In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of digital banking, Manjula Natarajan stands as a beacon of innovation, leadership, and expertise. Her impressive career, marked by pivotal roles in cybersecurity, fraud, compliance, anti-money laundering, and regulatory legal compliance, is a testament to her dedication and skill in navigating the complexities of the financial technology industry.
Beginning her career with a strong STEM background and a Master’s degree in computer applications, Natarajan’s journey took flight at Oracle Financial Services in Singapore in 2004. Her early experiences across various sectors, including ERP, banking, payments, and healthcare, across multiple cities in India, laid a robust foundation for her future endeavors.
In Singapore, Natarajan’s expertise grew as she managed B2B SWIFT messaging payments for Oracle’s financial institutional clients. Her work in this field, anticipated to exceed USD 1,618.15 billion by 2028, involved critical regulatory projects for central banks, including Hongkong RTGS, Shanghai China PBOC, MAS, and India RTGS. Natarajan reflects,
“In a world where digital innovation accelerates daily, safeguarding our financial ecosystems against fraud and cyber threats is not just a necessity, it’s a relentless pursuit. My journey through diverse roles in cybersecurity and compliance has reinforced a core belief: the intersection of technology and finance is where we must continually adapt and evolve to protect not just our assets, but also the trust of our customers.”
Her subsequent role at Commerzbank in Germany showcased her capabilities in fraud prevention, where she successfully rolled out an Anti Money Laundry Actimize Fraud Digital Solution. This achievement was a springboard to further opportunities in North America, particularly in the finance digital fraud and compliance space.
Joining Citibank in 2011, Natarajan excelled as a product SME in the finance domain. She adeptly navigated the challenges of catering to varying consumer needs and preferences, emphasizing a consumer-first strategy. Her innovative work culminated in the development of pioneering Disputes solutions on the Citi Mobile and Desktop Digital platforms in 2016, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Natarajan’s commitment to professional growth and leadership was further highlighted by her attendance at the 2020 Grace Hopper Conference, a prominent event for women in technology. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous awards from Citibank, including the 2022 Citi Bronze Award for her work in open banking API fraud and disputes solutions for lending customers with closed-loop cards.
Beyond her professional contributions, Natarajan is a vocal advocate for women in technology. She firmly believes that diversity is crucial for tackling the complexities of the digital world, stating,
“We need diverse minds to tackle the complex challenges of the digital world. Encouraging more women into technology is not just fostering diversity; it’s securing our collective future.”
Manjula Natarajan’s journey in the realms of cybersecurity, compliance, and digital banking is a narrative of pioneering leadership and unwavering commitment. Her story continues to inspire and guide those aiming to shape a smarter, safer, and more inclusive digital future.
