Focusing on strengthening credit architecture

SALEE SUKUMARAN NAIR recently took charge as managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank. Nair, formerly a deputy managing director of State Bank of India (SBI), in an online interaction with Shine Jacob, outlines his vision for the Thoothukudi-headquartered bank. Edited excerpts:

- SALEE SUKUMARAN NAIR

What will be your top priorities heading one of the oldest banks in the country?

This is a legacy bank and significantly operates on manual terms. What we are trying to do first is modernize it and improve workforce productivity so that our business growth can move to the next trajectory. We are focusing on strengthening our credit architecture by centralizing the credit processes into 12 specific locations, with an apex body managing it. The purpose of this is to move credit operations out of the branches. Today, branches handle the entire range of operations, making it challenging to focus on specific areas, particularly deposits. We are refocusing on branches with regard to deposit management to ensure the deposit franchise is strengthened. This is possible if credit operations are moved out. The credit management centre will oversee all retail areas, excluding jewel loans. These centres will have marketing personnel, relationship managers, and appraisers, surrounded by a 'feet on the street' team.

You mentioned deposit growth strategy. What is it?