First Citizens Depository Services

Mr Shankar Bidaisee is an attorney-at-law of eighteen (18) years’ admission to the Bar in Trinidad and Tobago and is based in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, an LLB Bachelor of Laws from the University of London, Master of Laws in Corporate & Commercial Law (UWI).

Throughout his career, Mr Bidaisee has demonstrated a deep commitment to legal practice, profession and corporate leadership. He began his professional journey as a Secondary School teacher before transitioning to the legal profession in which he now specialises in commercial and insurance litigation and real property litigation over the past eighteen (18) years. His legal expertise also extends to public service, having, inter alia, served as Counsel to the Commission of Enquiry into the conduct of several financial institutions including CLICO, Clico Investment Bank, Hindu Credit Union and others.

Professor of Practice Dr Sterling K Frost, O.R.T.T., DBA, MBA, FCG, Acc. Dir. is an accomplished leader in banking, governance, human resources and academia with more than four decades of international experience across North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. His distinguished career combines strategic vision, operational excellence and deep board level governance expertise in highly regulated, multijurisdictional and multisectoral environments spanning banking, energy, manufacturing, education, philanthropy and the public sector.

Dr Frost previously served as Director of Human Resources for Citibank Latin America where he had oversight of 25,000 employees serving 1.2 million clients across 14 countries. This role deepened his experience in managing large scale, multinational and multicultural operations within a highly competitive and regulated financial services environment. He later joined First Citizens where he served as Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Operations and Administration, with executive oversight of legal, compliance and governance, technology, human capital, brand and marketing, operations and shared services and strategic planning. He concluded this executive role in December 2023 upon reaching the normal retirement age, marking the close of a remarkable chapter in corporate leadership.

He holds the role of Deputy Chairman across several entities within the First Citizens Group, including First Citizens Holdings Limited, First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Limited, First Citizens Bank Limited, First Citizens Bank (Barbados) Limited, First Citizens Depository Services Limited, First Citizens Trustee Services Limited, First Citizens Investment Services Limited, First Citizens Portfolio & Investment Management Services Limited and First Citizens Brokerage & Advisory Services Limited. He is also Vice President of First Citizens Costa Rica S A. He previously served on the boards of Citibank (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited, Banco Citibank Honduras, Cititarjetas de Nicaragua, Banco Citibank Panama and First Citizens Investment Services (Barbados) Limited.

Dr Frost has held directorships in the energy and manufacturing sectors including with St Lucia Electricity Services Limited, Angostura Holdings Limited, Angostura Limited and Trinidad Distillers Limited. In the public sector he served as Deputy Chairman of the Public Service Commission and continues to serve as Deputy Chairman of the Statutory Authorities Service Commission of Trinidad and Tobago. He also served as an Assessor at the Industrial Court of Trinidad and Tobago.

He was the founding Chairman of both the First Citizens Foundation and the Angostura Foundation, playing a pivotal role in shaping their philanthropic missions and currently serves as Deputy Chairman of the First Citizens Foundation. Dr Frost also serves as President and Chairman of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada where he previously contributed to several board committees including the Audit and Risk Committee, the Examination Assessment Review Panel and the Governance and Admissions Committee. He currently chairs the Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) a leading NGO in Trinidad and Tobago.

In higher education, Dr Frost contributes extensively to The University of the West Indies (UWI), previously serving as a Director of the UWI Mona School of Business and Management. He currently serves as Professor of Practice in Management Studies and chairs several UWI boards including the UWI Development and Endowment Fund Board, the UWI Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development Advisory Board, the UWI Faculty of Social Sciences Advisory Board and the UWI Institute for Gender and Development Studies Advisory Board.

He also represents Costa Rica in the diplomatic sphere as Honorary Consul to Trinidad and Tobago supporting bilateral cooperation and the advancement of national interests.

Dr Frost has lectured at The University of the West Indies for over 23 years as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes. He has designed and delivered more than 25 management courses and seminars and is the author of the landmark publication Calibrating Organizational Culture: A Dialectical Model Towards Competitive Advantage, which synthesises decades of leadership experience into a framework for aligning culture, knowledge sharing and performance.

