Chandrra Sekhaar | Senior Audit Leader

Professional Profile

Innovates to suit business requirements, compelled to eliminate hindrances, reduce risk and fortify compliance, tightening controls and bolstering accountability. Pacesetter who initiates action and excitement in a controlled compliance and risk-driven environment.

Transformational, inspiring leader and coach who promotes team values, builds collaboration, and secures buy-in for change. Adaptable, engaging communicator serving with authority and confidence in relaying tough messages and driving innovative solutions.

Contact Me

Experience

Builds and retains multi-geographic relationships and open dialogue with senior stakeholders including regulators and peers across financial services, strengthens culture and awareness of compliance and audit.

Recent Experience

Public Investment Fund (PIF)

Head of Audit · Jul 2024 – Present

Leading audit function for one of the world’s largest sovereign funds

Impact: Strengthening audit and risk oversight during rapid strategic expansion across global investments

Mizuho

Chief Audit Executive – EMEA · Sep 2021 – Jul 2024

Unified audit functions and accelerated digital audit capabilities

Impact: Implemented One Mizuho model across 50+ auditors delivering ~$5M efficiency gains; introduced data-driven risk and credit analytics adopted by business

ING

Global Head of Audit – Financial Markets · Sep 2016 – Sep 2021

Built global audit capability for Financial Markets

Impact: Established global coverage model saving ~$3M; delivered collateral optimization worth ~$40M; launched Smart Auditor program (Business + Tech + Data)

RBS

Head of Audit – CIB · Aug 2013 – Sep 2016

Led institutional banking audit strategy

Impact: Defined algo-trading audit controls and oversight committee; strengthened control framework for key IB applications and transformation programs

Deutsche Bank

Vice President · Dec 2010 – Aug 2013

Enhanced regulatory and market risk audit coverage

Impact: Built regulatory developments team delivering ~$5M efficiency; led Equities and FICC audit coverage

Past Experience

UBS

Director · Oct 2007 – Dec 2010

Leadership role across FICC and IB

Expertise: Operational Risk transformation and audit leadership for global markets

Deloitte

Manager · Jul 2005 – Sep 2007

Risk and audit leadership engagements

Expertise: Secondment to Goldman Sachs leading FICC risk; integrated SOx audit coverage for large clients

PwC

Assistant Manager / Audit Supervisor · 2002 – 2005

Financial services audit

Expertise: IFRS audits for financial institutions and operational risk management secondment

Deloitte

Audit Senior · Jul 1997 – Jan 2001

Foundation stage in audit career

Expertise: Statutory audit for large banks and consumer companies

Professional Expertise

Comprehensive skill set spanning executive leadership, audit excellence, risk management, and business transformation across global financial institutions.

Core Specializations

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
AUDIT EXCELLENCE
RISK MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

Audit Leadership

95%

Risk Management

90%

Financial Analysis

88%

Corporate Governance

92%

Technical Proficiencies

Data Analytics

85%

Financial Modeling

90%

Regulatory Compliance

94%

Leadership Competencies

Team Development

96%

Strategic Planning

93%

Stakeholder Engagement

95%

Professional Journey

Progressive career spanning over two decades in senior audit and leadership roles across global financial institutions, driving transformation and excellence in risk management and compliance.

Current Role

Public Investment Fund

SENIOR DIRECTOR | Head of International Investments Audit Department

Managing team of 6 direct reports and 60 indirect reports across Riyadh and Neom, covering both Public and Private International Investments.

Implementing vision and strategy for audit department
Representing Internal Audit on portfolio company committees
Overseeing Office of Corporate Investigations at NEOM
Advising Audit Committee of NEOM

Previous Leadership Roles

Mizuho International

Managing Director | Chief Audit Executive - EMEA

2021 – 2024 | London, UK

Transformed internal audit department across Europe, implemented One Mizuho model, and introduced data analytics initiatives.

ING Bank

Managing Director | Global Head of Audit

2016 – 2021 | London, UK

Led global financial markets audit team across 28 locations, implemented Smart Auditor program, and drove digital transformation.

Royal Bank of Scotland

Global Head of Audit

2013 – 2016 | London, UK

Managed audit for Corporate and Institutional Banking division across global operations.

Education & Certifications

Masters, Non-Executive Director Programme

Financial Times (2019–2020)
Post-graduate board governance programme focused on leadership, corporate oversight, and strategic decision-making.

CISA Certification

Information Systems Audit and Control Association (2002–2003)
Specialized in information systems audit, cybersecurity, and technology risk management.

ACA Chartered Accountant

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (1998–2001)
Professional qualification in finance, accounting, audit, and corporate compliance.

Professional Endorsements

Recognition from industry peers and stakeholders for transformational leadership and audit excellence across global financial institutions.

Industry Peer

"Chandrra's ability to transform audit functions while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships is exceptional. His strategic vision and execution in digital transformation set new standards in the industry."

Board Member

"The audit function transformation led by Chandrra resulted in significant cost savings while enhancing risk coverage. His leadership in implementing data analytics revolutionized our approach to audit."

Regulatory Partner

"Working with Chandrra has been exemplary. His deep understanding of regulatory requirements combined with innovative solutions strengthens compliance while supporting business objectives."