Michele Dias-Barnard
Pretoria,South Africa
Summary
Seasoned audit and risk management professional with a proven track record at Standard Chartered Bank, adept in developing comprehensive compliance programs and leading high-impact reviews. Excels in analytical problem-solving and effective team leadership, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and robust evaluative skills. Achieved significant improvements in assurance methodologies, embodying a disciplined approach to achieving targets under pressure.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal - Second Line Assurance
Standard Chartered Bank
Sandton, South Africa
04.2018 - 05.2024
- Executed reviews focused on Conduct, Financial Crime, and Compliance across various regions, particularly Africa and the Middle East
- Developed the Annual Plan and contributed to the Methodology
- Provided strategic support to address identified issues, ensuring formal evaluations aligned with established methodology
- Enhanced knowledge of Standard Chartered Bank operations through engagement in review processes
- Disseminated relevant regulatory updates to the Assurance team
- Supported the Head of Assurance, demonstrating proficiency to stakeholders during execution
- Collaborated with the Governance and Oversight Team to facilitate risk-based assurance reviews
- Completed and maintained high-quality work papers for assigned reviews
- Monitored issue progress, implementing swift remedial actions as needed, and supported control improvements per Operational Risk Framework guidelines
- Established partnerships with auditors, regulators, and industry peers while driving continuous improvement initiatives
- Led team skills management, ensured timely transitions for team members, and fostered a collaborative culture aligned with the Group Code of Conduct
- Provided risk management recommendations based on findings and upheld required practices in all Assurance operations
- Conducted reviews, implemented corrective actions, and reported significant risks to governance forums
- Ensured adherence to regulatory and business standards in all operations
Associate Principal - CFCC Africa and Middle East
Standard Chartered Bank
Sandton, South Africa
09.2016 - 03.2018
- Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure standardisation and consistency across all Functions, including Compliance Reviews, Operational Risk Framework (ORF) control checks, and annual Risk Assessments
- Support the rollout of the ORF alongside the Risk Control team, emphasizing the role of Compliance in the Risk Management Framework
- Develop and maintain obligations registers for regulations with Compliance as the Risk Owner, ensuring consistency across the region
- Propose enhancements and simplifications to controls
- Provide resources to support segments and products in upgrading business controls
- Assist the Compliance Review team in monitoring and resolving country Issues Tracker items
- Oversee the effectiveness of monitoring obligations related to Group Policies and Procedures owned by Group Compliance
- Report and track audit findings from Africa and the Middle East, facilitating trend identification and communication to mitigate future issues
- Support country teams in audit preparation and ensure core documents are maintained and accessible for audits or regulatory reviews
- Deliver leadership and ongoing training to the Regional Compliance network on quality assurance practices and trend analysis
- Foster an effective internal compliance culture by promoting the benefits of ethical business conduct and compliance
- Implement alternative monitoring tools and methods, such as 'dipsticks,' to enhance oversight and engagement
Cluster Operational Risk Manager (Southern Africa)
Standard Chartered Bank
Sandton, South Africa
11.2014 - 09.2016
- Oversee operational risk management across six countries: South Africa, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Angola
- Ensure integrity in operational risk decisions and proper assessment of risks, aligned with Group standards and Risk Appetite
- Embed and communicate operational risk policies and the Risk Management Framework regionally
- Control risks related to Risk Control Areas, Safety & Security, and Asset Damage, ensuring compliance with requirements
- Fulfill the role of Risk Control Owner, maintaining effective control environments and managing residual risks
- Communicate essential policy and regulatory requirements to relevant parties timely
- Identify training gaps and coordinate operational risk and compliance training for staff
- Support the effective functioning of the Risk Assurance Framework (RMAF) and the Board Operational Risk Committees (BORCs)
- Advise the Cluster Head on operational risk issues, ensuring governance oversight
- Manage internal audit findings and develop a Peer Review program aligned with Group Standards
- Act as Africa Champion for the Operational Risk Framework rollout and present at relevant conferences
- Participate as a Guest Auditor in legal and compliance audits, and conduct Master Classes on Risk and Conduct
Quality Assurance, Group Internal Audit
FirstRand Bank Limited
Sandton, South Africa
04.2014 - 10.2014
- Conduct quality assurance reviews for FNB, RMB, Wesbank, and FirstRand Corporate Centre
- Ensure compliance with internal audit standards and refine audit methodologies
- Draft, implement, and evaluate quality assurance policies
- Prepare reports and identify staff training needs
- Coordinate external audits and develop quality data sampling procedures
- Promote the combined assurance approach and execute the Quality Assurance Program
- Identify internal audit trends and enhance training programs
- Improve Audit Committee reporting and manage special projects
- Implement best practices and optimize technology for efficiency
Operational Risk Audit Specialist
Nedbank
Sandton, South Africa
10.2013 - 03.2014
- Prepare Audit Planning Memorandums for business partners prior to audits
- Oversee the planning phase and manage audit file documentation
- Conduct comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and industry best practices
- Identify, analyze, and document audit issues, processes, and evidence
- Ensure audits are conducted efficiently and in line with Global Internal Audit Methodology
- Communicate audit results through written reports and discussions at close-out meetings
- Collaborate with all levels of management, fostering partnerships with key stakeholders
- Lead audit teams, providing guidance and support to fellow auditors
