Actively given update to several Governance committees, such as BAC –Board Audit Committee, BOD, Board of Directors, BRC, Business Risk Committee
- Anti-Fraud program rolled out and develop Risk / Fraud reporting process to ensure all significant Risk /Fraud losses are timely and accurately reported to senior management
- Risk & Control Self-Assessment framework implemented
- Management Awareness Rating System (MARS) introduced and implemented
- Develop and manage an Operational Risk Management team to support SAMBA business in identification and monitoring of their key risk areas
- Develop a robust monitoring process to ensure all key Operational risk, Compliance & Regulatory risks have been identified, tested and logged in the units RCSA, and all identified risk have effective mitigating controls
- BCP Master Plan prepared and rolled out along with training
- Revamped the ARR tracking system
- QA Plan, scope and strategy revised for SBL Pakistan business
- Working with operating units and business for continuous process improvement to bring about the required efficiencies, operational excellence, quality service delivery and remove customer service irritants etc
- Regular proofing of accounts and aging schedule of sundry debtors and creditors accounts is reviewed
- Mechanism introduced to escalate aged and discrepant accounts to senior management
- As CISO, responsible for maintaining and aligning information security with the bank's strategy and program to ensure information assets are adequately protected, risks are mitigated, standards and controls are established, policies and procedures are implemented throughout the Bank
- Also serve as Country Business Continuity Manager for SBL Pakistan.
Country Head ORCR Group (Member Country Mgmt. Committee)
Barclays Bank PLC
Karachi
06.2008 - 06.2010
- Manage the planning and delivery of the Risk & Control review plan for the entire Pakistan business and to ensure that audit/ review assignments are undertaken in accordance with relevant policies, procedures and quality standards
- Also responsible for the quality of the audit work performed and the efficiency and effectiveness of the RCR team
- In addition, serve as the key contact point for the Pakistan business and take responsibility for the RCR planning process and eventual value-added reporting to Emerging Markets Head to enhance the control culture within the Group
- Escalating policy, franchise risk and other key issues to the attention of Functional Line Management (RCR EM Centre, Dubai) and CMC
- Effectively contribute (participate) in Country Risk & Control Governance team activities/forums like CMC and Risk Committees
- Attending and presenting RCR Governance Papers to every Risk Committees meeting
- Providing consultative support and constructive challenge regarding Risk & Control Governance agenda items in the meetings
- Positive and continuous engagement support for the business through a Robust IBAM and Issue Tracking capability so as to ensure Satisfactory Risk and Control Profile and Successful Audits
- Proactively Interact with Country Risk & Control Governance stakeholders like MDs, CMC, Risk Committees, and Functional Heads of RCR (RCR EM Centre, Dubai)
- Adequately engage both internal and external customers in the end to end Risk and Control Rigour development and embedment activities covering the Principal Risk areas for the bank
- Identified and implemented new and opportune ways of meeting RCR business needs
- This involves the establishment of a robust Issue Tracking System, DRCA embedment Support Programme, Quality Assurance Programmes and adopting effective & informative MIS mechanism
- Developed a comprehensive plan for achieving key milestones for 2008
- Successfully coordinated the Central Bank of Pakistan audit prior to the launch of Barclays Pakistan business in August 2008
- Also coordinated the Pre-Launch Audit conducted by the Barclays EM team in July 2008.
Senior Manager
Samba Financial Group
KSA
09.2006 - 06.2008
- Responsible for preparing and implementing Quality Assurance (QA) annual review plan
- All QA reviews are monitored and scheduled as per institutional requirements to validate the effectiveness of controls in all functional units including Samba London, Dubai and Pakistan
- It involves implantation of Review Guidelines to make audit process a structured mechanism that facilitates control environment and effective business risk management
- Developed capacity plan of the unit to efficiently achieve planned reviews each year
- Lead the team to cover and implement QA policies and regulations in newly established businesses in Dubai and Pakistan
- Role out the new QA policy and its implementation in businesses operated in KSA, London, Dubai and Pakistan
- Conducted trigger reviews and spot reviews
- Conduct Fraud investigation and fraud vulnerability assessment
- Initiative taken for the implementation of automated solutions of Operational Risk and Self-assessment across the Samba Business through SAS International Solutions
- Ongoing monitoring / evaluation of the quality of Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) function in the business
- Deficiencies and the status of corrective actions are shared with senior management periodically
- Formulation and updating of RCSA and compliance risk matrices / grids for all businesses
- Conducting Training under the business Immunization program for all regions of KSA, Samba London, Dubai and Pakistan
- The objective is to increase awareness on control environment across the business through QSA presentations
- QSA training plan including refreshers sessions for unit coordinators and staff that are directly involved in the QSA processes
- Guide associate reviewers in conducting field audits of all the business units/departments
- This being achieved by developing complete review package making reviewers understand the unit functionality and review scope
- Review package comprises methodologies, deliverables, timelines and work paper requirements
- Training and Coaching of entire team and the designated individuals involved in the process of RCSA testing and implementation
- Prepared the CBRCC package – Country Business Risk & Control Committee
- In this role inform Senior Management about critical issues highlighted during periodic QA reviews
- In addition, update Management about progress of planned QA reviews on monthly basis
- Prepared the QSA of Quality Assurance Unit with a view to enhance the improvement for better service quality and strengthen controls
- Introduce the concept of train the trainer specially for the Quarterly Self-Assessment coordinators and respective QSA self-tester
- Also the certification process has been launched for effective control management.
