Strategic operator · Data‑driven optimisation · Financial services

Brandon Christie‑Wood

I design and automate control‑strong, high‑clarity operating models for complex financial environments.

Corporate & Institutional Banking Financial Crime & KYC Client Services & Investor Relations

“I specialise in diagnosing inefficiencies, designing scalable data tools and strengthening control environments, consistently delivering improvements that enhance productivity, compliance and leadership insight.”

Profile

Strategic operator in complex financial environments

With over a decade spent improving performance, strengthening control environments and quietly preventing operational chaos, I bring a blend of analytical depth, automation expertise and calm, structured delivery. I specialise in building systems that make organisations faster, clearer and significantly less reliant on heroic last‑minute fixes; from automated MI engines and predictive forecasting models to “golden source” data structures that remove ambiguity before it spreads. My work tends to become essential, my solutions tend to endure, and my impact tends to be noticed most when something finally works properly.

Whether redesigning high‑volume workflows, engineering scalable reporting frameworks or diagnosing inefficiencies which were hiding in plain sight, my career is defined by measurable improvement, cross‑functional collaboration and a commitment to clarity, accuracy and quietly transformative change.

Predictive modelling & forecasting Control‑strong process design Automation & MI reporting Cross‑border stakeholder management
Experience

Associate Director, Client Delivery & Enablement

April 2023 – March 2026
Standard Chartered Bank, London

This role focused on reducing overdue rates across CDD, High‑Risk, CBR and Sanctions reviews for EMEA through automation, forecasting and process redesign. Core responsibilities included MI production, reporting, analysis, process mapping and continuous improvement across Client Management, Performance, Operations and Compliance.

  • Built a predictive forecasting model (Tableau‑based) used by UK, Poland and India to determine weekly case‑burn requirements and support BOW planning.
  • Created a central “golden source” dataset and automated the data‑mining process with Python, removing manual workload and improving accuracy.
  • Automated weekly overdue updates and reporting, including scheduled data downloads and templated email generation.
  • Introduced a rolling 6‑month workflow status record, paired with forecasting, reducing overdue rates from 20%+ (2023) to 1.4% (2025).
  • Developed a monthly target calculator for all Pods, improving prioritisation and ensuring overdue rates remained controlled.
  • Delivered group and individual training across UK, DE, PL and IN to embed new tools and processes.
  • Successful delivery of multiple complex ad hoc data requests throughout the year used for Internal/External Audit and PRA Regulatory attestations.
  • Completed complex ad‑hoc data requests for Audit and PRA regulatory attestations.
  • Built an automated Compliance tool for FCA annual declarations, reducing production time from ~18 hours to ~10 minutes.
  • Owned and automated weekly/monthly MI and productivity reporting using Python and structured datasets.
  • Concluded the role in 2026 after fully automating and stabilising the core processes I was hired to manage.

Data Control Analyst, Financial Crime Middle Office

Sep 2020 – Apr 2023
SMBC BI, London

Managed high‑volume client and SSI registrations across multiple settlement and banking systems, ensuring accuracy, regulatory alignment and timely completion while coordinating with Compliance, Risk, Operations, Legal and Front Office.

  • Designed new reconciliation procedures for bulk upload amendments, reducing effort from 6 people / 30 hours to 2 people / 5 hours.
  • Built a database of international non‑working days, cutting annual holiday update effort from 6 people / 90 hours to 4 people / 30 hours.
  • Owned customer registration and account maintenance across SMBCBI systems, including SSI registration, vendor information, bond registration and currency/holiday calendar maintenance.
  • Led data reconciliation and cleansing initiatives, securing approvals and driving remediation with regular stakeholder updates.
  • Supported UAT for system upgrades, escalating issues and following through to resolution while maintaining real‑time and post‑validation checks.

Client Service Associate (Investor Relations)

Apr 2018 – Sep 2020
The Ingenious Group, London

Key member of Client Services, delivering high‑performance outcomes across query management, investor servicing and operational improvement.

  • Delivered consistently high service performance in a department handling 21,000+ annual queries, with 90% resolved within 48 hours and 80% within 24 hours.
  • Optimised workflow by triaging and allocating queries by complexity and capability, ensuring specialist cases reached the right people.
  • Took ownership of high‑risk and escalated cases, coordinating with senior stakeholders to deliver accurate, timely resolutions that improved investor satisfaction.
  • Designed, built and maintained the firm’s central “golden source” database of periodic investment updates, becoming a critical asset for Client Services and Business Development.
  • Produced monthly investment intelligence reports for a major intermediary group, equipping leadership with accurate, strategically relevant data for high‑stakes meetings.
  • Developed and delivered structured training programmes for new team members, contributing to a 50% improvement in customer response times.

Earlier roles

Prior to 2018
  • Euler Hermes · Policy Administration, Client Service Specialist, Assistant Account Manager (Broker Distribution).
  • Reliance Mutual Insurance Society · Pension Administration and Client Services Associate.
  • Friends Life · Pension Administration and Client Services Associate.
  • Prior roles in factory/warehouse, solar farm installation, construction and customer service—grounding in practical operations and frontline service.
Skills & capabilities

Core operating strengths

Strategic & operational
Process optimisation Operating model design Workflow transparency SLA management Operational risk management AML / KYC Client relationship management
Data, modelling & automation
Predictive forecasting models “Golden source” data assets Data modelling & analysis Data cleansing & reconciliation Error testing & UAT MI / productivity reporting Automation of reporting workflows
Tools & platforms
Excel (Advanced · 15+ years) PowerPoint (Advanced) Word (Advanced) Tableau (6+ years) MS Dynamics (CRM) Power BI Python (automation‑focused) SQL (basic) PowerShell Salesforce Oracle · Citrix Sage Adobe Acrobat Suite CoPilot · Claude · GitHub Bespoke in‑house systems
Methods & ways of working
Six Sigma & Lean (Green/Black Belt‑equivalent practice) Defect reduction Data‑driven problem solving Cross‑functional collaboration Training design & delivery Stakeholder communication
Selected impact highlights
  • Reduced overdue regulatory case percentages...
  • Cut FCA declaration data production time...
  • Reduced bulk upload reconciliation effort...
  • Halved customer response times...
  • Designed and maintained multiple “golden source” databases...
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