Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited (ESFBL), one of India's largest small finance banks, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team. The bank has appointed Manish Agrawal to the position of President – Finance, a move that underscores its commitment to strengthening its financial stewardship and enhancing its strategic capabilities.

Key Appointment Details

Expertise and Role

Mr. Agrawal brings a wealth of experience to ESFBL, with more than two decades dedicated to the banking sector. His areas of expertise include:

• Financial Reporting
• Financial Controls
• Management Reporting
• Regulatory Reporting
• Budgeting
• IT initiatives

In his new role, Mr. Agrawal will focus on strengthening the bank's financial strategy, governance, and reporting mechanisms. His appointment is expected to play a crucial role in supporting ESFBL's long-term growth objectives and digital transformation agenda.

Previous Experience

Prior to joining Equitas Small Finance Bank, Mr. Agrawal held a significant position at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he served as the Head of Bank Finance Function for both the bank and its consolidated group. His professional journey also includes valuable stints with ING Vysya Bank and PwC, further enriching his banking and financial sector expertise.

Leadership's Perspective

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vasudevan P N, MD & CEO of Equitas Small Finance Bank Limited, expressed enthusiasm about Mr. Agrawal joining the leadership team. He highlighted the value of Mr. Agrawal's extensive experience in finance, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance, viewing it as a significant asset for the bank's future growth.

Strategic Implications

This strategic appointment reflects Equitas Small Finance Bank's commitment to:

1. Enhancing its digital capabilities
2. Strengthening financial and operational excellence
3. Maintaining a customer-centric approach to financial services

The bank aims to leverage Mr. Agrawal's expertise to accelerate its growth trajectory and solidify its position as a trusted and progressive financial institution in India's evolving banking landscape.

As Equitas Small Finance Bank continues to focus on providing credit to unbanked and underbanked micro and small entrepreneurs, Mr. Agrawal's insights and leadership in finance are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the bank's future strategies and operations.

Equitas Small Finance Bank has made a significant addition to its leadership team, appointing Manish Agrawal as the new President-Finance. This strategic move, effective November 3, 2025, brings a wealth of experience to the bank's financial operations.

Key Appointment Details

Professional Background

Manish Agrawal brings over two decades of banking experience to Equitas Small Finance Bank. His expertise spans various crucial areas of financial management:

• Financial Reporting
• Financial Controls
• Management Reporting
• Regulatory Reporting
• Budgeting
• IT Initiatives

Prior to joining Equitas Small Finance Bank, Agrawal held the position of Head of Bank Finance Function at Kotak Mahindra Bank, where he was responsible for both the bank and its consolidated group. His career also includes stints at ING Vysya Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers, further enriching his industry knowledge.

Educational Qualifications

Agrawal's strong academic background complements his extensive professional experience:

• Chartered Accountant
• Bachelor's degree in Commerce

Impact on Equitas Small Finance Bank

This appointment is expected to bolster Equitas Small Finance Bank's financial strategy and operations. As a Senior Management Personnel, Agrawal will play a crucial role in shaping the bank's financial direction and contributing to its growth objectives.

The bank's decision to bring Agrawal on board demonstrates its commitment to strengthening its leadership team with seasoned professionals. This move aligns with the bank's potential plans for expansion and enhanced financial management in an increasingly competitive banking landscape.

As Equitas Small Finance Bank continues to evolve in the dynamic financial sector, Agrawal's extensive experience in banking finance is likely to be a valuable asset in navigating future challenges and opportunities.