A former bank executive has been sentenced to prison after embezzling funds to indulge in an extravagant lifestyle that included private jet travel and opulent vacations.

Rosemary Rogers, who served as the chief of staff at the National Australia Bank, was found guilty of accepting $5.5 million in kickbacks.

The illicit funds enabled Rogers to enjoy a lavish month-long American vacation valued at $500,000, acquire a luxury BMW, two boats, and a holiday home, and embark on a getaway to a secluded Fijian island, along with numerous stays at high-end resorts.

Among her indulgences, Rogers frequented the exclusive six-star Emirates resort in Wolgan Valley, New South Wales, where the nightly rate reaches $3,000.

Authorities allege that Helen Rosemond, the head of a luxury travel company, facilitated these bribes by compensating Rogers in exchange for her approval of inflated invoices billed to NAB.

Rosemond is currently awaiting trial on related charges.

But Rogers’ lifestyle began to unravel in December 2017 after an anonymous whistleblower notified the board of NAB.

Today, Rogers’ barrister Mark Tedschi QC said her actions were driven by stress.

She was sentenced to a maximum of eight years in jail after being found guilty of more than 30 bribery, corruption and fraud charges.

“NAB has zero tolerance for any criminal activity. Where criminal conduct is identified, we will refer it to the police,” NAB Chief Legal Counsel Sharon Cook said in a statement.

“Since becoming aware of the issue, we have made changes to strengthen controls in our organisation, including changing delegations and introducing additional checks on expenses.

“As there is a second party involved who is still before the Court, NAB is unable to comment further on this matter. We are taking court action to recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud.”