Liji Sasankan

Data professional with 12+ years of Global banking experience, specializing in end-to-end data solutions across Data Engineering, Data Architecture, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, and Project Management. Proven track record of delivering successful data initiatives for top-tier banks across regions, including First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), First Gulf Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank, and Lloyds Bank.

Currently serving as a Project Manager at Wipro, leading a team of 10 engineers while also functioning as the Lead Data Engineer for FAB in a strategic outsourcing engagement. At FAB, I’m driving a large-scale Data Warehouse transformation project, migrating from an on-premise Oracle DWH (with ODI-based ETL processes) to a modern Azure Databricks Lakehouse architecture. My role encompasses both technical leadership and delivery management, ensuring scalable, compliant, and high-performing cloud-based data solutions.

Certified Databricks Data Engineer, with hands-on expertise in building cloud-native data pipelines and Lake house solutions.

• Successfully delivered data solutions for leading banks across multiple regions including First Abu Dhabi Bank, First Gulf Bank, Qatar International Islamic Bank and Lloyds Banking Group.
• Extensive experience delivering Lakehouse architectures, Data Warehouses, and Business Intelligence solutions on both cloud (e.g., Azure) and on-premise platforms.
• Proven track record in owning and delivering large-scale, complex data transformation and integration projects across diverse environments and stakeholder groups.
• Strong exposure to Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Islamic Banking, International Payments (SWIFT/SWIFT GPI), Credit Cards, Loans, Internet & Mobile Banking, Customer Experience platforms, and Digital Onboarding systems.
• Partnered with UAE government agencies such as ADHA, MOPA, and SZHP for end-to-end loan data enablement, analytics development, and BI reporting solutions.
• Deep understanding of data governance, reporting standards, and compliance frameworks enforced by UAE Central Bank, AECB, and other local regulators.
• Worked closely with various banking units including Retail, Corporate, Finance, Compliance, and Risk to align data strategies with organizational goals.
• Well-versed in implementing robust data security controls at table, column, and row levels to ensure compliance with enterprise data governance policies and regulatory requirements.
• Skilled in designing and implementing effective Master Data Management strategies to ensure data consistency, accuracy, and reliability across systems and business functions.