ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

B Tech, Civil Engineering: College of Engineering, Trivandrum

MBA, General: Nottingham University Business School, Kuala Lumpur Campus

PROFILE SUMMARY

Senior SME Finance and Credit Risk professional with 23+ years of experience across banking and NBFCs, specializing in SME financing, credit underwriting, portfolio management, and risk management. Proven expertise in managing large SME portfolios, building credit processes, leading high-performing credit teams, and driving portfolio quality across South and Central India. Currently provides independent advisory across debt restructuring, working capital optimization, capital raising, business transformation, promoter equity, and Virtual CFO services. Strong understanding of the SME ecosystem, with extensive experience across NBFCs, manufacturing, services, and commercial banking.

CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

1 years

EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Independent AssignmentsBusiness Consultant Jan ‘26 – Present- Consulting engagements in business transformation, debt restructuring, capital raising, and strategic advisory for varied clients across industry segments that includes NBFCs, manufacturing and services sectors.- Activity lines include Debt reprofiling, Working capital recalibration, Inter-creditor negotiations, Business transformation/re-engineering, Promoter equity dilution, Equity infusion, Virtual CFO services, Asset sale.

Cholamandalam Inv & FinanceZonal Credit Manager – South Dec’22 - Jan ‘26- Managed the underwriting and portfolio operations for five states in South India, overseeing monthly disbursals of approximately ?250 crore and maintaining an AUM of ~?2,500 crore.- Leading and mentoring a team of over 30 credit professionals across multiple locations, ensuring adherence to high standards of credit hygiene and operational efficiency.- Key responsibilities include credit appraisals, portfolio monitoring, delinquency management, audit compliance, and driving new initiatives to enhance portfolio quality.- Product portfolio includes Term Finance, Equipment Finance, Supply Chain Business and Factoring.- Achieved recognition during the FY 2024 annual business meet for maintaining the best credit hygiene among all zones in the country.- Played a pivotal role in scaling up SME business operations in the Southern region, which now leads in ROTA performance and exhibits the lowest NPA levels nationwide.

Auxilo FinserveNational Credit Head May ’21 - Nov ‘22- Managed the underwriting of risk for Educational Institution Loans across five major cities, contributing to the company’s objective of financing the education ecosystem.- Played a central role in reviewing and strengthening credit policy metrics, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and market needs.- Actively monitored the portfolio, identifying early warning signals, and implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks.- Engaged extensively with external stakeholders, fostering productive collaborations and advancing risk management initiatives.

EdelweissDivision Head – Credit Risk Jul’13 - Apr ‘21- Oversaw credit underwriting for the SME business across South and Central India, managing a peak AUM exceeding ?900 crore.- Contributed significantly to the establishment of the SME business vertical in South India, from developing credit systems to building teams and operationalizing processes.- Maintained NPA levels within industry benchmarks, reflecting a well-underwritten and effectively managed portfolio.- Played a key role in designing product programs, improving credit management techniques, and streamlining operational workflows.- Presented high-value transactions exceeding ?5 crore to the Credit Committee, ensuring robust risk assessment and approval processes.- Independently handled transaction approvals up to ?3 crore and ensured audit compliance across all operations.

Axis BankSenior Manager – Credit Feb’11 - Jun’13- Managed a Mid-Corporate and SME portfolio worth ?800 crore for the Chennai Corporate Banking Branch, ensuring high levels of credit hygiene and operational efficiency.- Facilitated credit appraisals, documentation, disbursals, and post-sanction compliance, including asset quality monitoring and NPA management.- Actively addressed audit requirements, ensuring timely resolution of audit queries and maintaining minimal errors.

Yes BankRelationship Leader Nov ’07 - Feb ‘11- Sourced and managed commercial banking clients with turnovers up to ?300 crore, providing customized financial solutions to meet credit and transactional needs.- Played a pivotal role in setting up the Business Banking function in Cochin and introduced innovative CMS programs during challenging market conditions.HSBCManager Oct ’06 -Nov ‘07- Managed transaction banking solutions for commercial banking clients, focusing on factoring and documentary credit-backed programs.- Conducted detailed credit underwriting and ensured robust post-sanction monitoring.Ernst & YoungBusiness Practices Analyst Feb ’06-Oct ‘06- Conducted data analysis and prepared advisory reports for projects in the banking and oil sectors within GCC countries, supporting strategic decision-making processes.South Indian BankProbationary Officer Nov ’00-Feb ‘03- Gained hands-on experience in branch operations, trade services, and priority sector lending across multiple locations, catering to diverse client segments.