Charlene Kavulani

Experience

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  Barclays

  Apr 2007 - Jun 2008

  ► Dealt with customers’ queries and complaints appropriately and satisfactorily.► Issued embossed credit cards. Received and tracked credit cards.► Accounted for credit cards received from card Centre and issued to clients.► Ensured safe custody of embossed cards awaiting collection by clients.► Signed off credit card applications ready for submission to card centre from direct sales representatives.► Collaborated and ensured that direct sales representatives meet outlet targets through team work. ► Reported team’s performance to team leader. Show less

  • Customer Advisor

    Jul 2007 - Jun 2008

  • Direct Sales Representative

    Apr 2007 - Jul 2007
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  I&M Bank

  Jul 2008 - Feb 2010

  Internal Audit Officer

  ► Conducted special audits by applying appropriate audit techniques and methodologies.► Prepared complete audit files for each assignment and wrote timely and accurate internal audit reports.

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  Bank of Africa Kenya

  Feb 2010 - Aug 2015

  ► Headed the enterprise risk function and reported to the Managing Director and Board Risk Committee. Aligned the management strategies for enterprise risk with the bank’s vision, mission, and corporate goals. ► Implemented, reviewed, and updated the risk management framework for key risks faced by the bank — namely credit, operational, ICT, market, liquidity strategic, project, regulatory, reputational, and social-political risks. ► Executed periodic reviews related to Risk Mapping, Risk Assessments, Risk Measurement, Trend Analysis, Scenario Analysis, and Stress Testing in line with the changing business and environments.► Chaired Management Risk and Compliance Committee meetings and participated in forums and meetings relevant to the risk function.► Conducted risk assessments for new products, services, and geographical locations and made significant changes to existing products and services. Introduced new lines of business and entry into new markets. Show less Enterprise Risk Management► Ensured the Bank’s enterprise risk management strategies are aligned with the Bank’s vision, mission and corporate goals and that they are responsive to the market.► Implemented enterprise-wide risk monitoring and policies through the establishment of a risk management framework for key risks faced by the Bank, ► Identified new and emerging risks, assessed, advised, continuously monitored and report on the Bank-wide and individual entity risk exposures on an ongoing basis.► Developed, maintained and conducted periodic reviews related to Risk Mapping, Risk Measurement, Scenario Analysis and Stress Testing in line with the changing business and environments.Compliance Risk Management► Oversaw implementation and continuous update of the compliance risk framework.► Monitored compliance risk related to Anti-Money Laundering, CFT and KYC regulations and ensured staff training and awareness were up to date,► Ensured compliance with internal procedures, policies, applicable laws, rules, codes and standards and identified weaknesses and breaches in internal controls and facilitated identification of operational problems, including those relating to information systems, and► Spearheaded departmental and branch compliance risk assessment, reviewed resultant reports and communication in a timely, complete, understandable and accurate manner for appropriate consideration by the relevant business lines and individuals within the Bank. Show less ► Updated the risk and compliance register and improved and implemented the risk and compliance framework. ► Reviewed and conducted an impact assessment of the proposed/ revised CBK prudential and risk management guidelines 2013 and spearheaded their implementation to ensure compliance by the bank. ► Served as a member of the ALCO (Assets and Liabilities Committee) and the treasury, revenue and cost optimization, business process re-engineering, product development, and training committees.► Reviewed and finalized reports from assessed units/ branches for onward transmission to the directorate. Oversaw in-house AML/KYC and fraud training anchored in the bank’s annual training plan. Show less

  • Head of Enterprise Risk

    Dec 2013 - Aug 2015

  • Senior Manager Enterprise Risk & Complaince

    Feb 2012 - Dec 2013

  • Compliance Manager

    Aug 2011 - Feb 2013

  • Senior Internal Auditor/Deputy to the Head of Internal Audit

    Feb 2010 - Aug 2011
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  Centum Investment Company Plc.

