CFI’s SPJIMR FinNovate Accelerator is a unique start-up accelerator that aims to bring together the best start-ups, experienced mentors, and large corporates in the BFSI space for an exclusive acceleration programme. By facilitating collaboration and mentorship, the accelerator aims to foster innovation and growth among start-ups while also building partnerships with angel networks, banks, insurance companies, and asset management firms. Through this programme, CFI aims to provide a platform for start-ups to thrive and make a positive impact on the BFSI industry.
In Focus
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SPJIMR FinNovate Accelerator
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Centre for Financial Innovation (CFI)
We are thrilled to share that the Centre for Financial Studies has undergone a significant transformation over the past year. In light of these changes, we have made the strategic decision to rebrand the Centre to better align with our current vision and direction.
We are excited to introduce our new name – Centre for Financial Innovation (CFI). This new name accurately reflects our unwavering commitment to pioneering wise innovation and influencing the future of the financial practice. The name ‘Centre for Financial Innovation’ embodies our dedication to driving change and progress within the financial industry.
We are confident that the rebranding of the Centre for Financial Studies to the Centre for Financial Innovation is a significant and necessary step towards achieving our vision. We look forward to the future with excitement and a renewed commitment to making a difference in the financial industry.
Education
SPJIMR’s mission is to influence managerial practice and promote value-based growth. CFI promotes these values among individuals, leaders and organisations in the broader financial community. Our programmes and initiatives are designed to inspire and empower leaders to drive positive change in business practices and make a meaningful impact on the world.
Our commitment to excellence in finance education has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner to industry. To keep up with the changing business landscape, CFI has designed a programme for senior working professionals who are looking to advance their careers in the FinTech industry and lead initiatives within their workplace or start their own FinTech ventures. This programme offers a holistic approach to FinTech, equipping participants with a deep understanding of Fintech AI/ML and Data Science.
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Management Development Programs (MDPs)
CFI offers customised, and open Management Development Programmes (MDPs) for corporates and individuals.
Customised MDPs
CFI partners with leading names in the industry to offer customised Management Development Programmes. These programmes are designed to meet the unique training & developmental needs of the Corporates. The institute’s world-class infrastructure consisting of modern classrooms, FinTech Lab and Design Thinking Lab, provides an excellent learning environment that helps participants to refocus and immerse themselves into the courses designed for them.
These courses can also be designed and conducted at a mutually convenient date and venue and offered either in online or offline mode.
Our portfolio of Customised MDPs includes a diverse mix of themes across our focus areas – Financial Innovation and Markets & Risk and Policy. Some of these courses cover the following topics:
- Financial Strategies for CXOs
- Corporate Finance & Risk Analysis
- Strategic Perspectives in FinTech and Blockchain
- Budgeting, Planning, and Forecasting
- Boot camp in Investment Banking & Capital Markets
- Credit Analysis & Credit Structuring
- Advanced course in Capital Markets & M&A Advisory
- Project Finance & Financial Modelling
In addition, CFI also partners with world-class faculty from other SPJIMR departments, such as Organisation and Leadership Studies, to offer best-in-class Leadership and Team Management courses. We have engagements with leading corporates to provide customised, combined, functional and leadership courses covering Finance, Team Management and Leadership.
Open MDP’s
SPJIMR also offers several open programmes for individuals to bridge their skill gaps as live virtual certification programmes in FinTech, Block Chain, Financial Analytics, Risk Management & more.
These courses are sought after by participants ranging across the leadership hierarchy from junior staff to c-suitelevel.
Events
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Benchmark 2023
Yes Securities Benchmark 2023 is a practitioner-oriented research contest organised by the erstwhile CFS; now known as CFI. It invites original, practitioner-oriented research papers in finance from young scholars and doctoral fellows.
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November 9, 2022
Fireside Chat with Mr Mukund Rajan, Chairman, ECube Investment Advisors Pvt. Ltd.
The SPJIMR Centre for Financial Innovation hosted a fireside chat with Mr Mukund Rajan, Chairman of ECube Investment Advisors. Mr Rajan discusses if the markets are losing tolerance with the ESG backlash in this interview with Mr Manoj Mohan, Executive Director, Centre for Financial Studies. He emphasises the advancements in India’s ESG ecosystem and closes with some important suggestions for young management grads.
