Rahul Bhargava
About Rahul Bhargava
Rahul Bhargava serves as the Global Head of Payments Market Infrastructure (PMI) Strategy at SWIFT, where he has led initiatives to enhance global payment systems since 2016. With a strong background in technology and management, he has held various roles in financial services, including positions at NTT Data Corporation, Computer Sciences Corporation, and ICICI Bank.
Work at SWIFT
Rahul Bhargava has served as the Global Head of Payments Market Infrastructure (PMI) Strategy at SWIFT since 2016. In this role, he leads initiatives aimed at enhancing global payment systems. His responsibilities include overseeing complex payment infrastructure projects and collaborating with diverse teams to implement effective strategies. His tenure at SWIFT has allowed him to leverage his extensive background in technology and management to drive improvements in payment market infrastructure.
Previous Experience in Financial Services
Before joining SWIFT, Rahul Bhargava held various positions in the financial services sector. He worked at NTT Data Corporation as the Head of Strategic Projects & Financial Services Practice (APAC) from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, he was a Lead Business Analyst at Computer Sciences Corporation from 2004 to 2007, focusing on retail core banking and payments solutions. His experience also includes a role as Product Manager for Global Remittances at ICICI Bank from 2003 to 2004, and as Assistant Vice President at the Royal Bank of Scotland from 2007 to 2009.
Education and Expertise
Rahul Bhargava holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics (Honors) from Delhi University, where he studied from 1997 to 2000. He furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology & Management Systems from SYMBIOSIS International University, completed between 2000 and 2002. Additionally, he earned an Advanced Diploma in Network-centric Computing from NIIT Ltd. from 1997 to 1999. His educational background supports his expertise in technology and management within the financial services industry.
Global Perspective and Leadership
Rahul Bhargava has developed a global perspective in payments strategy through extensive experience working with diverse teams across Europe, APAC, and the Middle East. His leadership roles, including his position at SWIFT and his involvement with the World Economic Forum as Lead of the Digital ASEAN e-Payments Coalition from 2019 to 2020, highlight his commitment to advancing payment systems on an international scale. His ability to navigate complex projects in various regions contributes to his effectiveness in leading payment infrastructure strategies.