  Apr 2015 - Sept 2019

  Within my role as the Group Head of Risk & Compliance, I was ultimately responsible for the risk compliance and internal audit functions across Centum and its subsidiaries. ► Provided leadership for the group on all matters to do with risk, compliance, and internal audit and reported to the Group Chief Executive Officer and the CICP Audit and Risk Board Committees.► Strengthened partnership with business units, subsidiaries, and other stakeholders to ensure the processes for identifying, measuring, controlling, and reporting enterprise risk exposures aligned to the Group Risk Management Framework approved by the board. ► Developed Risk and Control Self-Assessments (RCSAs) and Key Risk Indicators (KRIs) for all business units and subsidiaries.► Developed, sought approval, and implemented a Risk management framework, Risk Appetite Framework, and a Key Risk indicator program.► Guided the process of optimal capital allocation to competing investment opportunities by validating financial models and conducting sustainability analysis for business proposals for consideration by the investment board committee.Key Achievements:★ Top revenue earner for Centum Business Services from the sales of professional services to the Centum Subsidiaries and other 3rd parties. Consistently brought KES450Mn year on year. ★ Negotiated annual discounts of up to 20% for insurance premiums while ensuring that the group was adequately covered for all risks insurable. Show less ► Participated in the group’s initiatives, forums, and committees to ensure enterprise risk requirements were appropriately considered, executed, and reported. ► Provided reports based on assessments to the various subsidiary managing directors, monthly reports on other risk management activities to the Group CEO, and quarterly reports to the different group and subsidiary boards.► Coordinated Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Management for the group and its subsidiaries. Created risk awareness and provided training support on risk management to the group.► Instrumental in the institution of world-class governance practices by developing Charts of authority, Board Charters, and Terms of references for committees.► Maintained zero regulatory breaches by aligning subsidiary and business unit processes with the appropriate regulatory and internal compliance requirements. Show less ► Validated investment and financial models for both new business cases and exiting business. Conducted all projects’ sustainability assessments and environmental, health, and social evaluation of the risk.► Improved the risk management processes within the group’s various entities, thus adding value to the multiple subsidiaries and business units and introducing practices that fit the purpose.► Reviewed and evaluated internal controls and proposed appropriate recommendations for any changes or enhancements, ensuring that agreed remedial actions adequately address deficiencies and regular follow-up to ascertain execution and effectiveness. Show less

  • Group Head of Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit

    Jan 2019 - Sept 2019

  • Group Head of Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit

    Jan 2017 - Jan 2019

  • Group Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit Manager

    Apr 2015 - Dec 2016
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  Platinum Credit Limited

  Jan 2016 - Feb 2018

  Audit & Risk Committee Member

  ► Reviewed and approved the risk policies and any material changes made to these; reviewed and recommended to the Board any relevant business standards that require Board ownership or support the Board in meeting its responsibilities, and monitored compliance with these and management’s actions to remedy any breaches.► Scrutinized scenarios (covering both economic and other future risk outlooks over the business planning horizon) and stress tests which the company uses to assess the adequacy of its economic and regulatory capital and liquidity; and review and challenge the outcome of these tests and the proposed actions which might need to be taken in the light of the outcomes.► Reviewed the appointment of the external auditors and their fees and the internal auditors and their activities.► Ensured that recommendations highlighted in internal audit reports were actioned by management.► Monitored corporate risk assessment and the internal controls instituted; and supervised special investigations when requested by the Board. Show less

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  Zohari Leasing Limited

  Jan 2016 - Feb 2019

  Audit & Risk Committee Member

  ► Reviewed and monitored the company's future risk strategy and its risk appetite, particularly concerning capital, liquidity, and operational risk and made recommendations on risk appetite.► Assessed appropriateness of the company's investment risk strategy, including asset-liability matching; reviewed and approved the credit limit framework; and reviewed and approved individual counterparty exposures above the shareholder exposure limit.► Evaluated the design, completeness, and effectiveness of the risk management framework relative to the company's activities, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity; reviewed the risk management function's adequacy and quality reviewed the effectiveness of risk reporting.► Liaised with internal and external auditors. Reviewed the annual audit plan with the external auditors.► Assessed the performance of financial management and review audit findings and the annual financial statements.► Reviewed interim financial information and accounting policies and oversaw compliance with statutory responsibilities relating to financial and other requirements. Show less

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  Family Bank Ltd

  Oct 2019 - Aug 2020

  Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

  ► Headed the bank’s enterprise risk management and compliance department, reported to the board risk committee, and administratively to the Managing Director. ► Developed and implemented a comprehensive enterprise risk management infrastructure that integrated risk management with the bank’s strategic management process. ► Established risk management KPIs that facilitated SMART management of risk across the bank. Identified emerging risks and took appropriate risk mitigation measures.► Supervised the implementation of appropriate risk control self-assessment (RCSA) discipline for each business and department in the bank.► Developed and sustained a risk management culture across the bank and ensured all staff was well trained and conversant with relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and controls.► Implemented early warning mechanisms for fraud and breaches of the bank’s risk appetite, reviewed investigations on suspicious transactions, and ensured prompt reporting of risk events at the appropriate level, including regular reports.Key Achievements:★ Reduced the company’s compliance risk and enterprise-wide risk profile from high to medium risk within 4 months.★ Developed, sought approval, and implemented a Risk management framework, Risk Appetite Framework, and a Key Risk Indicator Program★ Institutionalized a Risk Champions program across 92 branches and 17 head office units. Established bank-wide risk event reporting, with all staff expected to raise at least three risk events per quarter.★ Developed and implemented over 10 risk management policies on all risk categories and over 20 operating procedure manuals supporting process flows. ★ Established a fully‑fledged Enterprise Risk and Compliance function, from a department that only had one resource in risk and two in compliance to a department with fully functional units for Operational risk, Market risk, Credit risk, IT and Cyber Security, and Compliance. Show less