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September 29, 2022
Life at an Investment Bank
Speakers – Mr. Shantanu Sahai – Former MD & Head of Debt at Nomura
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July 12, 2022
Srini Sriniwasan & Ananth Narayan Speak on SEBI Lens On Alternate Investment Funds
Speakers – Srini Sriniwasan & Ananth Narayan
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July 12, 2022
G Padmanabhan And Ananth Narayan Shares Their Views On RBI Steps To Boost Rupee
Speakers – G Padmanabhan And Ananth Narayan
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July 7, 2022
Ananth Narayan expects India Inflation to peak at 8% in Aug/Sept 2022
Speakers – Prof. Ananth Narayan
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July 7, 2022
State Of The Economy: RBI Liberalises Forex Rules. How Will It Impact The Rupee?
Speakers – Prof. Ananth Narayan
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July 1, 2022
Insights into Financial Markets - July 2022
Speakers – B Prasanna – Head of Global Markets, ICICI Bank
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June 29, 2022
Reflections on investments, risk management, and financial markets
Speakers – Sriram Mahadevan, Azim Premji Foundation
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December 13, 2021
12th Emerging Markets Conference Organised by xKDR Forum, SPJIMR's Centre for Financial Studies and Vanderbilt Law School
XKDR Forum in collaboration with Vanderbilt law School is inviting papers to be submitted for the 13th Emerging Markets Conference, 2022. In the past, the audience for these events has comprised of academics, participants from the legal and financial industry, policy makers from government and regulators.
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October 30, 2021
A fireside chat with a custodian of trust
Speaker – Mr. Rajnish Kumar – Former Chairman SBI
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April 23, 2021
Value Me, You Must – A Jedi Guide to Valuation
Speakers – Prof. Aswath Damodaran, Kerschner Family Chair in Finance Education and Professor of Finance at Stern School of Business,New York University.
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December 12, 2020
Corporate Governance and India’s Financial Sector
Speakers – Mr. Amit Tandon – MD and Founder – Institutional Investor Advisory Services India Limited (IiAS). Mr. Sandeep Hasurkar – Investment Banker. Mr. Tamal Bandyopadhyay – Consulting Editor – Business Standard
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November 19, 2020
The COVID Policy Window; Progress and Opportunities.
Speakers – Mr. Manish Sabharwal, Chairman and Co-Founder of Teamlease Services
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November 10, 2020
Third Generation Reforms for India's Growth & Development
Speaker – Dr. Rakesh Mohan, President and Distinguished Fellow at CSEP, Former Deputy Governor RBI, and Former ED at IMF for India.
Moderator – Professor Ananth Narayan, Associate Professor – Finance, SPJIMR
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October 21, 2020
India's Third Pillar - The Way Forward.
Speakers – Dr Raghuram Rajan – former Governor RBI and former Chief Economist of the IMF.
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August 29, 2020
MSME’s – Breaking out of the Chakravyuh
Speaker – Dr. Nirvikar Singh, Distinguished Prof of Economics, University of California, Santa Cruz. Mr. Varadhan TR, MD, Mascot Systems Pvt Ltd. Mr. Manish Jaiswal, MD & CEO of Magma Housing Finance & SME Business
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August 18, 2020
Reflections on Banking & Governance in India
Speakers – Mr. N.S. Vishwanathan – Former Deputy Governor, RBI, Mr. G. Padmanabhan – Ex-Chairman, Bank of India and Former Executive Director, RBI & Dr. Harsh Vardhan – Senior Advisor Bain & Co., and Executive in Residence, SPJIMR
Moderated by: Prof. Ananth Narayan (Associate Professor Finance, SPJIMR)
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August 1, 2020
Quest for Restoring Financial Stability in India
Speakers – Dr Viral V. Acharya,Former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India
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July 14, 2020
Reviving India’s Economy - What the Pundits Say
Speakers – Dr. Pronab Sen: Country Director, India Programme of the International Growth Centre (IGC) and former Chief Statistician of India. Dr. Venkatraman Anantha Nageswaran: Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Government of India. Dr. Rathin Roy:Director and Chief Executive at National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. Ms. Ira Dugal: Editor – Banking, Finance & Economy Bloomberg Quint
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July 5, 2020
Economy & Markets: Is there a Dichotomy?
