Sapna Dattani: A Strategic Leader in Finance and Technology
Sapna Dattani is a highly respected business leader with over two decades of senior leadership experience in the financial services and technology sectors. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Commercial & Institutional (C&I) at NatWest Group, she has built a remarkable career defined by transformation, strategy, and operational excellence. Her journey spans roles at some of the world’s leading financial institutions, management consultancies, and global corporates.
This article explores her professional achievements, leadership style, and contributions to the financial industry, providing insights into why Sapna Dattani is regarded as one of the most influential executives in banking today.
Early Life and Education Of Sapna Dattani
Sapna’s academic foundations set the stage for her leadership journey. She studied at Lady Eleanor Holles School and Westminster School, London, both renowned for producing high-achieving alumni.
She later attended the University of Cambridge, where she earned a First-Class degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Magdalene College. While at Cambridge, she also excelled beyond academics as a Choral Scholar, balancing rigorous studies with extracurricular excellence.
Her education not only honed her analytical and problem-solving skills but also equipped her with a multidisciplinary perspective that she would later apply in strategy, transformation, and leadership roles.
Career Journey
Oliver Wyman – Strategy Consulting (2001–2007)
Sapna began her professional career as a Strategy & Business Consultant at Oliver Wyman, where she specialised in advising investment banks. Her work focused on helping global organisations navigate challenges, optimise operations, and design future-focused strategies. This early exposure to consulting sharpened her skills in managing complexity, working with executives, and driving transformation at scale.
Deutsche Bank – A Decade of Transformation (2007–2017)
Her next major career chapter was at Deutsche Bank, where she spent over a decade in various senior leadership roles:
-
Director, Strategy, Investment Bank (2007–2012): Worked on competitive intelligence, investor relations, and transformation programmes during and after the global financial crisis.
-
Chief of Staff to Group CEO (2012–2015): Partnered directly with the CEO on global strategy, communications, investor relations, and client engagement. She was responsible for preparing presentations and speeches at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos.
-
Deputy COO / Strategy Lead – Global Finance (2015–2016): Oversaw transformation of a global finance division with 6,000 employees, introducing greater efficiency and performance management.
-
Head of CIB Integration (2016–2017): Successfully led the integration of three major business support units, streamlining risk, controls, and audit processes.
Her decade at Deutsche Bank highlighted her ability to deliver impact in times of crisis and restructure large, complex organisations.
DWS Group – Technology & Operations Strategy (2017–2019)
At DWS, Sapna played a pivotal role in preparing the firm for its IPO. As Head of Target Operating Model Transformation, she defined and implemented cost-reduction and operational strategies across 4,000 global staff. Later, as COO / Strategy Lead for Global Technology & Operations, she managed a workforce of 2,500, driving initiatives in cybersecurity, digital innovation, and AI adoption.
Citi – Technology Strategy & Delivery (2021–2023)
As Managing Director and Head of Technology Strategy & Delivery at Citi, Sapna was responsible for defining group-wide technology strategy. She oversaw the transition to a services-based architecture and launched innovative platforms aligned with a new operating model. Her role demonstrated her expertise at the intersection of finance and technology, bridging strategy with execution.
NatWest Group – COO, Commercial & Institutional (2023–Present)
In 2023, Sapna was appointed COO for NatWest’s Commercial & Institutional division. In this capacity, she works with the leadership team to deliver growth and transformation. Her responsibilities include designing and executing business strategies, building high-performance teams, and ensuring the bank meets the evolving needs of clients in a competitive environment.
Non-Executive Leadership
Alongside her executive responsibilities, Sapna Dattani has also contributed to purpose-driven organisations. Since 2020, she has served as a Non-Executive Director at Jack & Grace, a dynamic communications start-up and certified B Corp. The company focuses on aligning profit with people and planet, and Sapna’s involvement reflects her commitment to sustainable business practices.
Leadership Style and Skills
Sapna’s career demonstrates a consistent ability to translate vision into execution. Some of her defining leadership qualities include:
-
Managing Ambiguity: Adept at navigating uncertainty, particularly in crises such as restructurings, capital raising, or IPOs.
-
Strategic Design: Skilled in crafting business strategies and operating models that deliver measurable results.
-
Operational Excellence: Experienced in running large, complex organisations while building agile and collaborative teams.
-
Stakeholder Communication: Effective communicator across diverse groups, from employees to boards and investors.
Her style blends strategic foresight with pragmatic execution, making her an invaluable leader in times of change.
Personal Life Of Sapna Dattani
While Sapna maintains a professional public presence, some details of her personal life are known. She is married and, as of 2019, was reported to have three young children. Balancing family responsibilities with a demanding global career highlights her resilience and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Contributions to the Industry
-
Champion of Transformation: Sapna has led critical transformation programmes across Deutsche Bank, DWS, Citi, and NatWest, enabling these institutions to adapt to regulatory, technological, and competitive pressures.
-
Advocate for Women in Leadership: Through her visibility and achievements, she serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to leadership roles in finance and technology.
-
Sustainability Focus: Her role at Jack & Grace demonstrates her interest in aligning corporate strategy with sustainability goals.
Recognition and Influence
Sapna’s career path — from Cambridge graduate to executive leader at some of the world’s largest banks — reflects her status as a role model for future leaders. Her ability to combine strategy, operations, and transformation with strong communication skills ensures she continues to play a critical role in shaping the financial industry.
Conclusion
Sapna Dattani embodies the qualities of a modern leader in financial services: strategic vision, operational expertise, adaptability, and a commitment to people and purpose. From her early consulting years to her current role as COO at NatWest Group, she has consistently delivered results that transform organisations and inspire those around her.
Her journey illustrates how strong education, resilience, and leadership skills can translate into a global career that balances corporate success with broader social and sustainability values.
As financial services continue to evolve in the face of technological disruption and societal change, leaders like Sapna Dattani will remain vital in guiding institutions towards growth, innovation, and responsibility.