He holds both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Business Administration from The University of the West Indies and maintains professional designations as an Accredited Director and Chartered Secretary from the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada. He is also a certified Executive Coach by the University of California, Berkeley and a certified Change Practitioner by Prosci.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the fields of banking, education and community service, Dr Frost was awarded the nation’s highest honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (O.R.T.T.). He is also the first individual in the history of the Institute of Banking and Finance of Trinidad and Tobago to receive the Distinguished Fellowship Award for advancing the theory and practice of banking and finance. His achievements in human capital development have been recognised with the Maxine Barnett Award for HR Excellence from the Human Resource Management Association of Trinidad and Tobago. He is also the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus having been named one of 50 Inaugural Distinguished Alumni as part of UWI’s 50th Anniversary celebrations selected from a pool of 25,000 graduates that includes Prime Ministers, business leaders, judges and leading educators. This award recognises individuals who exemplify worldclass performance, innovation, critical thinking, societal advancement and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Ms Marissa Allum is a Risk and Compliance Professional with over nineteen (19) years of local and international experience in regulatory compliance, risk management, and financial services. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Heriot-Watt University and is a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).

Ms Allum has extensive experience designing and implementing Anti Money Laundering (AML) compliance frameworks, conducting risk assessments, audits, developing policies and procedures, delivering training programmes and providing strategic guidance to organisations seeking to strengthen their governance and regulatory compliance practices.

Throughout her career, she has worked in both public and private sector organisations leading initiatives to translate complex regulatory obligations into practical business solutions while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement, supporting sustainable organisational growth and fostering a culture of accountability and integrity.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, she is very active and passionate about community development and social initiatives. She also contributes to charity and outreach programmes. Through her service, she aims to create opportunities for education, personal development and lasting community resilience.

Mr Anil Avery Bridglal, a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant, Forensic CPA and Chartered Manager is an accomplished finance executive and corporate governance specialist with over 30 years of diverse experience across the energy, manufacturing, retail, financial services and public sectors. As the Managing Partner of Hardys, Chartered Accountants, he oversees corporate advisory, statutory auditing, and taxation services for over 200 clients locally and internationally. He has held senior financial leadership positions in the oil and gas industry and has extensive experience in audit, risk management, treasury, corporate finance, and regulatory compliance.

A senior member of the regional accounting fraternity, Mr Bridglal is an active member of the Taxation Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago (ICATT). His robust governance background includes serving on numerous Private and State Sector Boards, and Chairing of the Audit Committees.

Passionate about financial ethics, he frequently lectures in forensic accounting. He is also a widely exhibited visual artist, reflecting the cultural richness of Trinidad and Tobago.

Ms Nichelle Granderson is a Strategy and Human Resources expert with over two decades of experience operating in markets throughout the Caribbean Region. She is the Managing Director and Principal Consultant of a leading regional consulting firm specialising in Executive Training in Strategic Planning as well as the design of Business Transformation Solutions geared towards effective Strategy and Human Resources Management. It is noteworthy that her firm is a Global Technical Partner of the Balanced Scorecard Institute, part of the Strategy Management Group based in the United States.

Ms Granderson currently holds an Executive Human Resources Leadership Role at a large State Agency and also serves as an Adjunct Consultant at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. In her career, she has worked with Multinational Organisations advising Boards, Regional Group and Country CEOs, while leading high-performing teams across diverse industries including Banking & Finance, Telecommunications, Retail, Technology, Manufacturing & Distribution, Academia, Food & Beverage, and CARICOM Development.

Ms Granderson is certified by the Balanced Scorecard Institute and the George Washington University College of Professional Studies™ as a: Balanced Scorecard Strategic Planning Professional; Key Performance Indicators Professional and Objectives & Key Results Professional.

She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Anglia Ruskin University, complemented by international and local professional certifications in: Saville™ Wave Psychometric Assessment; Hult University™ Organisation Design; Competency Framework Development and Industrial Relations Management.

