Combining Strategic Oversight with a Pragmatic Approach to Growth

With over 20 years of experience in the financial sector, including seven years as a Chief Risk Officer (SMF4), I have navigated the complexities of retail banking, building societies and FinTechs. My journey has taken me from the highly analytical world of MSc Statistics to leading the risk function for a £14bn balance sheet

I founded Dharma Risk because I believe that risk management shouldn't be a hurdle to business; it should be its foundation. I have a passion for being a "trusted advisor and critical friend" to the businesses I support, helping them find the perfect balance between risk appetite and sustainable reward

The Story: From CRO to Consultant

Professional Highlights

• Strategic Leadership: Served as an SMF 4 (Chief Risk Officer) for the UK’s 6th largest building society, successfully rewriting Board Risk Appetite and shifting historically risk-averse cultures

• Regulatory Mastery: Extensive experience in forming and maintaining high-level relationships with UK regulators and acting as a strategic advisor to the Board

• Lifecycle Expertise: From building risk models to managing holistic risk frameworks across the 3 Lines of Defence, I understand every stage of the customer and risk lifecycle

• Analytical Rigour: My approach is rooted in logic and data ensuring that every recommendation is evidence-based and robust

The 'Dharma' Philosophy

The name Dharma reflects my commitment to 'Right Action'. In the world of risk, this means being principled, proportionate and pragmatic

- Raj, Founder & Principal Consultant