Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Limited has announced a key senior management appointment, naming Thiru. S. Balasubramanian as its new Data Protection Officer. The appointment, effective December 26, 2025, was communicated to stock exchanges under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015.

Appointment Details

The bank has appointed Balasubramanian, who holds the position of Deputy Vice President, to serve as Data Protection Officer with immediate effect. The appointment was formally communicated to both the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited on December 26, 2025.

Professional Background and Experience

Balasubramanian brings extensive expertise to his new role, with over 26 years of comprehensive experience in Information Technology and Cyber Security. His professional journey encompasses various critical areas including Information/Cyber Security, Analysis, Design, Development, Testing, Quality Assurance, Implementation, IS/IT Governance, and IS Audit.

His career highlights include over 7 years of experience as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at DBS Bank, demonstrating his capability in managing large-scale cybersecurity operations. Additionally, he has over 4 years of experience as AGM-Information Security Services, further strengthening his credentials in the field.

Academic and Professional Qualifications

The newly appointed Data Protection Officer holds an impressive array of academic and professional certifications that align perfectly with his new responsibilities:

• MBA - Master of Business Administration
• MCA - Master of Computer Applications
• CAIIB - Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers
• CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor
• HDCA - Hardware and Data Communication Architecture
• CSTP - Certified Software Test Professional
• CPISI V4.0 - Certified Professional in Information Systems Integration
• CPSP - Certified Privacy and Security Professional

Areas of Expertise

Balasubramanian's expertise spans multiple critical domains essential for effective data protection and cybersecurity management. His specializations include Information/Cyber Security Operations, IT Risk Management, IS Audit, Information Security Governance, and Data Protection. He also brings valuable experience in Third Party Risk Assessment and Digital Surface Monitoring, which are increasingly important in today's digital banking environment.

Interestingly, his professional portfolio also includes over 2 years of experience in teaching Business Administration, demonstrating his ability to transfer knowledge and build organizational capabilities.

Regulatory Compliance

The appointment was made in compliance with SEBI Master Circular SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD2/CIR/P/0155 dated November 11, 2024, and the disclosure requirements under Schedule III of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The bank's Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, Swapnil Yelgaonkar, formally communicated the appointment to the stock exchanges, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank has officially announced strategic partnerships with Rugr Fintech and Fin Meadows Technologies to enhance its digital payment infrastructure through advanced UPI solutions, as disclosed in a regulatory filing under SEBI Regulation 30.

Partnership with Rugr Fintech

The bank has engaged Rugr Fintech Private Limited as a referral partner to source RBI-licensed Payment Aggregators for UPI merchant collections. This collaboration leverages TMB's Hosted UPI Switch - TechFini, procured from Fin Meadows Technologies, to deliver secure, scalable, and compliant UPI acquiring infrastructure.

Collaboration with Fin Meadows Technologies

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank has partnered with Fin Meadows Technologies Private Limited as a Technology Service Provider for UPI switching through their TechFini UPI Switch. The partnership enables faster, secure and scalable UPI solutions for payment aggregators, NBFCs, merchants and fintech partners.

Executive Statements

Mr. Salee S. Nair, Managing Director & CEO of TMB, commented: "This collaboration with Rugr FinTech marks another milestone in our digital journey. By combining TMB's trusted banking platform with Rugr's fintech expertise and TechFini's advanced UPI infrastructure, we aim to deliver seamless, secure, and scalable payment solutions to merchants and aggregators across India."

Mr. Arangasamy K.V, Managing Director of Rugr FinTech, added: "We are delighted to partner with TMB to enable RBI-authorized Payment Aggregators with reliable UPI acquiring capabilities. Our focus is on driving transaction success rates and compliance while supporting India's digital payment growth story."

Strategic Impact

The partnerships position TMB to strengthen its digital payment ecosystem by enabling regulated Payment Aggregators and Gateways to route UPI transactions through the bank's platform. The collaboration extends UPI use cases to lending and collections through TechFini's UPI Autopay solution, allowing NBFCs and digital lenders to automate EMI and loan repayments directly from customers' linked bank accounts.

TMB operates with 601 branches and 12 regional offices across 17 states and 4 union territories, serving more than 5.30 million customers with a 100-year operational history in the banking sector.