Theresa Karunakaran

Professional Overview

Theresa Karunakaran is a seasoned regulatory affairs professional with over 40 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. She currently serves as the Director at IntelleWings and the Partner and Regulatory Affairs Lead at Compliance Matters, where she leverages her deep expertise in compliance processes, regulatory affairs, and banking supervision to drive strategic initiatives and ensure organizational compliance.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Director at IntelleWings (2023-01-01 to Present)

• Responsible for overseeing the company's strategic direction, risk management, and compliance initiatives

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and address regulatory challenges, ensuring IntelleWings maintains a strong compliance posture

• Spearheads the development and implementation of innovative solutions to enhance regulatory compliance and operational efficiency

Partner and Regulatory Affairs Lead at Compliance Matters (2021-11-01 to Present)

• Leads the regulatory affairs practice, providing expert guidance and advisory services to clients on navigating complex regulatory landscapes

• Collaborates with the leadership team to develop and execute comprehensive compliance strategies, ensuring clients meet all applicable regulations

• Leverages in-depth industry knowledge and technical expertise to identify potential regulatory risks and proactively implement mitigation measures

Career Progression

Regulatory Affairs Lead at Compliance Matters (2021-01-01 to 2021-11-01)

• Managed the regulatory affairs function, overseeing the development and implementation of compliance frameworks for clients

• Liaised with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to stay abreast of emerging regulations and industry trends

• Provided strategic insights and recommendations to clients, enabling them to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively

Director Regulatory Affairs at Deutsche Bank (2015-08-01 to 2020-08-01)

• Spearheaded the bank's regulatory affairs strategy, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement robust compliance policies and procedures

• Represented the bank in industry forums and regulatory dialogues, advocating for regulatory reforms and industry best practices

Advisor, Compliance Processes at Axis Bank (2013-07-01 to 2015-07-01)

• Advised the bank on the development and enhancement of its compliance processes, policies, and controls

• Worked closely with the leadership team to identify and mitigate regulatory risks, ensuring the bank's operations were aligned with industry regulations

General Manager, Department of Banking Supervision at Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (2004-07-01 to 2012-12-01)

• Played a key role in the oversight and supervision of the Indian banking sector, ensuring compliance with RBI regulations

• Contributed to the development and implementation of regulatory policies and guidelines, promoting financial stability and consumer protection

Academic Background

Theresa Karunakaran holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Mumbai, where she graduated with distinction. She also completed the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School, further enhancing her leadership and strategic management skills.

Areas of Expertise

• Regulatory affairs and compliance management

• Banking supervision and regulatory oversight

• Compliance process design and implementation

• Strategic planning and risk management

• Industry advocacy and stakeholder engagement

• Financial services regulatory compliance

Professional Impact

• Instrumental in the successful implementation of numerous compliance initiatives at leading financial institutions, ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory requirements

• Contributed to the development of industry-wide compliance best practices and guidelines through active participation in industry forums and regulatory dialogues

• Recognized as a thought leader in the field of regulatory affairs, frequently invited to speak at industry events and share insights on emerging compliance challenges and solutions

Conclusion

With her extensive experience in the banking and financial services industry, Theresa Karunakaran has established herself as a respected authority in the field of regulatory affairs. Her deep understanding of compliance processes, regulatory oversight, and strategic risk management has enabled her to drive transformative changes within the organizations she has served. As she continues to lead initiatives at IntelleWings and Compliance Matters, Theresa is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry and contribute to the development of robust compliance frameworks that promote financial stability and consumer protection.