IDFC FIRST Bank has elevated Hardik Thaker to the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Senior Management Personnel, effective October 30, 2026. The appointment strengthens the bank’s cybersecurity leadership as financial institutions continue to address evolving digital threats and security risks.
Hardik succeeds Nitin Chauhan, who has resigned from the position to pursue opportunities outside the bank. Nitin will continue with IDFC FIRST Bank until April 23, 2027, facilitating a structured transition and handover of responsibilities.
The appointment represents an internal leadership elevation, reflecting the bank’s focus on developing cybersecurity expertise within its organisation. Hardik joined IDFC FIRST Bank in December 2025 and most recently served as Deputy CISO and Head of the bank’s Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, where he was involved in advancing its cybersecurity transformation.
Nearly Two Decades of Cybersecurity Experience
Hardik brings nearly two decades of experience across banking, regulatory institutions and consulting. His professional background includes senior cybersecurity and enterprise risk responsibilities in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region.
Before joining IDFC FIRST Bank, he served as Executive Director of Enterprise Security and Resilience at GXS Bank, Singapore’s digital bank, from 2022 to 2025. In this role, he worked on security and resilience functions within the digital banking environment.
His earlier experience includes a security leadership and architecture role at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, where his responsibilities covered national payment systems. He also led the ASEAN Security Strategy, Risk and Compliance practice at IBM and held positions at Deloitte and KPMG.
This combination of experience across financial services, regulatory environments and consulting provides a broad foundation for his new responsibilities at IDFC FIRST Bank.
Cybersecurity Leadership Gains Importance in Banking
As banks expand digital services, mobile banking, online transactions and technology-driven financial products, cybersecurity has become a critical part of operational resilience and customer trust. Financial institutions must continually strengthen their ability to identify threats, protect sensitive information and maintain the availability of essential banking services.
The CISO role is central to coordinating information security strategy, managing cyber risks and supporting compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Leadership continuity in this function is particularly important as banks respond to increasingly sophisticated threats and the growing complexity of their digital ecosystems.
Hardik holds an MBA in Finance from Gujarat University and a degree in mechanical engineering. His professional credentials include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certifications.
His elevation places an experienced cybersecurity professional at the head of IDFC FIRST Bank’s information security function, while the extended handover period is expected to support continuity as Nitin Chauhan prepares to leave the organisation.
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