Ralph Jessey Castor Ligallama

• Implemented Agile methodologies across IT projects for faster delivery times and increased flexibility in response to changing requirements.
• Evaluated emerging technologies to identify potential benefits for the organization and make recommendations for strategic investments.
• Maximized ROI over 10% cost reduction on IT investments by establishing rigorous processes for project prioritization, resource allocation, and performance measurement.
• Enhanced communication, collaboration, and decision-making processes by introducing modern business intelligence tools.
• Ensured regulatory compliance within the organization''s IT landscape through effective risk management strategies and ongoing audits.
• Spearheaded digital transformation efforts to increase efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction levels.
• Reduced operational costs by 20% for the Bank IT cost through strategic vendor management and contract negotiations.
• Streamlined IT operations by consolidating systems and implementing automation tools.
• Facilitated knowledge sharing among team members through regular trainings sessions.
• Achieved significant cost savings by 20% optimizing cloud computing strategies in alignment with business objectives.
• Promoted a culture of innovation within the IT department which resulted in multiple patent filings and industry awards.
• Led successful merger integration efforts, ensuring seamless systems consolidation and minimal disruption to business operations.
• Delivered innovative technology solutions that directly contributed to revenue growth and market expansion opportunities.
• Secured company data with the implementation of advanced cybersecurity measures and protocols.
• Designed internal dashboard for at-a-glance system and project status reporting reduce cost by 15%
• Strengthened the organization''s competitive position by identifying and implementing strategic technology partnerships.
• Improved system reliability and reduced downtime by implementing robust infrastructure upgrades and monitoring solutions.
• Evaluated IT capital budget to measure and monitor fixed asset proposals.
• Supervised multi-functional teams of technology professionals, coders and support experts.
• Created long-range IT plan to support projected growth and requirements for added capacity.
• Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
• Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
• Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
• Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.

Stakeholder and Regulatory Engagement Operational Oversight Strategic Leadership Regulatory Compliance Customer Experience and Relationship Management

• Liaise with Regulators and Industry Bodies: Engage with regulators, industry associations, and government entities to stay informed about regulatory changes, influence policy, and advocate for the institution’s interests.
• Industry Representation: Represent the bank in forums related to international payments and banking, building its reputation and influence in the global payments space.

Technology and Innovation

• Drive Payment Technology Innovations: Lead efforts to adopt and integrate new payment technologies, such as real-time payments, blockchain, mobile payments, and digital currencies, to enhance service offerings and operational efficiency.
• Digital Transformation: Spearhead the digital transformation of the payments and international banking divisions by adopting fintech solutions, improving digital banking platforms, and enhancing customer experience through innovation.
• Payments Processing Management: Oversee the processing of all payment types, including domestic, cross-border, B2B, B2C, P2P, and corporate payments, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• International Banking Operations: Manage international banking services such as trade finance, foreign exchange, cross-border transactions, correspondent banking, and remittances.
• Risk Management: Develop and implement risk management practices that ensure all international transactions comply with regulatory requirements, including foreign exchange risk, counterparty risk, and operational risk. The role of the Head of Payments & International Banking is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing and managing the payments function and international banking operations within a financial institution or organization. Below are the key responsibilities typically associated with this role:
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Define the Payments and International Banking Strategy: Develop and implement the overall strategic direction for payments and international banking services, aligning with the organization's broader goals and objectives.
• Market Expansion: Identify opportunities for growth in international markets, develop market entry strategies, and guide the expansion of the bank's global payments and international banking footprint.
• Ensure Compliance with Regulations: Stay abreast of evolving regulatory requirements related to payments and international banking, including AML, KYC, OFAC sanctions, FATF guidelines, and data protection laws. Implement systems and processes to ensure compliance with these regulations across all operations.
• Audit and Reporting: Oversee compliance reporting, liaise with internal and external auditors, and ensure that payment and banking activities meet regulatory standards in all jurisdictions where the bank operates.
• Enhance Customer Solutions: Develop and deliver customer-centric payment and international banking products and services tailored to corporate, retail, and institutional clients.
• Client Relationship Management: Maintain and nurture relationships with key clients, particularly for international banking services, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.

Technology and Innovation

Digital Transformation Leadership

• Lead Digital Transformation Initiatives: Spearhead digital transformation projects within the bank, driving a shift towards a more digital-first approach to banking services and operations.
• Champion Innovation: A champion for digital innovation, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and digital experimentation within the bank.
• Digital Platform Management
• Oversee Digital Platforms: Manage and oversee the bank’s digital channels, including mobile apps, online banking platforms, ATMs, and other digital touchpoints, ensuring they are fully functional, secure, and accessible.
• Platform Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor and improve the performance of digital channels to ensure high availability, fast transaction processing, and minimal downtime.
• User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX): Collaborate with design teams to ensure digital platforms are intuitive and offer an excellent user experience, focusing on simplicity and efficiency.The Manager of Digital Channels in a bank is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of the CRDB BANK’s digital channels,
  such as mobile banking, internet banking, ATMs, Agent Banking, Merchants, intergrations, ESB management and other digital platforms.
  The role focuses on enhancing customer experience, driving digital adoption, ensuring operational efficiency, and aligning with the CRDB BANK's strategic objectives. Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
• Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
• Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
• Managed budget allocations to prioritize spending on high-impact projects, optimizing resource utilization.
• Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating contracts with key vendors, without compromising service quality.
• Integration of New Technologies: Lead the integration of emerging technologies such as AI, chatbots, biometric authentication, and blockchain into digital channels to enhance customer service and streamline operations.
• Partnerships with Fintech: Collaborate with fintech partners and vendors to implement cutting-edge solutions that improve the functionality and competitive positioning of the bank’s digital offerings
• .Customer Support and Issue Resolution - hands on to ensure 80 20 rule applied
• Customer Support Management: Oversee customer support for digital channels, ensuring that any technical issues or customer complaints are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Problem Solving and Issue Escalation: Manage the escalation and resolution of major technical issues that impact digital channels, coordinating with IT and other stakeholders to minimize disruption