Lead Reviewer - Resident Vice President
Citibank N.A.
10.2002 - 08.2006
- Develop review methodologies to test control environment of each functional area and suggest corrective action plans
- These tailored review methodologies are aligned with Standard Audit Program (SAP) operated by Citigroup
- Review of units' Process Manuals and RCSAs with a view to recommend process improvement for better service quality and strengthen controls
- Responsible for preparing and implementing GCB QA annual review plan since 2002
- All QA reviews are monitored and scheduled as per regional requirement to validate the effectiveness of controls in all functional units
- Developed capacity plan of the unit to efficiently achieve planned reviews each year
- For the review of specialized areas, introduced the concept of ‘Guest Reviewers'
- The decision is intended to acquire necessary skills and specialized knowledge to conduct an effective review
- Guide associate reviewers in conducting audits
- This being achieved by developing complete review package making reviewers understand the unit functionality and review scope
- Review package comprises methodologies, deliverables, timelines and work paper requirements
- Conduct BRCC – Business Risk & Control Committee
- Audit Risk Review (ARR) Coordinator for Quality Assurance Unit in 2005
- In this role primarily responsible for gathering feedback and validating issue closure from business units in response to comments raised by ARR
- Served as Acting GCB QAU Head directly reporting to Country Business Manager during March-May 2004
- Facilitate Compliance team in reviewing business profiles of branch banking customers in adherence with institutional and regulatory guidelines with respect to Anti Money Laundering (AML), KYC and other compliance oriented areas
- For the review of specialized areas, introduced the concept of ‘Guest Reviewers'
- The decision is intended to acquire necessary skills and specialized knowledge to conduct an effective review
- Represent QA in monthly Balance Sheet review meeting
- Also serve as COB coordinator for QA.
Senior Reviewer & PVA Coordinator
Citibank N.A.
08.2000 - 10.2002
- Involved in the QA process reviews for all branches for both corporate and consumer businesses
- Complete all mandatory A&P related mechanical reviews as per the QAU Audit Plan for all branches as well as cover both Corporate and Consumer businesses.
Country Proof Verification Audit Coordinator
Citibank N.A.
08.1995 - 07.2000
- As “Country Proofing Coordinator”, conducted monthly proofs verification for all branches
- The activity is centralized in Karachi for both Global Corporate Banking and Global Consumer Banking
- Reviewing and reconciling all proofs pertaining to Asset and Liability accounts against the GL balances
- Ensuring that any irregularities in proofing are reported and escalated and recommend remedial action to the respective business group
- Reviewing of Financials, i.e
- GL for discrepancies & follow-ups with respective departments for corrective action to validate the financial and transactional integrity and to ensure adherence to the corporate policies and institutional guidelines
- Preparation of a proof closure report, summarizing all discrepancies found during proof calls, and timely submission of outstanding items to the higher management
- Preparation of aging analysis report highlighting all outstanding asset and liability accounts to ascertain that the accounts are properly reconciled with related documentation
- This report is addressed to the higher management for further escalation to the division
- Conducting periodic training sessions on proof preparation guidelines, importance of proofs and institutional requirements and responsibilities
- Preparation of MIS and review of Profit and Loss accounts in close coordination with the Anti-Fraud Officer
- Review the root cause and reengineered the process to ensure robust controls
- Monitor changes in A&P requirements and update the business.
Head of Computer Department
Network Securities & Services Ltd.
04.1994 - 03.1995
- Construction of stock market index on daily basis
- Maintaining Sector Overview & Sartorial Variations
- Compiling and organising stock market related data and making their summaries
- Designed the system of General Market Index, which was published in the Gulf Newspaper in Dubai
- Designed the system of Earning Per Share of companies
- Designed all documentation to launch Asian Stocks Fund Limited.
