In a strategic move to reinforce its digital framework and accelerate data-driven innovation, global banking giant Standard Chartered has named Shebani Baweja as its new Group Chief Data Officer (CDO), effective immediately.
Baweja will be stationed in Singapore, a major financial hub for the bank’s international operations. In her new capacity, she will report directly to Alvaro Garrido, the bank’s head of Technology & Operations, Information Security, and Data.
Driving the Next Phase of Data Strategy and Governance
As Group CDO, Baweja will take the helm of Standard Chartered’s Group Data Office, where she is tasked with shaping and executing the financial institution’s overarching data blueprint. Her core mandates include:
-
Elevating Data Governance: Improving the quality, compliance, and structural management of data assets across the bank’s global footprint.
-
Strengthening Infrastructure: Building resilient, unified data systems and standardizing data management practices across diverse business divisions.
-
Scaling Analytics and AI: Increasing the integration of advanced analytics to uncover growth opportunities, spark product innovation, and enable sharper business intelligence.
Over Two Decades of Digital Transformation Expertise
Baweja is uniquely positioned for this executive role, bringing more than 20 years of experience in deep-tech digital transformation and complex data architecture.
Since joining Standard Chartered in 2008, she has navigated a stellar trajectory through multiple high-stakes senior leadership positions. Most recently, she served as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Wealth and Retail Banking and International Markets. In that role, she successfully orchestrated comprehensive cyber risk mitigation and security initiatives that defended client assets while clearing the path for frictionless digital expansion.
Leadership Perspectives: Aligning Risk with Client-Centric Innovation
Alvaro Garrido emphasized that a disciplined foundation in technology and data acts as a critical differentiator for a global, cross-border financial institution.
“As a super-connector bank, Standard Chartered’s foundations in technology and data act as key enablers in providing world-class client services,” Garrido stated. “As we continue to expand our use of data and AI to help clients seamlessly connect with growth opportunities… Shebani’s leadership will be key in strengthening our data-driven culture that simplifies with discipline and keeps risk and integrity at the forefront.”
Baweja expressed a shared commitment to building scalable, high-performance systems rooted in ethical compliance.
“Data is central to how Standard Chartered delivers robust, safe and scalable solutions and drives measurable value for our clients and colleagues,” said Baweja. “I look forward to working with the team to advance our data strategy and power the next phase of client-centric innovation – one that is supported by trusted, responsible use of data.”
The appointment signals Standard Chartered’s intent to aggressively scale its integration of artificial intelligence and advanced automation, positioning robust data governance as the necessary bedrock for safe, expansive growth in the banking sector.
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. She has written extensively on fintech, AI and emerging startups.