Famous Indian Bankers

Chanda Kochhar is an Indian banker who served as the managing director and chief executive officer of ICICI Bank from 2009 to 2018. She resigned from her positions in 2018 due to a conflict of interest case and was subsequently fired by ICICI Bank. Kochhar is facing allegations of money laundering charges in India and has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection to alleged loan fraud charges. In 2019, a case was filed against her for granting high-value loans to Videocon with conspiracy during 2009.

Arundhati Bhattacharya is a prominent figure in the Indian banking industry, having served as the Chairperson of the State Bank of India, the first woman to hold this position. She was recognized globally for her leadership, being ranked by Forbes as the 25th most powerful woman in the world. Bhattacharya's influence extended further as she was the only Indian corporate leader featured on Fortune's world's greatest leaders list. Her insights and achievements have been documented in various publications, such as her interview on the making of her historic role at SBI in Harvard Business Review.

Uday Suresh Kotak is an Indian banker and founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank. In the early 1980s, he ventured into entrepreneurship, diversifying his business into financial services like bills discounting, stockbroking, and investment banking. Kotak's company, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd., made history by obtaining India's first banking license in 2003. His wealth is estimated at $14.8 billion as of April 2021. In 2006, he acquired Goldman Sachs' stake in two subsidiaries, marking the end of their 14-year partnership.

Sir Chintaman Dwarakanath Deshmukh was an influential Indian civil servant who made significant contributions in the fields of finance, economics, and education. He was the first Indian to serve as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and later held the position of Finance Minister in the Union Cabinet. Deshmukh was involved in the establishment of various institutions, including the National Council of Applied Economic Research and the India International Center. He also served in leadership roles at organizations like the University of Delhi, Indian Statistical Institute, and Indian Institute of Public Administration.

Bimal Jalan is a distinguished economist and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. He has held various key positions in the Indian government, including Chief Economic Adviser, Banking Secretary, and Finance Secretary. Jalan also served as the President of the Governing Body of the National Council of Applied Economic Research. Known for his expertise in economic policy, he was appointed as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India for two terms, during which significant monetary policies were implemented, including the introduction of the 1000 rupee denomination note.

Naina Lal Kidwai is a prominent Indian banker, chartered accountant, and business executive. She has held key leadership roles, including Group General Manager and Country Head of HSBC India. Her impressive career also includes serving as the President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Known for her expertise in the financial sector, Naina Lal Kidwai has made significant contributions to the Indian business landscape through her strategic vision and leadership capabilities.

Kundapur Vaman Kamath is a prominent figure in the Indian business world, having held key leadership positions in various renowned companies. He has served as the Chairman of Infosys Limited, Non-Executive Chairman of ICICI Bank, and Chief of the New Development Bank of BRICS countries. Kamath's career highlights include being the founder Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank. He currently holds positions as Independent Director and Non-Executive Chairman of Jio Financial Services, as well as serving on the boards of Schlumberger and Lupin, showcasing his extensive expertise and influence in the corporate sector.

Anathapindika was a wealthy merchant, banker, and philanthropist, known as the chief male patron of the Buddha. He founded the Jetavana Monastery in Savatthi, a significant temple during the Buddha's time. Anathapindika earned the nickname "one who gives alms to the unprotected" for his charitable nature. He met the Buddha and attained a stage of enlightenment, becoming a devoted lay follower. Anathapindika generously supported the Buddha and his monastic community, providing daily meals and maintaining Jetavana Monastery. He was recognized as the foremost male lay disciple in generosity.

Kamlesh Mehta is a retired Indian table tennis player with a distinguished professional career. In March 2017, he was appointed as the national observer for table tennis by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Throughout his career, Mehta has made significant contributions to the sport, displaying exceptional skill and leadership both on and off the table. His appointment as a national observer further highlights his expertise and commitment to the development of table tennis in India.

Sassoon David Sassoon was a prominent British Indian Iraqi businessman, banker, and philanthropist known for his successful career in the 19th century. He played a crucial role in the economic landscape of his time, establishing himself as a leading figure in the business world. Through his ventures in banking and commerce, Sassoon amassed wealth and influence, earning a reputation for his astute financial acumen. Additionally, his philanthropic endeavors reflected his commitment to giving back to society and supporting various charitable causes.

Elias David Sassoon was an Indian merchant and banker involved in trade in India and the Far East, with branches in Calcutta, Shanghai, Canton, and Hong Kong. He expanded the family business into China and established his own business, "E.D. Sassoon & Co.", trading in dried fruits, nankeen, metals, tea, silk, spices, and camphor. He also founded the Jewish Cemetery, Chinchpokli, in memory of his son. Elias played a significant role in the business world, particularly in Bombay and Shanghai, until his passing in British Ceylon.

Priyanka Chaudhary Raina is an accomplished Indian software engineer and former banker with experience at companies like Accenture and Wipro. She transitioned to social work, founding the Gracia Raina Foundation with her husband to promote mother and child wellness. As a senior software tester at ING in Amsterdam, Netherlands, she left her job to focus on raising her child and charity work. Priyanka is a TED speaker, radio show host, and blogger advocating for pregnancy, motherhood, child-rearing, and mental wellness. She has also been involved with various NGOs supporting children's health and welfare.