Education
Diploma in Computer Science - Computer Science
Petroman Institute of Computer Science
Karachi, PakistanB.S.C - undefined
University of Karachi
H. S. S. C - undefined
Board of Intermediate Education Karachi
S. S. C. - undefined
Board of Secondary Education Board
Skills
- Fraud investigations
- Corporate compliance
- Risk assessments
- Six Sigma
- Business Impact Assessments
- ICT security systems
- Business administration
- Detail-orientated
- Key performance indicators
- Managing multi-disciplinary teams
- Business process re engineering
- Cost savings and reduction
- Customer service improvement solutions
- Policy development
sections.external_links.name
Certification
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA)
- Foreign Exchange & Money Market at Institute of Bankers Pakistan
- Performance Development
- Financial Management
- Risk & Self-Assessment - Turkey
- Service Excellence Course
- Fraud Awareness
- Consumer Credit
- Audit Training Mumbai-India
Custom
Leading SAS-based Automation Project for Risk & Control Self-Assessment, MARS reporting enabling online processes for enhanced efficiency, benefiting Samba Financial Group globally in London, Pakistan and Dubai. Acted as a Peer Reviewer at Citibank Egypt, aiding businesses in meeting ARR 2005 compliance standards. Functioned as a Peer Reviewer at Samba SFG London, enforcing the RCSA regime in 2007. Conducted Business Readiness Assessments for Barclays Bank Indonesia. Engaged in developing an integrated approach to audit reviews, aimed at ensuring consistency and alignment in timing across audits undertaken by QAU. Led the Year-end activity team, pivotal in summarizing results for higher management review. Coordinated the comprehensive implementation of the Emergency Record Program (ERP) following the 9/11 incident, aligning with management directives. Collaborated with FINCON to successfully launch and implement the WEB-based E-Reconciliation, fulfilling a requirement from the Regional Head Office.
Personal Information
- Date of birth: 07/01/1972
- Nationality: Pakistani
- Marital status: Married
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Affiliations
- Social work and community welfare
Accomplishments
- Conducted Business Readiness Assessments for Barclays Bank Indonesia.
- Engaged in developing an integrated approach to audit reviews, aimed at ensuring consistency and alignment in timing across audits undertaken by QAU.
- Led the Year-end activity team, pivotal in summarizing results for higher management review.
- Coordinated the comprehensive implementation of the Emergency Record Program (ERP) following the 9/11 incident, aligning with management directives.
- Collaborated with FINCON to successfully launch and implement the WEB-based E-Reconciliation, fulfilling a requirement from the Regional Head Office.
· Leading SAS-based Automation Project for Risk & Control Self-Assessment, MARS reporting enabling online processes for enhanced efficiency, benefiting Samba Financial Group globally in London, Pakistan and Dubai.
· Acted as a Peer Reviewer at Citibank Egypt, aiding businesses in meeting ARR 2005 compliance standards.
· Functioned as a Peer Reviewer at Samba SFG London, enforcing the RCSA regime in 2007.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
EVP – Group Head Operations, Information Technology & Admin
Samba Bank Limited
05.2023 - Current
EVP – Group Head Operations
Samba Bank Limited
03.2020 - 05.2023
EVP - Head of Centralised Consumer Operations & Branch Banking
Samba Bank Limited
10.2019 - 03.2020
Head of Operational Risk and Control
Samba Bank Limited
06.2010 - 10.2019
Country Head ORCR Group (Member Country Mgmt. Committee)
Barclays Bank PLC
06.2008 - 06.2010
Senior Manager
Samba Financial Group
09.2006 - 06.2008
Lead Reviewer - Resident Vice President
Citibank N.A.
10.2002 - 08.2006
Senior Reviewer & PVA Coordinator
Citibank N.A.
08.2000 - 10.2002
Country Proof Verification Audit Coordinator
Citibank N.A.
08.1995 - 07.2000
Head of Computer Department
Network Securities & Services Ltd.
04.1994 - 03.1995
Diploma in Computer Science - Computer Science
Petroman Institute of Computer Science
B.S.C - undefined
University of Karachi
H. S. S. C - undefined
Board of Intermediate Education Karachi
S. S. C. - undefined
Board of Secondary Education Board
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certified Internal Controls Auditor (CICA)
- Foreign Exchange & Money Market at Institute of Bankers Pakistan
- Performance Development
- Financial Management
- Risk & Self-Assessment - Turkey
- Service Excellence Course
- Fraud Awareness
- Consumer Credit
- Audit Training Mumbai-India
Similar Profiles
MOAZZAM FAROOQMOAZZAM FAROOQ
BRANCH OPERATIONS MANAGER at Summit Bank LimitedBRANCH OPERATIONS MANAGER at Summit Bank Limited
Khizar Raza MirKhizar Raza Mir
Senior Officer, Trade Finance at MCB Bank LtdSenior Officer, Trade Finance at MCB Bank Ltd
Mohannad AlomariMohannad Alomari
Customer Service at samba bankCustomer Service at samba bank