Kiran Singh : Championing A More Thoughtful Approach To Risk & Regulation
Kiran Singh
Chief Compliance Officer
With over two decades of distinguished service across global financial institutions, Kiran Singh acknowledges the importance of adopting a mindset that embraces modern technology to comprehend the changing compliance landscape. She is a Certified Risk and Compliance Professional, a Certified ESG Expert, and a Certified Independent Director who has continuously redefined what leadership in compliance truly means. Her professional odyssey, from a humble executive role to the helm of governance at some of the most prominent financial institutions, is a testament to perseverance, intellectual agility, and an unshakable belief in principled progress.
Kiran’s achievements have been recognized with numerous accolades including the Cross Functional Avengers Award in 2022, the Functional Excellence Award in 2021 and Emerging Leadership Award 2019 at Aditya Birla Capital, honors that reflect her influence in shaping both strategy and culture.
From spearheading AML and CFT protocols to fostering stakeholder trust, Kiran brings not only expertise but a philosophy grounded in ethics, innovation, and purpose. In this exclusive conversation, she opens up about the journey, the vision, and the inner drive that fuels her commitment to redefining compliance leadership in the 21st century. Let’s dive in to know more.
What key measures have you put in place to manage compliance risks, identify areas of potential non-compliance, and formulate strategies for effective mitigation?
To manage compliance risks effectively, organizations must conduct regular risk assessments to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential areas of non-compliance. Strong policies and procedures should be developed, implemented, and maintained with regular testing and updates. Continuous monitoring, supported by technology, helps ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Leadership involvement and comprehensive employee training foster a culture of compliance across all levels. Managing third-party risks through due diligence and over sight is equally important. By integrating these elements into a cohesive strategy, organizations can build resilient compliance frameworks that adapt to evolving regulatory demands.
What factors do you consider when leveraging data to generate insights that enhance decision-making, promote sustainable growth, and ensure compliance is prioritized?
When utilizing data to drive decision-making, foster growth, and uphold compliance, it is essential to prioritize data quality, relevance, and security. This entails identifying and gathering the appropriate data, ensuring its accuracy and completeness, and analyzing it to extract valuable insights. At the same time, robust data governance and compliance practices are vital for mitigating risks associated with sensitive information while maintaining legal and ethical standards.
Can you share your approach to leadership? What principles or strategies guide you in your role as a leader?
A leadership approach to driving regulatory compliance relies on a top-down strategy where leaders prioritize and exemplify ethical behavior, cultivate a culture of accountability, and ensure employees are well-trained and equipped to understand and adhere to regulation in organizations where I had been associated. This involves clearly communicating regulatory requirements, encouraging open dialogue, and holding everyone accountable for compliance efforts.
To manage compliance risks effectively, organizations must conduct regular risk assessments to identify, analyze, and prioritize potential areas of non-compliance. Strong policies and procedures should be developed, implemented, and maintained with regular testing and updates. Continuous monitoring, supported by technology, helps ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. Leadership involvement and comprehensive employee training foster a culture of compliance across all levels. Managing third-party risks through due diligence and over sight is equally important. By integrating these elements into a cohesive strategy, organizations can build resilient compliance frameworks that adapt to evolving regulatory demands.
To stay aligned with evolving industry trends and position the organization for long term success, I prioritize continuous learning, strategic net-working, and timely data analysis
What factors do you consider when leveraging data to generate insights that enhance decision-making, promote sustainable growth, and ensure compliance is prioritized?
When utilizing data to drive decision-making, foster growth, and uphold compliance, it is essential to prioritize data quality, relevance, and security. This entails identifying and gathering the appropriate data, ensuring its accuracy and completeness, and analyzing it to extract valuable insights. At the same time, robust data governance and compliance practices are vital for mitigating risks associated with sensitive information while maintaining legal and ethical standards.
Can you share your approach to leadership? What principles or strategies guide you in your role as a leader?
A leadership approach to driving regulatory compliance relies on a top-down strategy where leaders prioritize and exemplify ethical behavior, cultivate a culture of accountability, and ensure employees are well-trained and equipped to understand and adhere to regulation in organizations where I had been associated. This involves clearly communicating regulatory requirements, encouraging open dialogue, and holding everyone accountable for compliance efforts.
Aligning leadership with compliance is not about imposing a rigid way of working on others. Instead, it requires collaboration and empathy, understanding their perspective. It involves balancing risk with growth and demonstrating that a culture of compliance ultimately benefits the business.
How do you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization toward future growth and innovation?
To stay aligned with evolving industry trends and position the organization for long-term success, I prioritize continuous learning, strategic networking, and timely data analysis. I regularly engage with industry publications, attend conferences and webinars, and keep a close watch on technological advancements that could influence our sector. I also actively follow thought leaders and industry influencers, network with peers and clients, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. These efforts help me stay informed about market shifts, emerging customer needs, and competitive strategies, enabling me to make informed decisions and guide the organization confidently into the future.
What vision are you working toward for the future of your career and organi -zation?
My future goal is to move into an advisory capacity at the board level, serving as an Independent Director or Non-Executive Director, where I can contribute strategic insight and governance expertise to drive sustainable growth and compliance.
Drawing from your extensive experience in the industry, what guidance would you offer to emerging leaders looking to build a successful career in this field?
Compliance should be deeply integrated into a company’s culture and strategic vision, not just seen as a means to avoid penalties. In financial institutions, it plays a vital role in governance, enhancing reputation, investor trust, and long-term value while reducing capital costs.
Kiran Singh, Chief Compliance Officer, BFSI
With over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, Kiran Singh brings deep expertise in compliance, governance, and risk management, holding multiple certifications and serving as Chief Compliance Officer at Fintech-NBFC who depends on her ethical principles and values to guide her personal and professional choices.
How do you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization toward future growth and innovation?
To stay aligned with evolving industry trends and position the organization for long-term success, I prioritize continuous learning, strategic networking, and timely data analysis. I regularly engage with industry publications, attend conferences and webinars, and keep a close watch on technological advancements that could influence our sector. I also actively follow thought leaders and industry influencers, network with peers and clients, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. These efforts help me stay informed about market shifts, emerging customer needs, and competitive strategies, enabling me to make informed decisions and guide the organization confidently into the future.
What vision are you working toward for the future of your career and organi -zation?
My future goal is to move into an advisory capacity at the board level, serving as an Independent Director or Non-Executive Director, where I can contribute strategic insight and governance expertise to drive sustainable growth and compliance.
Drawing from your extensive experience in the industry, what guidance would you offer to emerging leaders looking to build a successful career in this field?
Compliance should be deeply integrated into a company’s culture and strategic vision, not just seen as a means to avoid penalties. In financial institutions, it plays a vital role in governance, enhancing reputation, investor trust, and long-term value while reducing capital costs.
Kiran Singh, Chief Compliance Officer, BFSI
With over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, Kiran Singh brings deep expertise in compliance, governance, and risk management, holding multiple certifications and serving as Chief Compliance Officer at Fintech-NBFC who depends on her ethical principles and values to guide her personal and professional choices.