Robert Bakker
Senior consultant and project manager with over 20 years of experience in financial services. Specialist in regulatory compliance, digital transformation and process optimisation.
I bring structure where it's missing, and deliver results where others get stuck. Calm, connecting and always focused on what really matters. Raised in the financial sector, but broadly deployable.
Career
From online banking to WTP.
Fourteen assignments and positions since 2005, with the emphasis on the recent years in regulatory change and digital transformation. Argenta, NIBC and Achmea were via Novisource, comparable to the assignments I now do from Future Legacy.
October 2025 to present
CACEIS
Interim Project Manager WTP/NPR
As project manager, set up the project and governance structure for the WTP implementation. First client group successfully migrated in January 2026, repeatable processes established for subsequent groups. Also involved as project lead in mapping, optimising and redesigning data checks and controls in operations.
January 2025 to september 2025
ABN AMRO Bank
Lead ESG data transformation
Set up the business case, roadmap and project organisation for modernising the sustainability data landscape. Led a multidisciplinary team of 10+ FTE, focused on EU Taxonomy, ESG Pillar 3 and BCBS 239 alignment.
January 2024 to december 2024
ABN AMRO Bank
Project Manager SFR reporting
Ultimately responsible for the bank-wide implementation of Sustainable Finance Reporting across 20+ departments at home and abroad. Coached project leads and staff across several workstreams, delivered all disclosures on time for the annual report.
April 2022 to december 2023
ABN AMRO Bank
Epic Integrator / Project Manager SFR
Connecting link between international entities for SFR and ESG Pillar 3 reporting requirements. In 2023, project lead for the bank-wide Dry Run, the final go/no-go moment before the regulatory year-end close.
July 2019 to december 2021
ABN AMRO Private Banking
Business Analyst / Project Manager (via Novisource)
Got a stalled IT migration moving again after the acquisition of a foreign bank. Implemented SAFe Agile, repaired stakeholder relationships, resumed delivery within tight deadlines.
September 2017 to march 2022
Novisource
Lead Business Consultant / Team Lead Banking & Investments
Built and professionalised a consultancy team within Banking & Investments. Responsible for recruitment, matching, coaching and performance of a team of consultants. In parallel with the client assignments during this period.
July 2018 to august 2019
Achmea
Project Manager / Epic Owner (via Novisource)
Analysis and redesign of the enterprise archive (OpenText) for digital customer access via the portals of Avéro, Zilveren Kruis, Centraal Beheer and Interpolis. Drew up a strategic advisory report, drove delivery as Epic Owner.
December 2017 to june 2018
NIBC Bank
Process Analyst / Business Analyst (MiFID II)
Mapped and redesigned all business processes for full MiFID II compliance. Worked with process owners, Legal and Compliance using BPMN in Blue Dolphin.
October 2016 to december 2017
Argenta (Belgium)
Product Manager / Business Analyst (via Novisource)
Product manager for a new investment advisory platform for all Argenta branches. Navigated the competing interests of commercial stakeholders, Legal and Compliance, without compromising on MiFID II compliance.
April 2016 to october 2016
Mars
Analyst Investment Accounting & Operations
Tax filings and rebalancing of European pension investment portfolios. Liaison between Mars, the asset manager and global custodians.
September 2014 to march 2016
BNY Mellon
Senior Tax Analyst
Tax treaty documentation and withholding tax reclaims for institutional investment portfolios of Scandinavian and Spanish banks, pension funds and asset managers.
February 2011 to august 2014
BNY Mellon
Associate Custody Client Services
Trade and cash settlement, liquidity positions and corporate actions for institutional clients. Seconded to Frankfurt in 2012 to build and train the local team after the BHF Bank acquisition.
June 2009 to january 2011
BNY Mellon
Junior Associate Instruction Processing
Processing of trade, cash and currency transactions. Investigation and resolution of settlement discrepancies.
2005 to 2009
First steps in the financial sector
Rabobank Tilburg & ABN AMRO
Sales adviser for retail clients at Rabobank Tilburg (2007-2009) and before that at ABN AMRO (2006-2007). Started at ABN AMRO in 2005 as an internet banking specialist. This is where the financial career began.
What I'm good at
Structuring complexity.
My strength is structuring complexity. A programme with many moving parts, multiple stakeholders and a hard deadline: that's where I'm at my best. I work with whatever method fits the programme, whether that's SAFe Agile, PRINCE2, Scrum, Lean or Waterfall. The method serves the project, not the other way around.
On content, I'm at home in heavily regulated environments. MiFID II, CSRD, SFR, ESG, WTP and BCBS 239 aren't acronyms I have to look up, but regulation I've built projects around. I know how they relate to each other and where the real work is.
On the people side, it's all about connection. Coaching project staff, team development and reporting that lands at management and C-level. I move easily in politically sensitive environments where not everyone has the same stake, and keep things moving there without damaging relationships.