Her leadership in Strategic Planning and Human Resource Management initiatives in both public and private sectors has seen her working extensively with Boards and Executive Teams bringing deep experience in: Strategic Planning, Organisation Design, Change Management, Performance Management and Measurement, Governance and Policy Development, Business Process Reengineering, Total Rewards Management, Employee Engagement, Industrial Relations Management, HR Information Systems, HR Auditing, Strategic Readiness Assessments; Organisation Effectiveness Analysis as well as Business Model Conceptualisation and Tool Design. Her dual experience as both a consultant and corporate executive, positions her as a strategic asset particularly in driving organisational effectiveness, governance, and sustainable growth.

Ms Granderson has been appointed as a Director on the following Boards: First Citizens Group Financial Holdings Limited, First Citizens Bank Limited, First Citizens Bank (Barbados) Limited, First Citizens Depository Services Limited, First Citizens Trustee Services Limited, First Citizens Investment Services Limited and First Citizens Holdings Limited.

Mr Javan Lewis is a distinguished leader and the visionary founder of Jlew Signature Events Limited, a standout company within the event and project management sector. With over 15 years of extensive experience, Javan has been pivotal in pioneering innovative approaches to project planning and execution, consistently extending the boundaries of creativity and technological integration.

He earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Anglia Ruskin University. Under his guidance since 2007, and officially trademarked in 2014, Jlew Signature Events Limited embarked on a transformative journey to redefine how projects are conceptualised and delivered.

Jlew Signature Events Limited has seen significant growth, managing over 150 high-profile projects annually across local, regional, and international landscapes. Javan’s strategic vision has not only broadened the company’s client base but has also fortified its standing as an industry leader renowned for excellence in project management, with a keen focus on celebrating Caribbean culture and traditions.

A hallmark of Javan’s leadership is his unwavering commitment to innovation. He emphasises that each project should narrate a compelling story and create enduring memories by leveraging state-of-the-art technology. His foresight in trend dynamics positions the company at the vanguard of the industry, collaborating with elite vendors and creative professionals to ensure exemplary service.

In his role as Managing Director, Javan cultivates a culture of collaboration and empowerment within his team. He champions the idea that valuable insights can originate from any level within the organisation and promotes an environment of open communication and continuous learning. This ethos has resulted in a vibrant, diverse team that thrives on creativity and passion.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Javan actively engages in philanthropic efforts, supporting local communities through the funding of charitable projects. His commitment to excellence in project management and his innovative spirit continue to propel Jlew Signature Events Limited to new heights, inspiring peers and setting a benchmark in the management industry.

Ms Sandy Roopchand serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Castle Limited. In her capacity as CEO, she brings over twenty (20) years of leadership experience, with a proven track record in the management of Finance, Sales and Operations within the fast food sector. Throughout her illustrious career, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in guiding the organisation to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and financial stability.

Since assuming executive leadership, Ms Roopchand has overseen the successful expansion of the organisation with the addition of twenty-five (25) new locations, thus strengthening the Company’s presence in the market. This growth undoubtedly reflects her strategic vision, strong financial stewardship and ability to align operations with long-term business goals.

As an impactful and effective leader, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively with global stakeholders in the quick-service restaurant industry. Her strategic vision, combined with strong and insightful leadership, has positioned Royal Castle Limited as an industry leader.

A qualified Accountant since 2002, Ms Roopchand possesses extensive knowledge and experience in Auditing, Financial Reporting, Analysis, Forecasting and Project Management. She combines this financial expertise with practical operational management, ensuring that business decisions are both data-driven and strategically sound.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Ms Roopchand holds a Certificate and Master Certificate in Food Service Management from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, underscoring a deep commitment to continuous professional development and industry best practices.

Beyond corporate leadership, Ms Roopchand is committed to philanthropic and community building initiatives. She actively supports initiatives that advance education, empower youth, and strengthen local communities, reflecting a belief that successful organisations must contribute meaningfully to the wider society.

Known for her results-oriented leadership style and commitment to excellence, Ms Roopchand continues to drive the organisation towards innovation, operational efficiency and sustained growth while shaping the future of the fast-food industry.

