Surabhi Jain GAICD

As UNSW’s inaugural enterprise-wide Chief Data Officer, I lead the development of the University’s enterprise data strategy and function, positioning data as a strategic asset to drive innovation, strengthen decision-making, and deliver social impact. In close partnership with leaders across faculties and operations, I am fostering a collaborative, insight-driven culture that empowers staff and students through responsible data use, modern technologies, and ethical stewardship.

Providing strategic guidance and tactical execution services to organisations seeking to maximise the value of their data assets. With a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes, I collaborate closely with executive teams to develop and implement data strategies that drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, manage risk and fuel business growth.

Established Westpac’s inaugural Chief Data Function to proactively mitigate risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and position data as a strategic asset. - Built and led a dynamic team of high-performing professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, resulting in a cohesive unit that consistently delivered impactful insights and solutions. - Collaborated with business leaders to co-draft Data risk buy-down plan, developed a business case for change, and led plan execution.

Established sustainable entity-wide data management practice for HSBC’s biggest market, embedding processes and controls across all aspects of Information Management including Data Governance, Data Quality, Data Privacy, Information Life cycle management, and Regulatory Compliance. - Defined and implemented data strategy for HSBC Hong Kong balancing strategic and tactical priorities, aligning it with the Group and business strategy to drive business growth and meet stringent regulatory requirements. - Successfully delivered multiple regulatory programs for HK such as Basel Committee for Banking Supervision Principles for Effective Risk Data Aggregation and Reporting (BCBS 239), Financial Crime Data Improvement program, fulfilling requirements under deferred prosecution agreement.

Seconded to UK to lead strategic initiative of definition and implementation of data risks and controls framework for HSBC Group. - Conducted an in-depth current-state assessment for data risks, strategically formulating a roadmap to embed mitigating controls across all countries within HSBC Group. Achieved compliance with UK regulatory standards while significantly enhancing the internal risk management capability. - Established and chaired a virtual collaboration platform, uniting local and regional colleagues, and external experts to leverage diverse skill sets. Actively engaged business stakeholders, facilitating the seamless rollout of the risk framework across multiple countries.

Established greenfield role, first of its kind partnering with Group Chief Data Office, aimed at creating data capabilities locally to create a data-first culture, drive business priorities, and meet regulatory requirements. - Established an entity-wide data governance model, showcasing the tangible benefits of Data Management by translating vision into reality through enhanced data quality. For example spearheading a 90-day data quality initiative resulting in a substantial reduction of Risk Weighted Assets (RWA) by over $600 million, while mitigating operational and credit risks. - Collaborated with the Group Chief Data Office to deliver practical policies trialed in Australia before a global rollout. The successful implementation in Australia refined the global approach, leading to the creation of a "Country-level data governance" role in the Global Chief Data Office operating blueprint. - Designed and executed a strategy to ensure regulatory compliance with APRA guidance paper CPG 235 on Data Risk Management and BCBS 239. This was followed by the development of a comprehensive three-year data roadmap, strategically guiding the organisation toward targeted maturity in data.

Seconded to the Finance function reporting directly to the CFO, this role was responsible for managing all risk classes across the division. This included comprehensive risk assessments, strategic guidance to uplifting controls, streamlining processes, reviewing and optimising Operational Risk Framework and policies, and setting and monitoring Key Risk Indicators (KRIs). - Actively led and executed the assessment of operational risks across Finance departments, including Tax, Financial Control and Reporting, Asset, Liabilities, and Capital Management. - Contributed significantly to the success of the Group Governance Audit led by the Internal Audit Team, earning commendation for surpassing standards in Finance risk control and testing processes. The Governance Auditors specifically highlighted the exceptional status and quality observed, setting a benchmark within the organisation.

Secondment role responsible for managing operations, process re-engineering, and program delivery across the division. - Led multiple initiatives to eliminate redundancy, and reduce costs to achieve optimal outcomes across the division. Active participation in “Ideas for Future”- an initiative that challenged employees to identify, simplify, and improve ways of working. Received an outstanding achievement award from the CFO for “Spirit of Innovation” for this work.

Responsible for managing all data platforms for HSBC Australia, ensuring high availability, performance, and intricate data security regulations were met. Accountable for setting up offshoring capability and transitioning all database management activities offshore. - Architected and implemented highly available, scalable, and redundant 24*7 data platform solutions for critical operations. - Planned and executed rationalisation of the entire database platform fleet. Set up an offshore capability and transition BAU operations. Received a regional "Outstanding Savings Award" for this transformative initiative.

Key role in the Global Database team, responsible for managing large, complex database fleet comprising over 350+ SQL Servers, 50 Sybase, and 40 Oracle servers. These were mission-critical environments servicing the airline industry.

Database Administrator and BI specialist, responsible for the development and management of Business Intelligence reporting platform. - Designed and implemented a DW and BI platform for Finance including multiple data marts. This project resulted in cost savings of $500k for the business and served as a tool for various other projects such as new plans introduction, pricing adjustment, etc. - Developed and implemented an automated functionality to send SMS alerts to customers at various usage thresholds. This project resulted in the reduction of service churns, reduced bad debt and credit issues along with higher service activations as it made the product more appealing. Winner of Outstanding Employee Award for exceptional service and commitment.

Began my career working as a Database Administrator and reports analyst for a media organisation, managing Australia and multiple UK sites.