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  PineHill Consulting

  Jan 2022 - now

  Risk Management, Governance & Compliance Consultant

  ► Develops and implements frameworks, key risk indicators, and other relevant tools to manage complex risks across all sectors, from greater transparency and accountability to increased public scrutiny and technological sophistication.► Works with enterprises of all kinds and sizes to create robust financial risk management frameworks that satisfy compliance demands, contribute to better decision-making, and enhance performance.► Collaborates with clients to make internal audit functions, enterprise risk management programs, and risk and controls management more efficient and effective through the Pinehill Consulting Internal Audit Risk & Compliance Services (PIARCS). Show less

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  SPK Investments Services Limited

  May 2022 - Aug 2024

  Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

   Setting up fully fledged Risk and Compliance functions. Primarily responsible for all Risk and Compliance matters for the company. Ensuring overall compliance with laws, submitting timely reports to CMA, NSE and other regulator/stakeholders. Development of all requisite policies, procedures and process flows. Ensuring implementation of all key policies with regard to Risk and Compliance management. Set up of the Enterprise Risk Management Framework and program for the company. Show less

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  MMA Advisors LLP

  Mar 2023 - now

  Lead Consulatnt

  Risk Management for SMEs and Corporates: Proactively manage risks, protect assets, and achieve strategic goals for small and medium-sized businesses. Offer tailored, budget-conscious solutions that build resilience and ensure future preparedness.Compliance and Regulatory Requirements for SMEs and Corporates: Navigate complex compliance and regulatory landscapes for corporations. Develop and implement effective policies and procedures that mitigate risks, safeguard reputation, and ensure ethical, sustainable business practices.Business Transformation Initiatives: Drive strategic business transformation initiatives that identify opportunities, develop effective strategies, implement change, and deliver measurable results, ensuring sustainable growth and success.Due Diligence:Conduct thorough due diligence exercises for business acquisitions to inform sound investment decisions and mitigate potential risks.Operational Efficiency: Streamline business operations to achieve significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. Analyze existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and design and implement optimized solutions leveraging technology and best practices.Policy, Procedures, and Frameworks Development: Develop customized policies, procedures, and frameworks to establish robust governance, risk management, and compliance structures for diverse businesses.Strategy Development and Implementation: Develop and implement effective strategies aligned with business vision, mission, and goals. Guide businesses through market analysis, opportunity identification, strategic roadmapping, and plan execution to achieve sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Show less

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  Standard Group PLC

  Apr 2023 - Apr 2025

  Transfromation Engagement Lead

   Provide strategic leadership in matters relating to business transformation. Developing and implementing a comprehensive transformation strategy anchored on the existing Group Corporate Strategy to address the Company’s financial distress and ensure long-term sustainability.  Support the work-stream sponsors and teams to identify and prioritize critical areas for improvement in the company's operations, including but not limited to cost optimization, revenue generation, process improvement, and talent management. Ensures that the transformation initiatives are implemented in a timely manner and periodically updates the Board Transformation Committee on progress, working with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution and joyous delivery of results impacting the bottom line. Building and leading a high-performing transformation team aligned with the Company’s vision and corporate strategy. Together with the rest of the transformation team foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, driving a sense of urgency and accountability for results. Partner with senior leadership to align transformation efforts with the company's long-term strategic objectives. Institute robust risk management and compliance frameworks and protocols to sustain the business beyond the transformation project. Together with the internal communication team and change Manager, develop and implement a communication strategy to communicate transformation initiatives to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, vendors, partners, regulators, board, and shareholders. Develop critical messaging around transformation initiatives that stakeholders can easily understand and embrace. Show less

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  Startify Africa

  Sept 2024 - now

  Project Management Consultant

  Restart of a cement manufacturing company.• Working with other team members to make sure that all parties are on track, meeting deadlines and schedules.• Meeting with the project team to identify and resolve any issues that arise.• Submitting project deliverables within set deadlines, ensuring they adhere to quality standards.• Prepare status reports by gathering, analyzing, and summarising relevant information.• Establishing clear channels of communication.• Manage and inform team members of changes with regards to budget, timeframes and deliverables • Manage and monitor customer feedback.• Evaluate and measure the successful and unsuccessful aspects of the project.• Communicating complex concepts in a manner that can be understood by the audience. • Managing multiple priorities and consistently produce results within timelines. • Conflict management during the project life cycle. • Maintaining a positive working relationships with all project team members Show less