Speakers – Mr. Taher Badshah President and CIO (Equities) Invesco Mutual Fund Mr. Mrinal Singh Dy CIO: Equity, ICICI Prudential Asset Mgmt. Co Mr. Aashish Agarwal Country Head – Jefferies India Pvt Ltd
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June 26, 2020
Editors Speak - Reflections On Economics And Journalism
Speakers – Ms. Latha Venkatesh Banking Editor at CNBC TV18 Ms. Menaka Doshi Managing Editor at Bloomberg Quint Ms. Monika Halan Consulting Editor at Mint, HT Media Mr. Tamal Bandyopadhyay Consulting Editor at Business Standard.
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May 27, 2020
Indian Economy: Navigating through a Crisis
Speakers – Dr. Duvvuri Subbarao – Former Governor, RBI Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia – Former Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission
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May 10, 2020
Informative session on Nifty - The path ahead
Speakers – Mr Umeshkumar Mehta – Research Head at SAMCO Securities & Founding team member of Indian Trading League
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February 24, 2020
Session 1 on Market Risk Management
Speaker – Dr Sam Priyadarshi
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February 24, 2020
Session 2 on Market Risk Management
Speaker – Dr Sam Priyadarshi
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November 9, 2019
Panel Discussion 'Savings - The Rocky Road Ahead' - Part -2
Speakers – Mr Prateek Pant (Co-Founder-Head of Products and Solutions at Sanctum Wealth Management), Mr Suraj Kaeley (Former Group President, Sales & Marketing at UTI Mutual Funds), Mr Harsh Roongta (Investment Advisor), Pritam Kumar Patnaik (Business Head – Reliance Commodities Ltd. & Head PCG Sales).
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November 9, 2019
Panel Discussion 'Savings - The Rocky Road Ahead' - Part -1
Speakers – Mr Prateek Pant (Co-Founder-Head of Products and Solutions at Sanctum Wealth Management), Mr Suraj Kaeley (Former Group President, Sales & Marketing at UTI Mutual Funds), Mr Harsh Roongta (Investment Advisor), Pritam Kumar Patnaik (Business Head – Reliance Commodities Ltd. & Head PCG Sales).
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October 10, 2019
Panel discussion on "5$ Trillion Economy: Role of Financial Services"
Speakers – Ms Latha venkatesh Mr Samiran Chakraborty Mr Nimesh Shah Mr Ketan Dalal Mr Alok Kshirsagar Mr Prof. Ananth Narayan
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October 10, 2019
Fireside chat by Ms Arundhati Bhattacharya at the launch
Speakers – Ms Arundhati Bhattacharya
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October 10, 2019
Key address by Mr. Deepak Parekh at the launch
Speakers – Mr Deepak Parekh
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October 10, 2019
Launch of erstwhile CFS
Speakers – Prof Neeraj Swaroop & Dr Ranjan Banerjee
Initiatives
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SPJIMR FinNovate Accelerator
CFI’s SPJIMR FinNovate Accelerator is a unique start-up accelerator that aims to bring together the best start-ups, experienced mentors, and large corporates in the BFSI space for an exclusive acceleration programme. By facilitating collaboration and mentorship, the accelerator aims to foster innovation and growth among start-ups while also building partnerships with angel networks, banks, insurance companies, and asset management firms. Through this programme, CFI aims to provide a platform for start-ups to thrive and make a positive impact on the BFSI industry.
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Beyond the Bottomline
Beyond the Bottomline is a platform that provides insights on the cutting-edge developments in the world of finance. One of its key features is the focus on ‘practitioner research’. By analysing real-world scenarios, the platform offers insights that are both actionable and relevant to finance professionals. The platform covers a wide range of topics in innovations in finance, including emerging technologies like blockchain and digital currencies, fintech startups, and new investment strategies. The practitioner research featured on Beyond the Bottomline is an essential read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the finance industry.
