Hazel Dsouza Appointed as Director, Head of India Futures & Derivatives Clearing and Electronic Execution at Citi
Citi has announced the appointment of Hazel Dsouza as Director, Head of India Futures & Derivatives Clearing and Electronic Execution, a strategic leadership role that strengthens the firm’s capabilities in India’s growing capital markets ecosystem. Based in Mumbai, Hazel is entrusted with spearheading Citi’s efforts in delivering seamless, client-centric trading and clearing solutions, while ensuring the bank continues to maintain its position as a trusted partner for institutional clients.
With over two decades of leadership experience across global financial hubs in India and Singapore, Hazel brings a unique blend of strategic vision, client engagement expertise, and deep product knowledge. Her career reflects consistent success in building high-performing businesses, fostering innovation, and developing strong client relationships across the derivatives and capital markets space.
Strategic Role at Citi
At Citi, Hazel leads the India desk for futures and derivatives clearing and electronic execution, overseeing an area that sits at the intersection of market access, risk management, and client strategy. This role requires a strong command of global and local markets, the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, and a commitment to delivering tech-enabled solutions tailored to client needs.
Hazel partners with institutional investors, hedge funds, and asset managers, offering them seamless execution and clearing services across asset classes. She also plays a key role in driving revenue growth, enhancing Citi’s competitive positioning, and developing new capabilities that align with the evolving needs of India’s rapidly expanding financial markets.
Her leadership is guided by a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, ensuring that Citi’s clients benefit not only from its global reach but also from a personalized, locally relevant approach.
Proven Leadership at Credit Suisse
Before joining Citi, Hazel built an exceptional track record at Credit Suisse, where she held multiple senior roles. As Director & Head of South Asia Prime Derivative Services (Singapore), she played a central role in designing and launching a first-to-market trading solution that surpassed revenue expectations by 60% in its first year. Her leadership enabled Credit Suisse to secure a market leadership position, with trading volumes tripling under her stewardship.
In her prior role as Director & Head of India Listed Derivatives, Hazel was tasked with revitalizing the India business. Through strategic client acquisition, focused sales excellence, and extensive product marketing, she grew the business by 5x over three years, transforming it into one of the firm’s strongest regional platforms. Under her guidance, Credit Suisse’s India derivatives business rose from a #9 market ranking to consistently securing a top 3 position.
Decade-Long Tenure at J.P. Morgan
Hazel also had an impactful 9-year career with J.P. Morgan, where she assumed a series of leadership roles across India. As Vice President & Head of India Futures and Options, she revitalized relationships with sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, and global institutional clients, driving a 15% revenue increase. She was instrumental in optimizing both high-touch and electronic channels, enabling J.P. Morgan to enhance its service offerings.
Earlier, as Vice President, Sales Trader in Cash Equities & Equity Derivatives, Hazel spearheaded a pilot program that expanded European client business coverage, surpassing targets by 25%. She was also a key contributor to the creation of a hybrid desk model, which optimized team synergies and improved cross-product coverage. Her ability to deliver results, while simultaneously innovating client engagement models, solidified her reputation as a dynamic and future-focused leader.
Champion of Diversity, Mentorship, and Innovation
In addition to her corporate roles, Hazel is deeply committed to mentorship, diversity, and entrepreneurship. She is an angel investor with Epic Angels, a network dedicated to supporting women-led start-ups across APAC, where she mentors founders and helps scale innovative businesses.
At Credit Suisse, she was actively involved in the APAC Mentorship Program, where she coached professionals who went on to achieve Vice President and Director roles. Her leadership style is defined by a balance of strategic foresight and people development, ensuring that business goals are achieved alongside individual career growth.
Educational Foundation
Hazel holds a Master in Management Studies (MBA) in Finance from Jankidevi Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JDBIMS) – SNDT Women’s University. She further enhanced her leadership toolkit by completing Harvard Business School Online’s “Leading with Finance” program, equipping her with advanced insights into global financial management and decision-making.
CXO Gateway Note
At CXO Gateway, we celebrate leaders like Hazel Dsouza whose careers are marked by strategic foresight, innovation, and mentorship. Her appointment at Citi underscores the critical role of visionary leadership in shaping India’s evolving financial markets. Hazel Dsouza’s journey is a powerful reminder that true leadership lies not only in achieving business growth but also in empowering teams, driving inclusion, and inspiring the next generation of financial professionals.