Dubai-based financial institution Mashreq has appointed Rajeev Bhatnagar as its Group Chief Risk Officer. In his new role, Bhatnagar will lead the bank’s Group Risk Management function.
He will work closely with the Board Risk Committee, Executive Committee and business leadership teams to strengthen Mashreq’s risk governance, risk culture and risk management capabilities. His role will also involve supporting the bank’s growth plans within its approved risk appetite.
Rajeev Bhatnagar Brings Over Three Decades of Experience
Commenting on the appointment, Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mashreq, said strong risk management remains central to sustainable growth, confident capital deployment and long-term resilience.
Abdelaal highlighted Bhatnagar’s more than three decades of experience across risk, compliance and business leadership at highly regulated financial institutions. He also noted that Bhatnagar’s international experience and expertise will support Mashreq as it continues to expand and respond to a changing risk environment.
Bhatnagar said the banking sector is changing rapidly due to advances in technology, evolving business models and increasingly interconnected risks. He said the role of risk management is increasingly focused on anticipating change and helping organisations respond with clarity and discipline.
Experience Across Global Financial Institutions
Before joining Mashreq, Bhatnagar was based in London, where he served as Chief Risk and Compliance Officer International at The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY).
At BNY, he was responsible for risk and compliance oversight across the bank’s international operations, covering clients in more than 100 countries. He also held the parallel position of Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for Global Payments and Trade Finance.
Bhatnagar previously held interim global leadership positions, including Global Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer.
Earlier in his career, he held senior risk leadership roles at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Citigroup. His experience includes managing teams and risk across multiple geographies and business lines.
His professional background covers financial and non-financial risk, large-scale transformation programmes, as well as digital and emerging risk oversight.
Academic Background
Bhatnagar holds a postgraduate diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. He also has a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from G. B. Pant University.
About Mashreq
Mashreq is headquartered in Dubai and serves individuals, entrepreneurs, corporates and institutions across the UAE and key regional and international markets.
With a heritage spanning nearly six decades, the bank combines digital-first innovation with relationship banking across retail banking, corporate and investment banking, global markets, transaction banking, Islamic banking, wealth management and treasury.
Mashreq focuses on delivering secure and customer-centric financial services while supporting the transition towards a sustainable economy. Its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework focuses on sustainable finance, responsible operations and positive societal impact.
The bank has an international presence across the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, India, the UK, the US and Hong Kong. This network allows Mashreq to connect regional businesses with global markets while maintaining local expertise.
Under its core purpose, “Rise Every Day”, Mashreq works with clients to navigate change, identify sustainable growth opportunities and pursue long-term success.
-By Shivani Solanki
