Subhash Chandra Jose joined the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as Managing Director, Information Technology in September 2023. He previously held senior Technology and Transformation leadership roles at ING Group, where he led technology transformations across Europe and Asia, modernising legacy systems into cloud-based digital platforms and innovating business models. Prior to this, he headed core product development at Tata Consultancy Services, supporting major banks worldwide with core banking and payments transformations. Subhash has a strong background in enterprise technology and digital innovation and holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Subhash shared insights into his career journey, the future of banking and the role of technology in shaping the industry. He also shared his personal philosophy of servant leadership, inspired by his father, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Subhash. What drives your passion for technology and innovation in the banking industry?
What drives me is the opportunity to create meaningful impact through technology. At the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), we are not just digitising, we are transforming the way a multilateral development bank operates. That is challenging but invigorating – it’s an opportunity to build unique, purposeful solutions that align with the EBRD’s mission to change lives across our countries of operation. The sweet spot for me is where purpose, people and technology intersect. At the EBRD, we are in a very rare position to deliver real and lasting positive impact through our daily work. It’s a place where real change happens and that energises me every day.
What do you love the most about your current role?
The ability to help shape the future of a purpose-driven organisation. The EBRD’s mission is very important to me, and being able to align technology with that mission is incredibly fulfilling. I am especially proud to lead a team that is redefining what it means to be a technology function. We call ourselves the ‘Tech Team’, not ‘IT,’ because we are not just a support function. We are a strategic partner. We are building platforms, deploying bespoke AI solutions, and delivering digital tools that empower our colleagues to change lives across the world. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team that is so deeply aligned with the Bank’s mission.
Can you share your thoughts on the future of banking and the role of technology in shaping the industry?
Without a doubt, the future of banking is digital. At the EBRD, our TechBlueprint vision is to achieve 100% digitalisation of all banking processes, both externally (for our clients) and internally facing (for our internal processes). Thanks to AI and cloud technologies, digitalisation is no longer a 20-year journey. It’s achievable within 5. The question is no longer ‘if’ but ‘when’. We are well on our way, on a path with a clear roadmap and the right capabilities in place.
How do you see the role of the Chief Information Officer evolving in the next few years, and what skills will be most in demand?
The CIO role is transitioning from operational oversight to strategic leadership. It’s becoming more about shaping business outcomes, not just managing systems. In my opinion, the most critical skills will be architectural thinking, agile collaboration, and a relentless focus on value creation. At the EBRD, we have embedded these principles into our culture through our TechBlueprint strategy. We are repositioning the role of technology – moving from just solving problems to helping to build the future.
What personal or professional philosophies have contributed to your success, and how have you applied these principles in your career?
One philosophy that I live by is the Broken Windows theory. Originally a criminology concept, It’s the idea that if you take care of the small things, like fixing a broken window, you prevent bigger problems from developing. I apply this to technology: when we focus on getting the basics right, like making sure the Wi-Fi is reliable or laptops are performing smoothly, we create a strong foundation of trust and stability. That attention to detail builds confidence across the organisation and enables us to deliver transformation from the ground up. It’s a reminder that even the most ambitious strategies rely on getting the simple things right.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
In so many ways, I am deeply grateful to my father. His career as a politician in India taught me the values of humility, purpose, and servant leadership. His words and wisdom guide me each day.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
I am deeply passionate about learning, especially when it comes to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. I also enjoy mentoring and sharing knowledge, and I have worked to build a strong learning and upskilling culture within the Tech Team. Outside of work, spending meaningful time with my wife and children is incredibly important to me. Family helps to keep me grounded. It reminds me why the work we do matters, not just in terms of systems and strategy but in the lives we touch and the futures that we help to shape.
What is your favourite quote?
“The one who wants to be the leader should be the servant of others.” It’s a quote from my father, something he said to me when I won a student election, and it has stayed with me ever since. It continues to shape how I lead the Tech Team and how I support the broader mission of the EBRD. For me, leadership is about service. It’s about being present, listening, and doing the work that is needed to help others succeed.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
My biggest goal is to see the EBRD become a fully digital bank – agile, data-driven and client-centric. We have already laid a strong foundation with our hybrid cloud/data centre model and our Microsoft Fabric end-to-end analytics and data platform. Over the next five years, we will continue to deliver on our 2030 vision, with what we call QBPs (quarterly business plans) and a clear investment strategy. Personally, I want to keep building platforms that democratise innovation and strengthen our colleagues’ ability to deliver impact.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to break into the technology industry?
Always be curious. Be resilient. Lead with purpose. Technology can be a powerful tool, but its true value lies in how it serves people. Never stop learning, embrace change, and don’t be afraid to fail on your first attempt, just make sure you learn from the experience. Surround yourself with mentors and never lose sight of your North Star.
Your North Star is your guiding purpose. It is the vision that keeps you grounded and focused when things get complex or uncertain. For me, that North Star has always been about using technology to create meaningful impact – whether that’s improving the experience of a colleague, enabling a business outcome, or helping the Bank to deliver on its mission across continents. When you’re clear on your North Star, it becomes easier to make decisions, stay motivated, and bring others along with you. In a fast-moving industry like technology, that clarity of purpose is your greatest asset.