Mergan Naidoo
Sandton
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented Security and Risk Manager with over 19 years of experience in high-stakes environments, including central banking, financial institutions, and regulatory operations. Expertise in operational leadership, security risk management, governance, investigations, crisis management, and business continuity. Skilled at developing strategic security programs, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering risk mitigation solutions aligned with business objectives. Known for integrity, stakeholder collaboration, and a proactive approach to security innovation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Section Head: Security Risks & Projects
South African Reserve Bank
Pretoria
08.2019 - 04.2025
- Directed national operational security strategy and enterprise-level risk mitigation initiatives.
- Managed the SARB Campus Redevelopment Project and other high-profile security programs.
- Led cross-functional teams delivering physical, cyber and information security risk mitigation programs.
- Developed and enforced physical security standards and protocols across SARB facilities.
- Delivered physical security design strategies for major infrastructure projects.
- Ensured end-to-end project risk mitigation, including project classification, position classification and protection standards.
- Produced risk reports and led international central bank collaboration on physical security and executive protection.
- Chaired internal coordination groups, security sub-committees and developed operational security policies.
Security Specialist
South African Reserve Bank
Pretoria
07.2012 - 07.2019
- Conducted enterprise-wide risk assessments across Cash in Transit operations, travel, residences, and facilities.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies.
- Led development of business continuity plans and facilitated tabletop crisis simulation.
- Provided strategic counsel to leadership on crisis preparedness, business continuity, operational risk exposure, and regulatory compliance planning.
- Developed security governance policies and trained teams in risk compliance frameworks.
- Provided strategic threat intelligence and contributed to international security think tanks.
- Developed physical and electronic security standards and provided training support.
- Developed and delivered security awareness programs across SARB.
- Supported internal audits and reporting across SARB country-wide facilities.
Group Risk Manager
FirstRand Bank
Johannesburg
06.2010 - 06.2012
- Developed group-wide risk policies, minimum security standards and ensured compliance with regulatory standards.
- Executed threat, risk and compliance assessments across SADC operations.
- Managed TSCM (eavesdropping) detection operations and high-profile internal investigations.
Manager
First National Bank
Johannesburg
05.2006 - 06.2010
- Managed the national nerve center operations including incident reporting and process management.
- Managed a multi-disciplinary technical support team, vendor coordination and operational planning.
- Developed standing operating procedures and strengthened risk monitoring and communication frameworks.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Wits Business School
Johannesburg06.2019
Latin America Study Tour - Business Administration
International Business School Americas
Brazil11.2018
Buenos Aires Cultural Immersion Program - Business Administration
Universidad Torcuato DI Tella
Argentina11.2018
Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Strategic Management
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg12.2016
Bachelor of Technology - Business Administration
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg12.2015
Advanced Diploma - Enterprise Risk Management
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg12.2012
Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management - Business Management
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg12.2011
Grade 12 -
Tongaat Secondary School
Tongaat12.1997
Skills
- Results Driven
- Problem solving
- Budget planning
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal Skills
- Effective leadership
- Crisis & Conflict Management
- Strategic & analytical Thinking
Affiliations
- Central Banks Heads of Security Organisation: Chairman of Good Guidance Group 4: Physical Security and Executive Protection
- ASIS International: ASIS Member
- PSIRA: Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority
- State Security Agency: Top Secret Security Clearance
Certification
- Introduction to Central Banking
- ICDL: International Computer Driver's License
- Compliance Management and Compliance Risk Management Plans
- TSCM: Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Investigation
- Information Technology Networking: Network Associate, Network Engineer, Wireless Networking and Voice Over Internet Protocol
- Electronic Security: Access Control - Design, Planning and Installation
- Electronic Security: Alarm System - Design, Planning and Installation
- Electronic Security: Camera Surveillance Systems - Design, Planning and Installation
- PSIRA: Security Officers Board – Grade A Certificate
Selected Achievements
- Top Achiever Award 2016 & 2017: Golden Key International Honour Society
- Head of Department Team Award 2015 – South African Reserve Bank
- Innovation Award 2008: First National Bank
- Best Performer 2007 – First National Bank
Timeline
Section Head: Security Risks & Projects
South African Reserve Bank
08.2019 - 04.2025
Security Specialist
South African Reserve Bank
07.2012 - 07.2019
Group Risk Manager
FirstRand Bank
06.2010 - 06.2012
Manager
First National Bank
05.2006 - 06.2010
Master of Business Administration -
Wits Business School
Latin America Study Tour - Business Administration
International Business School Americas
Buenos Aires Cultural Immersion Program - Business Administration
Universidad Torcuato DI Tella
Bachelor of Commerce Honours - Strategic Management
University of Johannesburg
Bachelor of Technology - Business Administration
University of Johannesburg
Advanced Diploma - Enterprise Risk Management
University of Johannesburg
Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management - Business Management
University of Johannesburg
Grade 12 -
Tongaat Secondary School
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