Thomas Mathew

Associate Director – Enterprise Risk & Compliance | Operational Risk | Governance, Audit & Controls | 20+ yrs BFSI | ISO 27001 Lead Auditor

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

About

Risk and compliance leader with over 20 years of experience driving operational risk frameworks, governance, and audit readiness across global organizations. Proven track record of strengthening control environments, mitigating risk exposure, and ensuring regulatory compliance across large-scale operations. Experienced in designing and implementing risk frameworks, enhancing audit outcomes, and embedding a strong risk culture across business units. Currently serving as Associate Director at Cognizant, leading risk and compliance initiatives across enterprise operations. Brings deep expertise from previous roles at Wells Fargo and HSBC, with a strong foundation in operational risk, training transformation, and process governance. Known for partnering with senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making, and building high-performing teams to deliver sustainable risk and compliance outcomes. Core Expertise: • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) • Operational Risk & Control Frameworks • Regulatory Compliance & Audit Readiness • Risk & Control Self Assessment (RCSA) • Governance & Internal Controls • Process Risk & Quality Assurance ISO 27001 Lead Auditor | Risk Transformation | Governance Leader

Experience

  • Cognizant (Full-time · 11 yrs 7 mos)
    • Associate Director - Operational Risk and Compliance
      Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

      1) Lead enterprise-wide operational risk and compliance initiatives across multiple business units, ensuring adherence to regulatory and internal governance frameworks 2) Strengthen control environments through implementation of robust risk frameworks, improving audit readiness and reducing compliance gaps 3) Partner with senior stakeholders and client leadership to drive risk governance, control effectiveness, and regulatory alignment 4) Oversee risk assessments, control testing, and mitigation planning across large-scale operations Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, fostering a strong risk-aware culture across the organization 5) Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, control effectiveness, and risk visibility

    • Deputy General Manager - Operational Risk and Compliance
      Oct 2020 - Feb 2025 · 4 yrs 5 mos

    • Manager - Operational Risk and Compliance
      Oct 2017 - Sep 2020 · 3 yrs

  • Wells Fargo (Greater Hyderabad Area)
    • Operations Manager
      Nov 2013 - Dec 2014 · 1 yr 2 mos

    • Team Lead
      Sep 2011 - Nov 2013 · 2 yrs 3 mos

  • HSBC (5 yrs 4 mos)
    • BAU Trainer
      Jan 2009 - Aug 2011 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Customer Service Representative
      May 2006 - Dec 2008 · 2 yrs 8 mos