Rajendra Bhalerao has stepped into the key role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Central Bank of India. With over 25 years of rich experience across payment systems, banking, telecom, and data center operations, Rajendra is a seasoned cybersecurity leader to lead the bank’s cybersecurity operations.
A postgraduate from Mumbai University, he has built a strong reputation for designing and executing effective risk response strategies. His work has been closely linked with India’s major digital payment initiatives including UPI, Bhim, and Paytm, where he played a vital role in strengthening cybersecurity programs.
Before joining Central Bank of India, Rajendra held senior leadership roles at premier financial institutions and technology firms, including Scotiabank, SBM Bank, Paytm Payments Bank, and NPCI. He has successfully implemented large-scale security programs including PCI-DSS, SOC operations, SIEM monitoring, vulnerability assessment, and ISO27001 compliance.
In this new position, Rajendra will focus on strengthening the bank’s cybersecurity framework and infrastructure. He is set to introduce advanced digital security tools and modern risk management technologies. His expertise includes running Security Operations Centers, maintaining close coordination with regulatory bodies such as RBI and Cert-in, and aligning with global cybersecurity standards.
His proven track record and leadership will be central to protecting the bank’s digital platforms and ensuring a secure environment in today’s fast-evolving financial sector. Over the years, Rajendra has been recognized with several “Top CISO Awards” for his contributions to the cybersecurity industry.