Group CISO, Leading Swiss Private Bank & Technology Services Provider
2019 - 2025
As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for a leading Swiss Private Bank & Technology Services provider, Alain Beuchat was instrumental in defining and implementing the cyber and information security strategy to enhance the group's security posture for both private banking and outsourced technology services.
Responsible for leading the IT Security team, he championed a holistic approach to cyber and information security risk management. He collaborated closely with business units and risk functions to integrate the firm's cyber defense strategy with operational and third-party risk management. His oversight included the Security Operation Center (SOC), covering security monitoring, incident response, and threat intelligence. He also was responsible for cyber incident responses within the crisis management organization and conducted crisis management exercises.
Alain regularly engaged with financial regulators on cyber and information security matters. He reported to Senior Management and the Board of Directors on relevant risks, incidents, and regulatory developments. Furthermore, he led the cyber security expert group at the Swiss Banking Association and the Swiss Financial Services cyber security center.
Group CISO, Major Swiss Universal Bank
2012 - 2019
As Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with the rank of Managing Director, Alain was responsible for managing Group-wide Cyber and Information Security (CIS) risks and coordinating all related activities within the Group. He established and transformed the global CISO function, managing its transition into the first line of defense.
Alain developed the firm's Cyber and Information Security strategy. He drove the creation of cyber defense capabilities, including a security operations center and cyber threat intelligence function. He reported to the Group Executive Board (GEB) and Group Board of Directors (BoD) regarding CIS risks, emerging threats, and ongoing mitigation activities. He facilitated awareness and training workshops with the BoD and conducted cyber crisis exercises for management.
Alain improved governance and holistic risk management by fostering strong collaboration across business and technology units. He also shaped industry best practices by leading the Cyber Security Expert Group of the Swiss Banking Association and contributed to various national and international cybersecurity committees within the financial industry, as well as the WEF Centre for Cybersecurity initiative.
He has enhanced organizational security by building strong collaboration with business and technology units, and shaped industry best practices by heading the Cyber Security Expert Group of the Swiss Banking Association. He also contributed to various national and international Cyber Security Committees within the financial industry, as well as the WEF Centre for Cybersecurity initiative.
Partner, Head of IT Advisory, Global Professional Services Firm
2002 - 2012
Alain joined the firm as a Senior Manager in IT Advisory and was admitted to the partnership in 2005. He led the IT Advisory profit center in Switzerland, managing over 50 professionals who provided consulting and audit services in information technology. Alain developed the market strategy for IT Advisory, focusing on services that met market needs, including IT Governance & Performance, Information Security & Business Resilience, and IT Assurance.
Alain was also responsible for the certification body in the "Information Security Management Systems," "Data Privacy," and "Public-Key Infrastructures (PKI)" domains. He managed audits of service organizations, primarily those subject to Swiss Banking regulations, in IT operations and human resources outsourcing. Additionally, he oversaw IT audit activities and managed internal IT audit mandates for significant clients across various industries, such as telecommunication, industrial products, transport, and banking.
Alain advised international telecommunication companies on strengthening the resilience of their network and supported clients in implementing IT control frameworks that complied with Swiss banking regulations. He was instrumental in securing multidisciplinary mandates, especially those with a significant technology component. He also delivered presentations at public conferences.
1991 - 2002
Alain started his career as a research engineer at a technology and research center, specializing in security and cryptology. His work involved designing and implementing security architectures for network communications and applications.
He eventually joined a global financial institution, initially as an IT auditor. His responsibilities included conducting comprehensive UNIX and communication network audits, providing technical support to internal teams, and leading technology infrastructure reviews for international branches. From January 1997 to May 1998, he was stationed in New York, where he assisted the local teams in securing the IT infrastructure. He subsequently moved into a Security Architect position within a strategic program, focusing on developing technical security architectures.
Alain then joined a professional services firm, where he specialized in Technology Risk Consulting. He successfully built the firm's reputation in information and IT security, heading a team and overseeing multiple client projects. His responsibilities included performing security reviews, conducting risk analyses, and developing secure systems and architectures for a wide range of clients.