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Benchmark
Benchmark is a one of its kind practitioner-oriented research conclave conducted by CFI. It calls for original research papers with a practitioner focus on finance, focusing on research questions based on any one of the themes pertaining to financial innovation, fintech, ESG. This conclave gives participants an opportunity to showcase their research skills, espouse high-quality practitioner engagement and gain recognition for the same. The inaugural edition of the conclave is underway. Know more
Press articles
21 Feb 2023
Poker and Investing
Manoj Mohan & Siddhartha Khanna (PGDM participant) Know More
8 Feb 2023
Bringing method to the madness: A hedge fund manager and derivative trader's take on behavioural biases
Manoj Mohan and PGDM participant Avani Bhatt Know More
30 Oct 2022
Did the Indian debt markets miss a game changer opportunity again?
Pragya Gupta Know More
27 Sep 2022
Is ESG at the risk of becoming a smokescreen?
Mansi Gupta Know More
23 Aug 2022
A large chunk of RBI's forex reserves is funded by less durable flows
Ananth Narayan Know More
12 Aug 2022
Rupee internationalisation, a step in right direction by RBI; must look at long term, sustainable solutions
Preeta George & Chinmay Joshi Know More
2 Aug 2022
RBI governor’s recipe for banks of the future: Oodles of social media, new tech & a dash of human touch Publication
Manoj Mohan Know More
26 Jul 2022
A relook at RBI's extraordinary steps in 2013 to stabilise rupee
Ananth Narayan Know More
26 Jul 2022
RBI recommends banning cryptocurrencies, industry shows concern
Hemant Manuj Know More
12 Jul 2022
RBI allows payments for international trade in rupee
Ananth Narayan Know More
12 Jul 2022
RBI allows settlement in rupee to settle trade with Russia, Sri Lanka
Ananth Narayan Know More
11 Jul 2022
Rupee Settlement For International Trade: What Changes?
Ananth Narayan Know More
11 Jul 2022
Unhedged exposure via external commercial borrowing new threat to rupee
Ananth Narayan Know More
8 Jul 2022
RBI dangles carrot, but NRI deposits might not match up
Ananth Narayan Know More
7 Jul 2022
RBI's market operations helped banks in funding during Covid, says study
Ananth Narayan Know More
7 Jul 2022
Are we headed for an external sector crisis?
R. K. Pattnaik Know More
5 Jul 2022
Redemption pressure of short-term debt to add to RBI's forex management challenges
Ananth Narayan Know MoreBlogs
August 23, 2022
Are there large open positions in India’s currency markets?
Prof. Ananth Narayan Know More
August 10, 2022
The 2013 RBI FCNR(B) Swap Window – Review & Takeaways
Prof. Ananth Narayan Know More
August 10, 2022
Should the banking system “raise more deposits”?
Prof. Ananth Narayan Know More
June 22, 2022
Accounting for business, life and beyond
Prof. Sapna Malya Know MoreTeam
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People
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Key Leadership
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Manoj Mohan Vengassery
Manoj is the Executive Director of the Centre for Financial Innovation. He has been in the corporate world for close to two decades. In his 15+ years at Standard Chartered, Manoj has undertaken varied roles in Investment Banking. His latest leadership role at Standard Chartered was as Executive Director, Loan Syndicate & Distribution. He is an expert in Credit, Structuring and Institutional Sales with deep expertise in handling C-suite relationships. He was also among the founding directors of the Board of Secondary Loan Market Association (SLMA).
He is passionate about Personal Finance & Life Skills education and has promoted his start-up, My Tenth Cent. He regularly writes and produces YouTube content on these topics on his blog/channel – My Tenth Cent. He is an alumnus of the PGDM programme of SPJIMR and has graduated from IIT (BHU).
