Prerana Gerela

About Prerana Gerela

As a seasoned banking operations leader with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in driving operational excellence, digital transformation, and risk management across some of the most complex financial environments. Currently leading end-to-end Operations and KYCS for HSBC India, I oversee diverse teams ranging from Wholesale and Retail Banking to Payments and KYC, managing extensive teams both onshore and offshore. My passion lies in simplifying complexity, turning manual, fragmented processes into future-ready, automated workflows that support rapid business growth and enhance customer experience. Over the last three years, I’ve led initiatives that absorbed over 30% year-on-year growth without increasing headcount, leveraging AI, APIs, and Power BI to transform operations and unlock efficiencies. I thrive at the intersection of technology and governance, ensuring that innovation goes hand-in-hand with the highest standards of regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. This balance is essential to safeguard the institution’s reputation while enabling scalable, sustainable growth in a fast-evolving financial landscape.Have been the co-chair of HSBC’s Employee Resource Group “Balance” which gave me the opportunity to champion gender diversity and foster a culture of equality and opportunity, a cause close to my heart. In a world of constant change, I see myself as a trusted partner to executive leadership, bridging strategic priorities with hands-on execution to deliver results that matter, for the business, clients, regulators, and people.

Experience

1. Head of Operations & Kycs, India

   HSBC

   Feb 2020 — Present · Mumbai, IN

   Leading one of the largest and most complex banking operations for a foreign bank in India, the Head of Operations and KYCS for HSBC India is responsible for overseeing end-to-end processing and servicing across Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, Payments, and KYC functions. This role drives the strategic operations agenda by ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering efficiency and innovation, and enabling sustainable growth within a highly regulated and rapidly evolving environment.Managing a diverse workforce across onshore and global capability centers, requires close collaboration with business and COO leadership to deliver scalable, compliant operations aligned with organizational priorities. Significant transformation programs have been delivered leveraging digital tools to streamline workflows and automate processes, supporting substantial business growth without the need to expand headcount. Regulatory stewardship is maintained by embedding rigorous risk controls and compliance frameworks, ensuring audit readiness and operational resilience. Talent development and cultural inclusivity are key priorities, with initiatives to upskill teams on digital tools such as Power BI and empower citizen developers who contribute to ongoing automation efforts. Key accomplishments include cost-saving automation of credit card, personal loan, and mortgage processes; enhancing cross-border payments for regulatory compliance and improved customer experience; automating complex regulatory reporting; and innovating loan servicing and reconciliation workflows to strengthen risk management. Operational excellence is demonstrated through a flawless audit record and sustained multi-site performance. At the board level, this leadership role is recognized for delivering long-term efficiency gains, modernizing operational capabilities, and balancing risk stewardship with transformational growth in one of HSBC’s most strategically important markets.

Education

• Mumbai University

  B.Sc, Statistics

  1992 — 1995

• Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts

  CFA

  1995 — 1997