1 Compliance Leadership & Governance - I am passionate about building strong KYC/AML governance frameworks that enhance risk controls while enabling business growth I am motivated by organizations that emphasize regulatory excellence, innovation, and sustainable compliance solutions
Ajith Donni
Investment Banking Operations Leader
Pune
Summary
Investment Banking Operations Leader with 19 years of experience driving KYC, AML, Compliance, Client Onboarding, and Global Markets operations across APAC, EMEA, and the US. Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Credit Suisse, excelling in KYC operations and governance. Expert in process re-engineering, achieving a 30% improvement in turnaround time. Skilled in team leadership and stakeholder management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Vice President
Credit Suisse Securities (India) Pvt Ltd [Now UBS Business Solutions (India) Private Limited]
Pune
12.2008 - Current
- Established and scaled KYC and Client Onboarding operations in Pune from the ground up to 80 FTE, implementing strong governance, quality controls, and delivery frameworks.
- Directed end-to-end KYC onboarding, periodic refresh (PR), event-driven reviews (EDR), and global compliance governance across APAC, EMEA, and the U.S. Regulatory environments.
- Led APAC client onboarding and periodic review for the Investment Banking Division, ensuring adherence to global AML/KYC policies and local regulations.
- Designed and deployed the Target Operating Model (TOM) for the IB KYC PR team, improving efficiency, process transparency, and operational scalability.
- Partnered with the FCC to simplify KYC requirements, reducing client friction, and improving TAT by 30% through streamlined documentation standards.
- Delivered USD 2 million annual cost savings through APAC KYC process redesign and workforce optimization.
- Ensured audit-ready documentation, adherence to SLAs, and delivery of high-quality KYC files based on risk ratings, and regulatory requirements.
- Owned KPI/metrics management, MIS dashboards, audit responses, and governance reporting for senior management.
- Drove cross-functional projects, improving client lifecycle management, resulting in higher productivity and improved stakeholder satisfaction.
- Evaluated and proposed workflow automation and digital tools, contributing to increased process efficiency and reduced manual dependencies.
- Actively involved in budget planning, resource strategy, training programs, and performance management.
- Fostered a continuous improvement culture, encouraging innovation, standardization, and sustainable operational growth.
Process Supervisor
Deutsche Bank
Bengaluru
12.2007 - 11.2008
- Led end-to-end EMEA KYC due diligence for high-risk clients, ensuring compliance with UK AML regulations, JMLSG guidance, and global standards.
- Managed case escalations and approvals for complex or high-risk profiles, resolving issues with minimal turnaround time.
- Conducted comprehensive due diligence, including transactional reviews, adverse media checks, sanctions screening, and documentation validation.
- Provided AML advisory to the front office and business teams for urgent onboarding and periodic review cases.
- Mentored junior analysts, enhancing team capability, technical knowledge, and delivery quality.
- Contributed to firm-wide employee engagement as part of the Sports & Events Committee.
- Awarded Star of the Month for proactive risk mitigation and exceptional handling of time-sensitive, high-risk cases.
Operational Analyst
J.P. Morgan Chase
Bengaluru
09.2006 - 11.2007
- Managed end-to-end KYC, CIP verification, and recertification for North America clients, consistently achieving 100% compliance with internal and regulatory controls.
- Performed CIP checks, including identity verification, sanctions screening, OFAC/blocked-country reviews, and documentation assessments.
- Developed SOPs, delivered team trainings, and enhanced process efficiency through standardization and best practices.
- Implemented KPIs and monitoring frameworks, enabling data-driven improvements in operational performance.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments and executed mitigation strategies in line with firm-wide AML policies.
- Collaborated across business, legal, and operations teams to resolve complex onboarding issues.
- Recognized with the Individual of the Quarter and Spot Award for high performance and client-centric solutions.
Process Analyst
Swiss Re Shared Services
Bengaluru
12.2003 - 08.2006
- Managed end-to-end reinsurance claim processing, finance operations, and portfolio administration for Asia markets.
- Ensured high accuracy in data capture, reconciliation, and financial transactions.
- Member of the IDQC audit team, supporting portfolio cleanup, data quality enhancement, and control-strengthening initiatives.
- Conducted credit control and portfolio risk analysis, improving receivables management and process integrity.
Education
MBA - Banking And Finance
Symbiosis
Pune, India 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce
Bangalore High School
Bengaluru, India 04.2001 -
Skills
Team leadership & Strategic planning
Accomplishments
1. Delivered USD 2M Annual Cost Savings:
Redesigned APAC KYC allocation model, optimizing staffing
and workflows that resulted in USD 2 million cost
efficiencies and improved productivity across regional hubs.
2. Zero-Finding Regulatory Remediation Delivery:
Successfully led “Project Empire,” a Federal Reserve–
mandated remediation program ensuring 100% compliance,
timely execution, and no regulatory escalations.
3. 30% Improvement in SLA & Turnaround Time:
Implemented Target Operating Model and simplified KYC
requirements, reducing TAT by 30% and significantly
improving case throughput.
4. Built High-Performing KYC Hub of 80+ FTE:
Established Pune KYC Center of Excellence with strong
governance, training modules, and quality oversight
contributing to operational stability and business expansion.
5. Reduced Aged Cases by 40%:
Standardized prioritization and escalation frameworks,
driving measurable reduction in backlog and enhancing
regulatory preparedness.
Interests
2 Transformational Operations Leader - I am drawn to companies that offer opportunities to lead large-scale transformation initiatives, streamline processes, and build scalable operating models across global markets
3 Learning & Innovation Driven - I am particularly attracted to organizations that encourage continuous learning, foster cross-functional collaboration, and embrace technology-led modernization such as workflow automation, AI in KYC, and digital onboarding
Timeline
Vice President
Credit Suisse Securities (India) Pvt Ltd [Now UBS Business Solutions (India) Private Limited]
12.2008 - Current
Process Supervisor
Deutsche Bank
12.2007 - 11.2008
Operational Analyst
J.P. Morgan Chase
09.2006 - 11.2007
Process Analyst
Swiss Re Shared Services
12.2003 - 08.2006
MBA - Banking And Finance
Symbiosis
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Commerce - Commerce
Bangalore High School
04.2001 -
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Hindi
Advanced (C1)
kannada
Advanced (C1)