Brian brings to First Citizens Depository Services over 21 years of leadership and experience in the banking industry. Brian has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Operations Research from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Navarra (IESE), Barcelona, Spain. Over his career, Brian has worked exclusively in Corporate and Investment Banking working for both local and multinational financial institutions. He joined the First Citizens Group as Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking in 2012 then moved to General Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking in 2015. In February 2021, Brian moved to First Citizens Depository Services where he currently serves as General Manager.

Narda has over 19 years’ experience in the financial services sector, in addition to 4 years working in financial positions in the automotive and Oil & Gas sectors.  In her years as an Accountant, she was responsible for financial statement preparation, account reconciliations and audits. For over 15 years she led the Operations Department of First Citizens Investment Services Limited (FCIS, formerly CMMB Limited) and more recently First Citizens Depository Services Limited (FCDS), having the responsibility for the improvement, development and implementation of systems, controls, standards and processes to ensure that the Group remains competitively positioned. She also works with the wider management team to develop and implement the Strategic Plan, Vision and Mission of the company to ensure that best practice and efficiency is always a priority. Her accounting and finance background coupled with her years of experience has been invaluable to the Operations Team of FCIS/FCDS Limited, and by extension the wider First Citizens Group. Mrs. Clarke-Mohan obtained her ACCA membership since 2008 and in 2013 was awarded the prestigious title of Fellow (Fellow Chartered and Certified Accountant).

Dirk has served as the Manager, Investment Operations & Reporting for the past 10 years. He has been in the banking industry for over 25 years with experience in operations as well as financial accounting. He holds a MBA from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (Finance Specialization) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick (Finance & Human Resources Concentrations). He currently leads the Custodianship functions of FCDS that encompass Asset Servicing, Corporate Action Administration, Counterparty Administration, Valuation and Reporting.

Marcia is the Senior Manager of Financial Accounting, a position held since May 2012 with specific responsibility for the accounting and statutory and financial reporting for all Pensions and Savings Plans managed by the Group, the First Citizens suite of collective investment schemes and the corporate accounts of two subsidiaries of the First Citizens Group. Marcia has over 24 years’ experience in accounting and finance, 18 of which are in a leadership role. She has honed quite a wealth of experience over the years, from sound Investment accounting from Toronto, Canada to management and corporate accounting at the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation and within the First Citizens Group.  Marcia holds a Heriot Watt MSc in Financial Management, a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada and has been a Chartered Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accounting (CMA) in good standing with CPA Canada for the last 20 years.

Melanie was appointed Manager-Investment Solutions at First Citizens Depository Services Limited (formerly First Citizens Asset Management Limited) effective March 1, 2018. She previously served as Manager – Operations at First Citizens Investment Services Limited from January 2009 up to February 2018. Prior to joining First Citizens Bank, Melanie served in various positions at Caribbean Money Market Brokers Limited (CMMB) until its acquisition by First Citizens in January 2009. Melanie has over eighteen years of professional experience working in the financial services industry most of which have been spent in back-office Operations. She holds a BSc in Management Studies (Special) from The University of the West Indies and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration-Management (with high Hons) from Berkeley College, New York, USA.

Grace is a finance professional with over 15 years of banking and accounting experience. She was appointed as the Manager, Financial Accounting within First Citizens Depository Services in November 2014. Grace supports the Senior Manager and is responsible for managing various aspects of financial and business operations spanning periodic financial statements preparation, statutory and regulatory reporting, managing internal and external audits of the collective investment schemes, pension plans and the corporate accounts of two subsidiaries of the First Citizens Group.

Grace has been a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) since August 2015 and was admitted a Fellow (FCCA) in the Association in August 2020. In 2021, she obtained her designation of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) with ACAMS.

Melissa has over 15 years’ experience at First Citizens, twelve (12) of which has been in Fund Administration. She also worked in retail operations, credit and group marketing, where she copped the Employee of Year Award 2013. Melissa holds IBAF Professional CERT FA as well as London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Group Marketing Diploma qualifications and is currently studying for an MBA – Business Administration from the University of Bedfordshire, UK.