GEARED FOR GROWTH

Bajaj Finance has set in motion a new strategy to expand its customer base, products, as well as geographical reach

- ANAND ADHIKARI

I AM ADDICTED to success. But I believe my main strength lies in my mind. Numbers don’t lie. If you look at the last 15 years, my level has consistently remained high. If you don’t commit 100%, you won’t achieve the level you aspire to. I’ve dedicated myself so much that success has become a part of me. Records are part of me. I don’t follow the records. The records follow me.”

If you are conversant with the financial services world, chances are you would attribute that quote to Rajeev Jain, the 53-year-old Managing Director of Bajaj Finance.

That’s because the non-banking finance company (NBFC) from auto giant Bajaj Group’s stable wasn’t even in the game 16 years ago. The turnaround began after Jain joined the company in 2007. The company shattered all records in terms of growth and shareholders’ returns under Jain’s leadership.

STRATEGY

• Operate like a bank with a full suite of products
• Focus on mass affluent customers
• Diversified financial services under one roof
• Increase the share of retail in total liabilities from 23% at present to 25% in the medium term
• Target ROE of 2022% in medium term
• Focus on innovation and customer service to sustain growth