Doing the right thing
Sreela Sivaraman, Chief Compliance and Risk Officer at Capital One Bank (Canada Branch), shares her perspective on ethical practices in banking.
A big misconception is that compliance and risk management are roadblocks to innovation. That’s far from the truth. When you step back to think about why they’re important, it becomes clear that compliance and risk management serve both our company and customers alike. We asked Sreela Sivaraman, Chief Compliance and Risk Officer at Capital One Bank (Canada Branch), to help us better understand the value of ethical banking practices.
“Throughout my career, I've worked to shift the perception of compliance and risk management from a gatekeeper to an enabler. At our best, we help create pathways forward, bringing clarity to complexity and supporting informed, responsible decisions.
The strongest organizations are built when business, compliance and risk teams partner hand in hand, balancing innovation and growth with responsible decision-making. After all, if our business isn’t growing, we can’t fully deliver on our purpose. By partnering early, staying focused on outcomes, and maintaining a shared commitment to doing the right thing, we can enable growth while building trust with our customers, associates, and the communities we support.”
So what are compliance and risk?
These words are probably not new to you, but let’s pause to consider how they apply to financial services. Banks in Canada operate under a robust legislative and regulatory framework – it’s part of what makes our banking system so effective and reliable. At Capital One, we ensure that our products and services are delivered in a way that meets these expectations, while remaining true to our mission to help Canadians succeed with credit. This responsibility is close to Sreela’s heart:
“I’m someone who wants to do right by the world, and compliance and risk management gives me the opportunity to help organizations grow responsibly while protecting and supporting the people we serve.”
“That mission feels especially personal here at Capital One. As the daughter of immigrants, our commitment to helping Canadians succeed with credit resonates deeply with me. The idea of giving people a chance – particularly when they’re new to Canada and working hard to build their financial futures – is something I'm incredibly passionate about. I would not be where I am today without those who believed in me, invested in me, and gave me opportunities along the way. It’s a mission I'm proud to be part of every day.”
Why are compliance and risk so important?
Compliance and risk management are important for many reasons, but it ultimately comes down to doing the right thing. It’s our duty to mitigate risk for our customers and build products in a well-managed way.
“And what does ‘doing the right thing’ mean to me?” Sreela reflects. “To me, doing the right thing means speaking up and providing guidance to keep the business moving in the right direction, even when it’s complicated or nuanced. It means making decisions guided by your values, not by convenience, recognition, or whether anyone is paying attention. True integrity is choosing to do what is right simply because it is right. It's about holding yourself accountable, regardless of who is watching.”
“We’re grateful to leaders like Sreela, whose dedication, attention to detail and ethical guidance inspire us every single day. By establishing high standards of integrity and encouraging open communication across all teams, she ensures that we live our mission to help Canadians succeed with credit.
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