Rochelle Chua

Chartered Accountant and senior risk leader with 20+ years across all three lines of defence in global financial institutions. I drive operational excellence, regulatory alignment, and large-scale transformation, with a focus on disciplined execution. Known for challenging the status quo, I build resilient frameworks, strong teams, and deliver outcomes.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

I challenge complacency. I believe most risks come from overlooked details and human error, so I focus on getting fundamentals right. I speak up, question assumptions, and push for higher standards—even when it’s uncomfortable—because real risk management is about discipline, not just frameworks.

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Driving risk awareness and discipline in both technical and business environments
2. Contributing to mentorship and community-building initiatives that develop future leaders
3. Consistently delivering high-quality outcomes by embedding strong governance and “right first time” principles

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Choosing to challenge established ways of working early in my career—speaking up on gaps, inefficiencies, and risk exposures. It meant stepping outside my comfort zone, but it built credibility and reinforced my belief that staying silent is often the bigger risk.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’m deeply driven by discipline and detail—what looks effortless is often the result of deliberate structure, consistency, and a strong personal standard behind the scenes.

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Judgment. The ability to cut through noise, focus on what truly matters, and make sound decisions grounded in both detail and context—while having the courage to act on it.