Rishi O.

About Rishi O.

Finance executive with 20+ years with banks and fintechs. A rare finance leader with global experience spanning accounting, FP & A, treasury, capital markets, fund raising, IPO readiness, regulatory reporting, audit, and controls. Experience across $1B+ capital raises, 30x growth, neobank charter. I turn finance into a growth engine that drives strategy, investor trust, and long-term resilience.What makes me different is the breadth of my finance foundation and the way I lead. Few executives have held accountability across the entire spectrum of finance across the globe, from accounting (GAAP and IFRS), capital raises, FP & A, treasury to financial and regulatory reporting, audit, and controls. That breadth allows me to connect technical precision with strategic foresight, and to build trust with regulators, investors, boards, and teams alike.My philosophy is simple: finance is more than reporting numbers, it’s about turning complexity into clarity, enabling sound decisions, and building resilience that lasts.I lead with transparency and empathy, balancing structure with adaptability. Outside the office, I mentor youth through sports, have served with the State Guard, am a certified personal trainer, and volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team. I believe leadership is about service and showing up when it matters most.I also speak and write on modern finance, fintech transformation, and grounded leadership, sharing how finance, when done right, doesn’t just report history; it helps shape it.Whether in the boardroom, on the field, or in the community, I strive to bring resilience, clarity, and trust.Let\'s connect if you want to make finance a growth catalyst or simply want to discuss the human side of finance.

Experience

1. Deputy Chief Financial Officer

   Varo Bank

   Jan 2025 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Partner with the CEO and Board to shape financial strategy during growth and regulatory expansion.• Lead Controllership, FP & A, and Treasury functions to enhance financial clarity, agility, and compliance.• Guide capital planning, liquidity strategy, and regulatory readiness to support growth and risk management.• Drive fundraising while strengthening investor trust and capital resilience.• Support investor-grade reporting and board communications to enhance fundraising and strategic planning.• Streamline finance tech stack to enhance automation, reporting speed, and scale-readiness.• Build trust through effective communication with regulators, auditors, and investors.

Education

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Fintech: Future Commerce

  2016

• ICAEW

  Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA)

  2004 — 2006

• Delhi University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

  1998 — 2001

• University of Birmingham

  Master of Science - MS

  2002