S

Smitha Bhagvan

Operations Associate

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia21 yrs experience
Highly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Reduced onboarding timelines by up to 80%
  • Delivered USD 1B client onboarding transitions
  • Led multi-region transformation initiatives
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Financial Services Operations and Transformation Leader with extensive governance experience.

Contact

LinkedIn

Skills

Core Skills

GovernanceOperational ImprovementRisk ManagementClient OnboardingOperational TransformationProject ManagementProduct ManagementBusiness Strategy

Other Skills

StrategyCross-functional Team LeadershipRegulatory ComplianceProcess ImprovementClient DeliveryImplementationProduct DevelopmentMarket ExpansionFinancial Services OperationsProgram LeadershipService DeliveryProject GovernanceBoard GovernanceBusiness Process ImprovementChange Management

About

Senior financial services leader with expertise in client onboarding, operations leadership and transformation across institutional banking and asset servicing environments. Proven ability to lead large operational teams, deliver complex regulatory change programs and modernise service delivery models. Enterprise transformation and platform governance leader with 25+ years of experience delivering complex strategic initiatives across global financial services and technology organisations. My work sits at the intersection of strategy execution, digital platform delivery, governance and regulatory alignment, helping organisations successfully implement complex transformation initiatives while maintaining strong operational resilience and risk oversight. Currently part of the COO Office at Northern Trust Asset Management, where I oversee enterprise delivery governance and strategic initiatives across APAC. My role focuses on strengthening delivery frameworks, improving execution transparency and enabling complex institutional client onboarding and product initiatives. Over the course of my career I have: • Reduced institutional onboarding timelines by up to 80% through delivery framework redesign • Delivered USD 1B institutional client onboarding and complex mandate transitions • Built enterprise delivery governance frameworks across multiple legal entities • Led multi-region transformation initiatives and product launches • Directed post-acquisition operating model integration programs I am particularly interested in leadership roles focused on: Fund Operations & Onboarding Institutional Client Onboarding Client Operations Operating Model Implementation Service Delivery & Innovation Operational Transformation Digital Platform Transformation Strategic Delivery Leadership Financial Services Innovation Enterprise Operating Model Evolution Governance Model Uplift Regulatory Governance Implementation 1LoD Governance & Audit Support Legal Entity Governance & Oversight Investment & Asset Management & Superannuation

Experience

21 yrs
Total Experience
5 yrs 11 mos
Average Tenure
3 yrs 3 mos
Current Experience

Northern trust asset management

Platform Innovation & Business Governance Manager

Feb 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 3 mos · Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

  • As a Platform Innovation & Business Governance Manager, I lead governance, risk and operational improvement programs across APAC within the COO office. My work involves partnering with global executives to progress regional priorities, designing changes that strengthen governance, and improving processes that support day-to-day operations.
  • I act as the APAC contact for new initiatives, coordinating delivery and ensuring clear communication across teams. I also work to apply global standards in ways that suit local regulatory and operational needs. A key part of my role is guiding cross-functional teams to deliver strategic programs and investment solutions, while enhancing controls, performance measures and compliance transparency.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Built and launched APAC’s third-party risk framework independently, delivering ahead of schedule and elevating regulatory oversight.
  • Overhauled onboarding processes, reducing timelines and enabling new mandates to commence earlier.
  • Executed a key APAC initiative early by coordinating workstreams to establish compliant functions with minimal disruptions.
  • Defined and embedded best practices that improved vendor management, intercompany engagement and legal entity compliance.
  • Facilitated APAC governance committees and working groups, improving transparency, alignment and regional decision-making.
StrategyCross-functional Team LeadershipGovernanceOperational Improvement

Franklin templeton investments

Product Implementation Manager - PMO Office

Jul 2015 – Jan 2023 · 7 yrs 6 mos · Singapore, Melbourne

  • As a Product Implementation Manager in the PMO Office, I supported clients' onboarding and implementation activities across the region, working to improve processes and strengthen the overall client experience. I led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects, coordinated multiple fund launches, and helped ensure work stayed on track by monitoring milestones and addressing risks early.
  • I also contributed to planning by setting KPIs and driving improvement initiatives. My role involved presenting project updates to senior leaders, managing external partners to support quality outcomes, and maintaining strong relationships across functions to support clear communication and consistent delivery.
  • Key Achievements:
  • Delivered APAC’s inaugural buy-hold mandate, creating an implementation model that improved client delivery and alignment.
  • Introduced the region’s first Shariah-compliant offering, expanding product breadth and supporting targeted market growth.
  • Directed a multi-region program to reclassify offerings in response to shifting market dynamics and client demand.
  • Integrated the first specialist investment managers during the Franklin Templeton–Legg Mason merger, completing ahead of plan.
StrategyCross-functional Team LeadershipClient OnboardingProject Management

Thomson reuters

Senior Product Manager

Sep 2004 – Dec 2011 · 7 yrs 3 mos

StrategyCross-functional Team Leadership

Anz

Business Analyst

Mar 2001 – Mar 2004 · 3 yrs

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