Serhat Ünsal
Seasoned internal audit executive with over 15 years of progressive experience in banking and finance. He is experienced in managing internal audit functions, internal control frameworks, and regulatory compliance across BRSA and Capital Markets Board environments.
His background includes risk-based audit planning, regulatory reporting, board-level communication, AML controls, internal control policy development, audit committee reporting, and collaboration with regulators and external auditors.
Professional Experience
Head of Internal Audit
May 2024 – Present
- Leads internal audit activities in compliance with BRSA and SPL regulations.
- Prepares risk-based annual audit plans and oversees execution.
- Reports directly to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors.
- Coordinates with regulators and external auditors.
- Provides strategic recommendations for process and control improvements.
Head of Internal Control
Sep 2021 – May 2024
- Managed the bank’s internal control environment.
- Ensured compliance with local regulations and group policies.
- Supervised risk assessments and collaborated closely with risk and compliance units.
- Contributed to development of internal procedures and control matrices.
Head of Internal Control and Compliance
Sep 2019 – Sep 2021
- Established and led internal control and compliance functions.
- Developed control policies and ensured alignment with BRSA and MASAK requirements.
- Oversaw anti-money laundering controls and internal audit coordination.
- Delivered regular reports to executive management and regulatory bodies.
Senior Auditor
Mar 2011 – Sep 2019
- Conducted internal audits at branches and headquarters across credit, IT, and operations.
- Identified control deficiencies and recommended corrective actions.
- Reviewed regulatory compliance and internal procedure adherence.
- Cooperated with independent auditors and BRSA inspectors during audits.
Assistant Manager – Personal Banking
Jun 2008 – Jan 2010
- Participated in HSBC’s Management Trainee Program.
- Rotated through core departments including sales, operations, and compliance.
- Supported customer relations and retail banking initiatives.
- Gained early leadership exposure within a global financial institution.
Management Trainee
Jun 2006 – May 2007
- Selected for a 12-month management development program in the United States.
- Rotated across front office, guest services, and operational management.
- Gained international experience and advanced English communication skills.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
2001 – 2006
Science Track High School Diploma
Jun 2000
Certifications & Licenses
- ITIL® 4 Foundation
- ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor
- SPL Level 3 – Capital Market Activities License
- SPL – Derivative Instruments License
- SPL – Information Systems Independent Audit License
- IELTS – Band Score: 6
- CPL & MEP-IR – Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating
Core Competencies
- Internal Audit Strategy & Execution
- BRSA and Capital Markets Compliance
- Internal Control Frameworks
- Risk-Based Audit Planning
- Financial and Operational Risk Assessment
- Regulatory Reporting & Board Communication
- Team Leadership & Strategic Alignment
- AML Controls
- Internal procedure and control matrix development
- Regulator and external auditor coordination
Professional Profile
- Over 15 years of experience in banking and finance audit environments.
- Experienced in reporting to top management, Audit Committee, and Board of Directors.
- Fluent in English and Turkish.
- Combines internal audit, compliance, internal control, and regulatory reporting expertise.