After 20 years in consulting at PwC, Smita decided it was time to “walk in the shoes” of her clients, and now enjoys leading Webster’s Digital Services Compliance and Regulatory Relations functions and serving as the Bank’s Privacy Officer. Smita joined Sterling National Bank in December 2020, soon after which the merger with Webster Bank was announced. Webster completed its merger with Sterling National Bank in February 2022.
In her role as Head of Digital Services Compliance, Smita develops and governs risk management programs related to Banking as a Service (“BaaS”), other types of Digital Partnerships and Equity Investments in innovative startups at Webster. Smita advises the Business on evolving regulatory requirements, the ever changing industry landscape in order to effectively assess and manage risks associated with working with Fintechs, Crypto and Technology companies. Smita works with BaaS and other Partners to enhance their programs to meet Webster’s standards and best practices. She partners with Risk Functions, Data and Technology leaders to develop a coordinated approach and program.
Smita has established Webster’s Regulatory Relations function which centrally coordinates and reports on interactions with the bank’s primary regulators, including key examinations and ongoing supervision.
Smita also serves as Webster’s Privacy Officer and in this role she is enhancing the Privacy Program including implementing Privacy by Design. She partners closely with the Business, Legal, Third Party Risk, Data, Infosec and IT teams to assess, manage and report on Privacy risks and controls.
In her previous role at PwC, Smita advised financial services clients on strategies for addressing data, operational and technology impacts of regulations. She has extensive experience mobilizing and leading multi-functional global teams to successfully deliver complex regulatory requirements. In her last five years at PwC, Smita specialized in operationalizing sustainable Global Privacy Programs for various clients.
