Interim CISO Support for a Tier 1 Bank
Seamless Leadership Transition for a Critical Security Function
Client Overview
A Tier 1 bank undergoing a leadership transition required immediate, high-calibre interim CISO support to ensure continuity in its cyber security strategy and operations. With the departure of its Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the bank needed a trusted expert to step in, take control, and lead the security function through a critical transition period.
The Challenge
The sudden departure of a CISO presents significant risks to any financial institution, particularly one operating in a highly regulated environment. The bank required:
- Immediate leadership to maintain operational stability with no downtime in security oversight.
- Seamless integration with the existing security team without requiring extensive onboarding or training.
- Stakeholder confidence, both internally and externally, with regulators, executives, and the board needing assurance that security remained a top priority.
- A structured handover to the incoming permanent CISO, ensuring a smooth and effective transition.
Our Approach
We parachuted in an experienced, industry-leading interim CISO, providing immediate leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight. Our approach included:
- Full Command of the Security Function Took ownership of the bank's entire security function for eight months, maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring no gaps in leadership.
- Regulatory Engagement & Compliance Provided assurance to regulators, including the FCA, PRA, and other governing bodies, demonstrating continued commitment to cyber resilience.
- Strategic Oversight & Risk Management Ensured alignment of security strategy with business objectives, overseeing risk management, threat intelligence, and governance frameworks.
- Executive & Board-Level Cyber Advisory Engaged directly with the board, risk committees, and executive leadership, maintaining clear communication and strategic alignment on cyber risk.
- Team Leadership & Morale Led and stabilised the internal security team, ensuring that operations remained on track while fostering confidence in the transition process.
- Handover & Knowledge Transfer Facilitated a structured and comprehensive handover to the incoming permanent CISO, ensuring a smooth transition with complete continuity of leadership.
