Vimlesh Bharat
Sydney,Australia
Summary
Financial sector leader with extensive experience at Asian Development Bank, specializing in inclusive finance reforms and strategic planning. Demonstrated expertise in policy and regulatory analysis, enhancing stakeholder engagement to implement effective, country-specific solutions. Proven ability to manage complex regional projects, significantly improving access to finance with a focus on gender-responsive initiatives. Contributed to a portfolio exceeding $180 million in gender-inclusive financial sector development across the Pacific.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Financial Sector Officer/Senior Financial Sector Officer/Financial Sector Officer
Asian Development Bank
Sydney, Australia
05.2018 - Current
- Directed design, implementation, and monitoring of finance operations across Pacific region.
- Facilitated policy dialogue with governments and central banks on inclusive finance reforms.
- Delivered analyses that informed country strategies and project designs for financial sectors.
- Contributed sector insights for partnership strategies and operations aligning with regional priorities.
- Coordinated with development partners to ensure coherent, impactful interventions in finance.
- Managed recruitment and oversight of consultants, ensuring high-quality technical deliverables.
Economist
Reserve Bank of Fiji
Suva, Fiji
08.2016 - 04.2018
- Conducted research on key developmental issues in Fiji, producing evidence-based working papers.
- Contributed to discussions on monetary policy, foreign reserves management, and financial stability.
- Led preparation of economic reviews and managed core databases for analytical insights.
- Developed economic forecasts and produced analytical papers for Senior Management and the Board.
Examiner
Reserve Bank of Fiji
Suva, Fiji
04.2009 - 07.2016
- Supervised designated commercial banks, credit institutions, insurers, brokers, and money changers for prudential compliance and risk management.
- Planned and executed on-site examinations, conducting interviews with Boards and senior management, process reviews, and file assessments.
- Analyzed statutory submissions and prudential data to prepare financial condition reports for banks and insurers.
- Reviewed policy frameworks of LFIs against prudential standards to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
- Developed supervisory action plans while monitoring institutional strategies and emerging risks through regular consultations.
- Coordinated with LFIs and engaged stakeholders, including regulators and government agencies, for effective supervision.
- Conducted assessments of new financial products and leadership appointments to ensure consumer protection.
- Led discussions with external auditors and actuaries on financial conditions and liability valuations.
Business Manager – Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Fiji Development Bank
Suva, Fiji
11.2008 - 03.2009
- Appraised SME loan proposals, incorporating gender-responsive assessments and feasibility reviews.
- Managed a diverse SME client portfolio, ensuring timely service delivery and addressing gender-specific needs.
- Conducted site visits to verify progress and monitor project implementation.
- Performed interim and annual loan reviews to evaluate performance and identify risks.
- Monitored credit quality, pursued recovery on non-performing accounts, and recommended remedial actions.
- Prepared comprehensive SME portfolio reports and briefings for Senior Management and the Board.
- Marketed SME loan products through targeted outreach to women-led businesses.
Graduate Trainee and Credit Team Member
Home Finance Company Limited
Suva, Fiji
12.2006 - 10.2008
- Facilitated underwriting of business loans, including assessments and documentation for women-owned enterprises.
- Executed targeted marketing campaigns to promote deposit products through cross-selling strategies.
- Conducted interim and annual loan reviews to evaluate performance and identify risks.
- Managed client relationships, ensuring efficient service delivery and addressing gender-specific requirements.
- Supported arrears management and recovery efforts for non-performing accounts.
- Served as Insurance Officer, arranging client insurance placements and reconciling accounts.
- Collaborated with insurers on claims lodgement, processing, and settlements.
Education
Master of Arts - Economics and Public Policy
University of Queensland
Queensland, AUSTRALIA07.2016
Postgraduate Diploma - Economics
University of the South Pacific
Suva, FIJI04.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting, Financial Management, and Economics
University of the South Pacific
Suva, FIJI04.2009
Skills
- Financial sector development
- Inclusive finance and MSME support
- Gender-responsive project design
- Access to finance solutions
- Policy and regulatory analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Innovation and problem-solving
Accomplishments
- Multiple country expertise: Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
- Proposed Grant to the Kingdom of Tonga: Women Entrepreneurs Leveraging Innovative Finance in Tonga Project – US$9.0 million.
- TA 10347 – Regional: Supporting Inclusive and Sustainable Finance in the Pacific – US$4.0 million.
- TA 6686 – Regional: Supporting Recovery by Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Pacific from the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic – US$3.8 million.
- TA 9972 – Papua New Guinea: Preparing the Improving Financial Access and Entrepreneurship Development Project – US$0.75 million.
- TA 9848 – Regional: Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, Phase IV – US$29.3 million.
- TA8378 – Regional: Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, Phase III – US$38.9 million.
- TA 9143 – Nauru: Strengthening Financial Inclusion and Financial Sector Development – US$0.35 million.
- Grant 0608 – Vanuatu: Second Manaro Volcano Disaster Response Project – US$0.5 million.
- Awards: 2021 – Shireen Lateef Gender Awards: Best Gender Equality Results for Papua New Guinea.
References
- Mr. Kamel Bouhmad, Country Operations Head – Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office, Asian Development Bank, Sydney, Australia, (61) 2 8270 9444, kbouhmad@adb.org
- Mr. Ariff Ali, Governor, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Suva, Fiji, (679) 331 3611, ariff@rbf.gov.fj
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hindi
Professional
Timeline
Principal Financial Sector Officer/Senior Financial Sector Officer/Financial Sector Officer
Asian Development Bank
05.2018 - Current
Economist
Reserve Bank of Fiji
08.2016 - 04.2018
Examiner
Reserve Bank of Fiji
04.2009 - 07.2016
Business Manager – Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Fiji Development Bank
11.2008 - 03.2009
Graduate Trainee and Credit Team Member
Home Finance Company Limited
12.2006 - 10.2008
Master of Arts - Economics and Public Policy
University of Queensland
Postgraduate Diploma - Economics
University of the South Pacific
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting, Financial Management, and Economics
University of the South Pacific