And I understand the technology. Business analysis, process redesign with BPMN, impact analyses at the intersection of business and IT. The fact that I build AI tools myself is an extension of that. If you build it yourself, you understand better what technology can and can't do.
Education and certifications
SAFe 4.6 Practitioner, Scrum Master, Lean Orange Belt and the Carnegie Mellon Innovation Bootcamp. Backed by over twenty years of learning in practice, at banks, insurers and pension administrators.
Recommendations
What others say.
Nine recommendations from managers and colleagues, from my first assignments in Belgium to the recent years at ABN AMRO.
“Robert Bakker has been an invaluable asset to ABN AMRO over the past three years, consistently demonstrating exceptional performance and leadership across various roles within the Finance department. His involvement in the Sustainable Finance Regulations program has been particularly noteworthy, as he has brought significant value through his relentless dedication and proactive approach. Robert possesses a remarkable can-do mentality, consistently going above and beyond to achieve the jointly defined objectives. His unwavering dedication to stakeholder alignment and loyalty to management is evident in his ability to defend and execute choices made. He adeptly translates program decisions into clear objectives and timelines. His enthusiasm is a real asset to the team, creating a conducive atmosphere for collaboration and motivating others to strive for excellence.”
Program Manager Sustainability Reporting, ABN AMRO · direct manager
“Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Robert, and he has proven to be an outstanding colleague in many ways. His ability to manage projects efficiently, engage stakeholders, and drive initiatives forward is truly impressive. Robert always looks at possibilities rather than limitations, and his enthusiasm is contagious. He excels at translating innovative ideas into concrete plans with clear deliverables and milestones. His natural talent for simplifying complex topics ensures that all stakeholders understand the key priorities. On top of that, Robert is highly reliable: when he commits to something, you can be sure it will be delivered with quality and on time. He is a fantastic sparring partner, approachable, supportive, and always bringing positive energy to the team.”
Sustainable Finance Regulations, ABN AMRO · worked together for 2 years
“I had the pleasure of working with Robert on an SFR project, and what stood out was his solution-oriented mindset. Where many might get caught up in obstacles or challenges, Robert consistently focused on finding practical ways forward. His ability to analyze issues quickly, reframe them, and guide the team toward constructive solutions made a significant difference to the success. Robert's positive attitude and determination to keep momentum going were truly inspiring. I can confidently recommend Robert as a highly capable and solution-driven professional who would add value to any team or organization.”
Regulatory Reporting Officer · SFR project
“I had the honour to make Robert a part of the ABN AMRO Private Banking Grid Investments team. We worked closely together for 2.5 years. From the first inception it was clear Robert was going to add a lot of value and during our collaboration I got to know a very passionate, energetic and pleasant person. Robert is always finding ways of improving himself, people around him and business. Robert is knowledgable, and if he doesn't know the answer he will figure it out. He is not afraid to do something he never did before and has a strong desire to learn. Without a doubt I would hire Robert again!”
Head of Product, Amdax · direct manager at ABN AMRO Private Banking
“Robert has provided us with many opportunities and insights. To us, Robert's networks were invaluable and he was always happy to help. He has been excellent to work with, never letting us down. From what I could perceive he displayed great leadership skills, community management and judgment. A true philanthropic advocate that has and continues to do all he can for his network, friends and community. I cannot recommend Robert highly enough.”
Founder, Pebly & Vector Capital Management
“Sadly I could only work with Robert for a short time. At Argenta he started his first assignment for Dynafin. It was as if he had never done anything else. He adapted very quickly, grasped his assignment and the expectations fast, and got to grips with the new subject matter remarkably quickly and eagerly. He is young, dynamic and driven, but at the same time manages to command the necessary credibility. He defends his position, built on his experience and market knowledge, while always remaining correct and professional. He succeeds in mapping out concepts and strategic options. He is also highly collegial and engaged. His commitment is always more than 100%.”
Organisation architect, Wilde Zwanen · Argenta
“In 2016 I worked intensively with Robert for three months on the MiFID II project at Argenta. Robert showed there that he can get up to speed quickly and make subject matter his own. He brings structure to the work and can set priorities, which also enables colleagues to organise their work better. He is an excellent team player who, with a natural flair and friendliness, earns a self-evident place in a team. Robert is welcome to approach me for a recommendation for any future client. I wish him every success in all respects!”
Lawyer & Mediator · MiFID II project Argenta
“I have worked with Robert for a few years and I have hardly known anyone more resourceful. He is an innovator, always bustling with ideas, bringing in the positive yet organized stir. Robert's challenging the status quo in a caring way, being truly invested in the relationships with his clients and in creating wealth for the company. Unique networking skills and strong sense of responsibility set him apart. I believe these qualities, however essential, are not always easy to find.”
Product Owner Data, Telenet
“Robert is a committed and driven project manager with a sharp analytical mind. He knows how to break complex issues down into manageable steps and keeps stakeholders on board throughout. A pleasure to work with.”
ABN AMRO Private Banking
Contact
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