Sapana Garud is a dynamic technology leader with over 14 years of redefining industry standards, Sapana has been a transformative force in the realm of financial technology. As Assistant Vice President at Barclays Global Service Centre, she has pioneered groundbreaking risk management solutions, innovative real-time financial systems, and regulatory compliance breakthroughs that have saved millions and set new benchmarks for the industry. Her work in cloud architecture, regulatory technology advancements, and performance optimization has had a profound impact on the financial technology sector, influencing how major global banks approach risk and compliance. Sapana’s strategic leadership and mentorship have inspired the next generation of fintech leaders, solidifying her status as one of the foremost experts in the field. In the fast-evolving world of financial technology, few have made as significant and lasting an impact as Sapana Garud. With over 14 years of groundbreaking work, Sapana has redefined industry standards, driving innovations that have not only improved efficiency but also set new benchmarks for operational success across the global banking sector. As an Assistant Vice President at Barclays Global Service Centre, she has become a respected leader whose expertise is recognized worldwide. Her career has been a remarkable blend of technical prowess, visionary thinking, and unparalleled leadership. viii Pioneering Risk Management Solutions Sapana’s work at Barclays has been nothing short of transformative, with a series of high-impact projects that have reshaped the way financial institutions approach risk management. One of her most notable accomplishments was leading the Rushmore Risk Decommission project, a landmark initiative aimed at optimizing risk management systems across Barclays. This project not only resulted in the decommissioning of 28% of global servers but also generated annual savings of £282,484. This achievement was more than just a cost-cutting measure—it established a new standard for how risk management can be optimized on a global scale, influencing industry practices and shaping how banks around the world approach operational efficiency. Innovating Real-Time Financial Systems Sapana’s ability to innovate is further exemplified by her leadership in the reengineering of real-time intraday risk pricing systems at Barclays. By introducing key improvements to these systems, Sapana was able to reduce operational overhead by eight hours each week. This breakthrough not only improved the efficiency of trading operations but also provided real-time insights that became crucial in decision-making processes across various departments. Today, her system is considered a benchmark for real-time trading operations in the financial sector, and its widespread adoption at Barclays speaks to the lasting impact of her work. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance In addition to her contributions to operational efficiency, Sapana’s work in regulatory technology has been groundbreaking. A key project that highlights her technical and strategic skills was the upgrade of the Market Risk Stress Test application. This project not only improved the system’s performance by 30% but also ensured that Barclays met the rigorous regulatory requirements set by financial authorities. The project was lauded by regulatory bodies as an example of best practices in stress testing methodologies, demonstrating Sapana’s ability to navigate the complex world of financial regulation while maintaining operational excellence. Recognized Leadership and Global Visibility Sapana’s extraordinary contributions have not gone unnoticed in the industry. Her groundbreaking work was showcased on the Barclays Times Square billboard, a rare honor that brought her innovations to an international audience. This recognition ix is a testament to the global impact of her work and her role as a thought leader in the financial technology space. Additionally, Sapana’s exceptional talent and performance have earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious Employee of the Year and Star Award at Cognizant Technology Solutions, where she was recognized as one of the top performers in a company of over 300,000 employees. Her recognition also extends to the national stage, with Sapana receiving a National Award in 2005 for a project that demonstrated her early promise as a leader in technology innovation. These accolades reflect not only her technical achievements but also the significant influence she has had on the industry at large. Shaping the Future of Financial Technology Beyond her technical contributions, Sapana’s role as a mentor and leader within Barclays has been pivotal in shaping the future of financial technology. She has established mentorship programs designed to cultivate the next generation of fintech leaders, passing on her knowledge and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. Her ability to evaluate and guide high-impact projects has been instrumental in driving Barclays’ technology strategy and positioning the bank as a global leader in financial innovation. Moreover, Sapana’s work on projects such as the TRACE Regulatory Trade Reporting application at Credit Suisse has set new standards for regulatory compliance across the industry. Her cloud-based solutions for financial risk management, developed in collaboration with AWS, have revolutionized how financial institutions approach scalability and operational efficiency, influencing a wide range of global organizations. A Lasting Legacy in Financial Technology Sapana Garud’s career is a testament to the power of innovation and leadership in the ever-evolving world of financial technology. Her work has not only transformed operations at Barclays but also set new industry standards that continue to shape the future of the sector. Through her pioneering efforts in risk management, real-time financial systems, and regulatory compliance, Sapana has left an indelible mark on the global banking landscape. As she continues to lead, mentor, and inspire, her legacy will undoubtedly shape the next generation of financial technology professionals, leaving a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.