- Experience with AMA, Basel II and III, ICAAP, and audits related to AML, Banks Act, FAIS, FICA, NCA, CPA, TCF, and POPI
Senior Business Auditor
Insurance, Mutual & Federal
Johannesburg, South Africa
11.2012 - 09.2013
- Conduct audits in Claims, Underwriting/Sales, Policy Administration, Compliance, Premium Collection, and Finance
- Prepare Audit Planning Memorandums for business partners prior to audits
- Collaborate with management on audit planning phases
- Execute comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and industry best practices
- Identify issues, analyze evidence, and document processes during audits
- Ensure audits are conducted efficiently and with due professional care, adhering to the Global Internal Audit Methodology
- Communicate audit results through reports and discussions at close-out meetings
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders and management throughout the audit process
Business Auditor (Short term and Life)
Hollard Insurance
Johannesburg, South Africa
03.2011 - 10.2012
- Conduct audits in Claims, Underwriting/Sales, Policy Administration, Compliance, Premium Collection, and Finance
- Prepare Audit Planning Memorandums and assist in audit planning
- Ensure compliance with policies and best practices during comprehensive audits
- Identify issues, analyze evidence, and document processes
- Communicate audit findings through reports and discussions
- Collaborate with management to build effective partnerships
- Supervise and mentor internal auditors, delegating tasks and monitoring progress
Senior Consultant
Audit PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Bank of
Johannesburg, South Africa
02.2009 - 02.2011
- Conducted financial and operational audits across various sectors, including banking, mining, insurance, manufacturing, food and drink, as well as public and private sectors
- Led opening and closing meetings with management, ensuring clear communication throughout the audit process
- Documented systems, identified key risks and controls, and performed detailed audit fieldwork, reporting significant findings
- Facilitated clearance meetings with management to discuss audit findings and draft comprehensive reports
- Assisted in forensic audits upon request, collaborating with teams for thorough investigations
- Provided coaching and guidance to junior team members, fostering skill development and teamwork
- Successfully managed pressure to meet audit deadlines within budget constraints
- Worked with notable clients such as Land Bank, Land Bank Insurance, South African Reserve Bank, CAI Business Consultants, Central Bank of Swaziland, Road Traffic Management Corporation, Lonmin PLC, Premier Foods, and various governmental departments, including the Independent Electoral Commission
Accounting Lecturer & Tutor
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa
02.2007 - 12.2008
- Assisted students with queries
- Supported lecturers with preparation and administration
- Graded tests and projects
- Delivered Accounting 101 and 121 lectures
Education
Masters in Business Administration -
University of Reading
UK01.2023
Certified Internal Auditor -
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
01.2012
Certification in Control Self-Assessment -
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
01.2011
Honours (Post - Graduate Degree: BCom) - Internal Auditing
University of South Africa
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa01.2011
Undergraduate Degree BCom - Internal Auditing
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa01.2007
National Senior Certificate -
Crawford College
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa01.2001
Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership
- Evaluative Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Multitasking
- Goal-Oriented
- Time Management
- Independent & Collaborative
- Auditing / Compliance Expertise
- Risk Assessment
- Communication Skills
- Internal Audit / Compliance Development
- Consulting acumen
- Pressure Management
- Investigative Skills
- Methodical Approach
Awardsandcommendations
- Mutual & Federal Insurance 'Top Student' award - BEE Department internal audit project (90% Overall Achieved Result)
- Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society - Recognition for academic excellence amongst the top 15% of undergraduate and postgraduate university students
Languages
- English (1st Language)
- Portuguese (1st Language)
- Afrikaans (Conversational)
- French (Conversational)
References
- Cheryl Tonello, Head of Audit - South Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, 082 900 1449
- Calvin Christopher, Head, Compliance, Financial Crime and Compliance, South & Southern Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, 078 803 4479
- Susan Gaisie, Head of Property, Kenya & East Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, +254 203291393
Associationsandmemberships
- Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) - CIA and CCSA
- Member of The Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA)
Personal Information
- ID Number: 840314 0118 082
- Passport Number: European Union Passport (Portuguese)
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: South African Portuguese
- Driving License: Code B: Own Transport
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Principal - Second Line Assurance
Standard Chartered Bank
04.2018 - 05.2024
Associate Principal - CFCC Africa and Middle East
Standard Chartered Bank
09.2016 - 03.2018
Cluster Operational Risk Manager (Southern Africa)
Standard Chartered Bank
11.2014 - 09.2016
Quality Assurance, Group Internal Audit
FirstRand Bank Limited
04.2014 - 10.2014
Operational Risk Audit Specialist
Nedbank
10.2013 - 03.2014
Senior Business Auditor
Insurance, Mutual & Federal
11.2012 - 09.2013
Business Auditor (Short term and Life)
Hollard Insurance
03.2011 - 10.2012
Senior Consultant
Audit PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Bank of
02.2009 - 02.2011
Accounting Lecturer & Tutor
University of Pretoria
02.2007 - 12.2008
Masters in Business Administration -
University of Reading
Certified Internal Auditor -
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
Certification in Control Self-Assessment -
The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
Honours (Post - Graduate Degree: BCom) - Internal Auditing
University of South Africa
Undergraduate Degree BCom - Internal Auditing
University of Pretoria
National Senior Certificate -
Crawford College
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