Seasoned business leader with three decades of experience in financial services, operations, and strategy joins to lead the next chapter of growth
New Delhi, India, May 5, 2026: Religare Finvest Limited (RFL), a MSE (Small and Micro Enterprises) focused NBFC, announced the appointment of Mr. Karthik Srinivasan as its Chief Executive Officer. A leader with over three decades of experience spanning banking, financial services, and large-scale business operations, Mr. Srinivasan brings the strategic depth and execution capability that is vital to Religare Finvest’s next phase of growth.
As Chief Executive Officer of Religare Finvest Limited, Mr. Srinivasan will be formulating and executing the strategy to establish a scaled, multi-line NBFC over the coming years, through a combination of building an expansive phygital distribution network, responsible risk management and credit delivery to customers in the best possible manner using the latest and most relevant technology, including blending of AI tools across work streams. His leadership will also be directed at building and mentoring a high-performing organization across functions, fostering a culture that can sustain growth through credit and business cycles.
Mr. Arjun Lamba, Executive Director, Religare Enterprises Limited, said, “We are delighted to welcome Karthik Srinivasan as Chief Executive Officer of Religare Finvest Limited. We believe that his deep domain expertise and proven leadership will play a pivotal role in scaling the business in its next phase of growth. With the strength of Religare’s capital foundation and the long-term backing of the Burman family, we are well positioned to expand our presence in the SME lending space. Karthik’s balanced approach to strategy, execution, and team leadership will be instrumental in unlocking this potential and driving the next chapter of growth for Religare Finvest Limited.”
Karthik Srinivasan spent the last decade at HDB Financial Services in building the Consumer Finance and Asset Finance portfolio spanning several products such as Consumer Loans, Two Wheeler and Auto Loans as well as Commercial Vehicle and Tractor Loans, and growing them at scale. He also played a key role in the Digital Transformation of the company over the last few years. He has also led global teams as an operating leader at Intelenet Global Services / SERCO and has worked with large private
Indian as well as foreign banking and financial services. He has also set-up and nurtured entrepreneurial ventures in the education and technology space in the early parts of his career.
Speaking on joining Religare Finvest, Mr. Karthik Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer, Religare Finvest Limited, said, “I am delighted to join Religare Finvest at a time when the organisation is poised for its next phase of evolution. My focus will be on strengthening core business fundamentals, investing in people and capabilities, and building a resilient institution that can sustain long-term growth. I look forward to collaborating with the team to shape a meaningful and enduring impact.”
Mr. Srinivasan holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in Accounting and Finance from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore.
This appointment comes at a particularly significant juncture for Religare Finvest. Following the Reserve Bank of India’s removal of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) restrictions last year, which had previously placed a cap on the company’s lending activities. RFL is now fully positioned to resume and scale its lending business.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Indranil Choudhury, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Religare Enterprises Limited, said, “Karthik brings a combination of strategic clarity and execution excellence, honed over decades of leading complex, large-scale businesses. His ability to build resilient organisations, navigate change, and drive sustainable growth aligns strongly with Religare Finvest’s ambitions. We are pleased to welcome him to the Group and look forward to the depth of leadership he brings to this next phase.”
The removal of the fraud tag during the same period has further restored the company’s institutional standing and creditor confidence. Religare Finvest enters this new chapter as a cash-rich organisation, with approximately ₹400 crore at its disposal, capital that provides a strong and immediate foundation to reignite lending, deploy credit at scale, and build a resilient portfolio. Together, these developments mark a decisive turning point, and the appointment of Mr. Srinivasan signals RFL’s intent to move swiftly and purposefully into this next phase of growth.
About Religare Finvest Limited
Religare Finvest Limited (RFL), is a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) financing focused NBFC. With a wide network of branches, RFL is committed to providing debt capital to power the growth of the
SMEs. RFL understands that each financial need is unique and offers customized solutions to empower the customer to prosper. With a belief that the customer’s success is their success, its presence across all major cities plays a vital role in nurturing the customers’ business.
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