Saurabh Bhatnagar
Sydney
Summary
Senior banking and risk executive with over 20 years’ experience leading corporate banking, credit risk, portfolio management, and governance functions across Australia, the UK, and the Middle East. Built high-performing teams, improved risk frameworks, and drove profitable portfolio growth in complex, regulated environments. Brings a hybrid background spanning risk leadership, corporate banking, financial crime compliance, and non-executive directorship, enabling strong oversight and commercial judgement.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Credit Strategy & Portfolio Management – Regional Credit Risk
Rabobank Australia
09.2021 - Current
- Lead the development and continuous improvement of credit strategy, portfolio insights, and risk governance across Country Banking and Wholesale Banking. Partner with senior stakeholders to align risk appetite, policy frameworks, and sustainability considerations with business growth objectives.
- Key Contributions
- Strengthened risk management frameworks across credit, operational risk, market risk, and special asset management.
- Oversaw the Risk Appetite Statement, embedding limits and tolerances aligned to strategic objectives.
- Enhanced portfolio monitoring and emerging risk identification from a Material Risk Owner perspective.
- Integrated ESG and sustainability risk considerations into credit processes in collaboration with ESG, Credit, and Line 1 teams.
- Drove policy governance, ensuring timely review, approval, and adoption across the business.
Executive Manager (on Contract) - Risk&Compliance
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
02.2019 - 07.2019
- Led a team of nine risk professionals, applying commercial and financial crime expertise to uplift control effectiveness and strengthen Line 1 and Line 2 engagement
- Designed and executed test plans assessing operational effectiveness of financial crime controls.
- Strengthened RCSA processes to ensure financial crime risks were accurately captured and mitigated.
- Built strong relationships across Line 1, Line 2, and Audit, improving risk culture and collaboration.
- Identified control gaps and worked with business units to implement corrective actions.
Senior Manager – Wholesale & Market Risk (Short-Term Assignment)
HSBC Bank Australia
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Second-line oversight of corporate facilities across Global Banking & Markets and Commercial Banking.
- Key Contributions
- Reviewed and approved complex credit proposals with delegated lending authority of AUD 120m.
- Mentored a team of 10 risk professionals, improving credit quality and frontline engagement.
- Conducted portfolio monitoring, stress testing, and sensitivity analysis to identify emerging risks.
- Provided training and guidance on credit policy and risk standards.
State Manager / Head of Corporate Banking – NSW & VIC
HSBC Bank Australia
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Led corporate banking teams across two major states, covering domestic corporates, MNCs, agriculture, structured trade, government, universities, private equity, and project finance.
- Key Achievements
- Grew NSW lending portfolio from AUD 1.6b to AUD 2.2b and PBT from AUD 54m to AUD 85.2m.
- Expanded VIC portfolio from AUD 820m to AUD 1.8b.
- Improved RoRWA through disciplined balance sheet management and risk-weighted asset optimisation.
- Strengthened staff retention and morale during periods of organisational change.
- Short-term assignment with Wholesale Risk Approval team, approving new money up to USD 120m.
Head of Corporate Banking
HSBC Bank Middle East
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Led a 105-person corporate banking division covering government, trade, custody, and clearing operations.
- Key Achievements
- Increased lending portfolio from USD 774m to USD 1.1b and PBT from USD 21m to USD 32m.
- Reduced headcount from 81 to 62, achieving a 36% cost efficiency ratio.
- Originated the first high-yield bond (USD 330m) in the Oil & Gas sector in the region.
- Key member of the due diligence and integration team for a major bank merger.
- Regularly deputised for the CEO.
Manager, Group Risk Training
HSBC Bank plc
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Designed and delivered global senior-level risk programs across credit, operational risk, and capital management.
- Highlights
- Delivered Basel II training across 11 countries under tight timelines.
- Mentored and accredited trainers across multiple regions.
- Negotiated commercial terms with external training providers.
Manager, Corporate Banking
HSBC Bank Australia
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Originated and executed corporate lending transactions up to AUD 60m.
- Achieved annual revenue targets of AUD 1.5m with full client retention.
- Built strong internal and external networks to drive business development.
Risk Executive
HSBC Bank Australia
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Ensured adherence to credit policies across diverse lending segments.
- Recommended downgrades and provisions to protect asset quality.
- Supported approval of two major AUD 2b credit proposals.
Relationship Executive
Bank of Western Australia
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Prepared lending proposals, conducted financial analysis, and supported portfolio management.
- Identified opportunities to grow share of wallet and generate new business.
Education
Master of Business Finance -
University of Technology Sydney
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Economics (Honours) - undefined
University of Delhi
GAICD - undefined
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Skills
- Strategic Risk Leadership & Governance
- Corporate & Institutional Banking
- Portfolio Management & Credit Strategy
- Financial & Sustainability Risk
- Team Leadership & Culture Building
- Business Development & Client Engagement
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Appetite
- Financial Analysis & Commercial Lending
Timeline
Head of Credit Strategy & Portfolio Management – Regional Credit Risk
Rabobank Australia
09.2021 - Current
Executive Manager (on Contract) - Risk&Compliance
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
02.2019 - 07.2019
Senior Manager – Wholesale & Market Risk (Short-Term Assignment)
HSBC Bank Australia
01.2017 - 01.2018
State Manager / Head of Corporate Banking – NSW & VIC
HSBC Bank Australia
01.2012 - 01.2016
Head of Corporate Banking
HSBC Bank Middle East
01.2008 - 01.2012
Manager, Group Risk Training
HSBC Bank plc
01.2005 - 01.2008
Manager, Corporate Banking
HSBC Bank Australia
01.2003 - 01.2005
Risk Executive
HSBC Bank Australia
01.1999 - 01.2003
Relationship Executive
Bank of Western Australia
01.1997 - 01.1999
Master of Business Administration - undefined
University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Economics (Honours) - undefined
University of Delhi
GAICD - undefined
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Master of Business Finance -
University of Technology Sydney
BOARD EXPERIENCE
- Bendigo Bank (Berowra Community Bank)
- Non-Executive Director (2019 – 2022)
- Oversight of financial performance, risk, governance, and community engagement.
- Contributed to board strategy, compliance, and stakeholder management.