Email: manoj.mohan@spjimr.org
P: 022 – 022 – 61454321
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Vidhu Shekhar
Vidhu Shekhar is the Associate Head of the Centre for Financial Innovation and SPJIMR faculty in the Area of Finance, specialising in Fintech and Financial Economics. He is a Ph.D. from IIM Calcutta, MBA from IIM Calcutta, and B. Tech(H) from IIT Kharagpur. Post his MBA, he spent six years working in the Financial Services Industry across Investment Banks and Hedge Funds. He is also a co-founder of a stealth-mode FinTech start-up that is currently building an Automated Conversational Financial Advisor for the Indian market.
Email: vidhu.shekhar@spjimr.org
P: 022 – 61454390
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Key Administrators
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Mrunmai Brid
Mrunmai Brid is the Centre Manager at CFI. She holds a master’s degree in Finance from Mumbai University and has over 14 years of experience in the banking industry, academic training, coordination and management.
Email: mrunmai.brid@spjimr.org, cfi@spjimr.org
P: 022 – 61454265
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Research Team
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Mansi Gupta
Mansi Gupta is a research associate at CFI. She has submitted her Ph.D. thesis in ‘Financial Well-being and Human Happiness in India’. She has extensively published research papers in highly impactful ABS and ABDC-listed journals and has six years of experience in the corporate sector, academic research and teaching. Her research interests revolve around financial markets and sustainable and responsible businesses.
Email: mansi.gupta@spjimr.org
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Pragya Gupta
Pragya Gupta is a research associate at CFI. She holds a Ph.D. in Consumer behaviour in climate change. She has five years of post Ph.D. teaching and Research experience in Japanese Universities and Research Institutes.
Email: pragya.gupta@spjimr.org
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Manali Phatak Dharap
Manali Phatak Dharap is a research analyst at CFI. She holds a master’s degree in economics from The London School of Economics(LSE), UK. She has four years of experience in academic research in the areas of Political Economics, Macroeconomics and Financial Economics.
Email: manali.phatak@spjimr.org
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Advisory Councils
CFI endeavours benefit from the views of world-class Advisory Councils associated with each of these areas. These Advisory Councils have leading experts who work closely with our Academic Councils to advance research and education endeavours.
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Corporate Finance
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Hardik Shah
Partner at KKR & Co. Inc on the Asia-Pacific Infrastructure team
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Raghav Sud
Chief Financial Strategy & Governance at Tata Steel
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Rajan Gupta
Executive VP & Group Head – Project Advisory & Structured Finance Group at SBICAP
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Financial Innovation - ESG
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Manisha Gulati
Economist and an expert in strategy, policy advisory, climate change, and sustainable development.
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Academic Councils
An Academic Council governs each of the CFI focus areas. It consists of SPJIMR faculty and visiting faculty affiliates. These world-class thought leaders are responsible for our research and education efforts in Financial Innovation and Policy. CFI research fellows work closely with our Academic Council to produce white papers and other thought leadership work in the key focus areas.
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Members
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Hemant Kumar Manuj
Associate Professor – Finance, Department Head- Finance & Economics (F&E)
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Anshul Verma
Professor-Finance, Chairperson PGEMP
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Saswat Patra
Assistant Professor – Finance, Head – Central Examination
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Kunjana Malik
Assistant Professor – Finance & Economics Department
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Varun Nagaraj
Dean, SPJIMR
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Vinay Goyal
Associate Professor, Finance
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Arunima Haldar
Assistant Professor, Finance & Economics
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Shalini Talwar
Associate Professor, Finance & Economics
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Milind Kamat
Associate Professor, Information Management & Analytics, Programme Chairperson – GMP
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Varun Yadav
Assistant Professor, Finance & Economic
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Advisory Board
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Members
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Mr. Ajay Srinivasan
Ex CEO at Aditya Birla Capital Ltd
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Mr. Alok Kshirsagar
Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
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Mr. Amitabh Chaudhry
CEO of Axis Bank
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Mr. Ketan Dalal
Managing Partner at Katalyst Advisors LLP
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Mr. Nimesh Shah
Managing Director & CEO, ICICI Prudential AMC
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Mr. Parag Rao
Country Head – Payments Business, Marketing, HDFC Bank Ltd
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Mr. R. Shankar Raman
CFO at Larsen & Toubro Ltd
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Contact Us
Centre for Financial Innovation (CFI)
+91-22 – 6145 4265