Guest bio
- One of India's foremost champions of financial inclusion, and the founder of Bandhan Bank, which he led as CEO for nine years.
- Started Bandhan in 2001 as an NGO for marginalised women and built it into India's largest microfinance institution.
- Took Bandhan Bank to around 35 million customers and more than 6,000 branches as it grew into a top-ten private bank.
Chandra Shekhar Ghosh is one of India's foremost champions of financial inclusion. His early work was in founding and running not-for-profit enterprises, and in 2001 he started Bandhan as an NGO for marginalised women, building it into India's largest microfinance institution. He then established Bandhan Bank, one of India's fastest-growing universal banks, and led it as founder and CEO for nine years, taking it across the country and to around 35 million customers and more than 6,000 branches. Under him the bank grew from a small microfinance company into a top-ten private bank, with a mission that those who deserve formal financial services are never denied them. He holds a master's degree in statistics and two honorary doctorates, and is widely regarded as a change-maker in Indian banking.
Show notes
In this episode of Money Majlis, I have the privilege of sitting down with Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, the founder and chairman of Bandhan Bank-a man whose journey from humble beginnings to the helm of one of India’s leading private banks is nothing short of inspirational.
Our conversation traces the incredible evolution of Bandhan, from an NGO for marginalised women in 2001 to India’s largest microfinance institution today, with an asset book of USD 21B and serving over 35 million customers across 6000 branches. All while staying true to its mission of financial inclusion and community empowerment.
We delve deep into the world of microfinance, discussing both its transformative potential and the criticisms it faces-such as concerns over debt traps and the risk of mission drift when institutions pursue profit over purpose. Beyond credit, we talk about the growing importance of savings, insurance, and wealth-building products for low-income segments, and how Bandhan is fostering grassroots innovation to deliver these services effectively across diverse geographies.
Ghosh highlights the bank’s creative marketing efforts, including sonic branding and impactful campaigns, which resonate deeply with rural and semi-urban customers. He outlines Bandhan’s strategy for expanding credit access, especially for MSMEs, and shares how technology-particularly AI and data analytics-will play a pivotal role in enhancing risk management, operational efficiency, and customer reach.
Tune in for an episode rich with stories of vision, humility, and real-world impact-one that reaffirms the power of banking to change lives for the better.
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