Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Basham

Maidstone,Kent

Summary

Results-driven professional with expertise in operational and enterprise risk management with effective communication across all organisational levels. Demonstrates a strong ability to create efficiencies, process improvements and strengthening of controls through cross-functional collaboration. Committed and motivated to leveraging these skills to drive organisational success and enhance strategic objectives.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Legal Entity Risk Manager

BNY
London, City of London
12.2022 - 05.2025
  • Certified under UK SMCR regime. A member of AFME for industry best practice and knowledge sharing.
  • Responsible for delivery and reporting of a comprehensive risk and regulatory framework for the London Branch including: Risk identification; Risk Appetite; Monitoring metrics; Financial Crime Assessments; SMCR; Complaints; Conflicts and Inducements.
  • Streamlined and standardised the Strategy document for the branch, and associated monthly reporting creating efficiencies. Reduced content from 45 pages to 15.


Senior Operational Risk Manager

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
London, City of London
01.2017 - 12.2022
  • Led the implementation of the Operational Risk framework across the EMEA entities. (RCSA; Risk Events, Scenario Analysis, Risk Appetite, Risk Acceptance and Policy and Procedures).
  • Partnered with the Operations business to provide specific guidance and second line oversight/challenge of their implementation & management of all elements of the risk framework.
  • Improved board and committee reporting of the risk profile of the region to aid decision making. Creating action plans where required to return risks to within appetite.

Various Roles

Royal Bank of Scotland
London, City of London
01.2003 - 12.2016
  • Manager, Operational Risk, Commercial and Private Banking (Jan 2015-Dec 2016); Led end-end RCSA reviews as the business moved to product led ownership rather than business process ownership. Number of RCSA's reduced from over 100 to 36; Created standard risk and control libraries to simplify reporting; Conducted thematic reviews on Operational Processes within the business to identify weaknesses in controls and opportunities to strengthen.
  • Business Manager for Chief Risk Officer (Mar 2014 - Dec 2014); Produced board papers, briefing packs and minutes. Co-ordinated various projects and initiatives.
  • Director, Operational Risk, Private Banking (Jul 2010 - Mar 2014); Subject Matter Expert for Fraud and Payment Risk; Designed fraud strategies and initiatives to provide mitigation and reduce risk exposure; Managed several complex fraud cases leading the investigation and remediation; Delivered fraud awareness training to high net worth clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Head of Policy, Operational Risk, Wealth Management (Jun 2007 - Jul 2010); Responsible for rollout of Group Policy Framework across all International businesses; Co-ordinated a gap analysis against all requirements to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses; Worked with businesses to close out control gaps; Developed Global and Regional reporting on compliance with policy requirements.
  • Customer Services Manager, Payment Operations (Jan 2023-May 2006); Ensured all payments left the Bank in line with Service Level Agreements. Improved these levels from 75% to 95%; Investigated and resolved operational errors and client complaints; tested operational processes and controls leading to the production of a quarterly control environment attestation; Performance management of 70 staff members including coaching, mentoring and training to foster growth and development. Staff engagement scores improved year on year; Provided cover for the Business Manager supporting the CEO.


Various Roles

Coutts & Co
London, City of London
09.1990 - 07.2002
  • Project Manager, Reporting, NWB/RBS system integration (Jan 2002 - Jul 2002); Led the report work stream under the integration project. Identified reports that would be needed and which ones would no longer be required. Set technical requirements for creation of amalgamated reporting. Undertook performance testing before approving release to production ahead of go live date.
  • Resource Manager. (Jan 2001 - January 2002); Led operational teams supporting the Commercial Banking business. Undertook operational planning and control of resources in line with projected workflows. Streamlined processes using 'Lean' principles. Efficiency improvements made to a number of key processes resulting in the ability to reduce headcount by 10% and reduce overtime.
  • Various clerical and supervisory roles (Sep 1990n- Jan 2001) including: Payments, Correspondent Banking, International Banking and Settlements.


Education

GCSEs - Financial Services

Bexley Grammar
Bexley,Kent

ACIB/BSc (HONS) - Financial Services

University of Manchester
Manchester

Foundation of Banking Risk - Financial Services

Gloabl Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
London

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Fraud

Association of Fraud Examiners
America

Skills

  • Operational and Enterprise risk management
  • Effective Communication across all levels of an organisation
  • Process Improvement creating efficiencies and strengthening controls
  • Cross functional collaboration

Affiliations

  • Reading, Supporting local initiatives in my village, Caring for elderly parents.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Legal Entity Risk Manager

BNY
12.2022 - 05.2025

Senior Operational Risk Manager

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
01.2017 - 12.2022

Various Roles

Royal Bank of Scotland
01.2003 - 12.2016

Various Roles

Coutts & Co
09.1990 - 07.2002

GCSEs - Financial Services

Bexley Grammar

ACIB/BSc (HONS) - Financial Services

University of Manchester

Foundation of Banking Risk - Financial Services

Gloabl Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Fraud

Association of Fraud Examiners

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Sarah Basham