Try GOLD - Free

APAC - Building A Best-in-class Financial Services And Fintech Platform

Banking Frontiers

|

October 2018

It is a new age NBFC with the DNA of a fintech:

APAC - Building A Best-in-class Financial Services And Fintech Platform

Imagine a financial services company, which sees a highly compelling opportunity to deliver better outcomes for under served customers and businesses by leveraging digital technologies and data in combination with best-in-class execution and risk management! That is what APAC Financial Services, founded by Gunit Chadha, ex CEO of Deutsche Bank Asia Pacific, is all about.

The lean organization being built relies on the rapid innovations in digital technologies and data proliferation to generate superior outcomes in financial services. The man managing digital and technology is Sanjay Sharma, a 25-year veteran in banking technology, who is now chief digital & innovation officer at APAC Financial Services. Prior to APAC, he was heading technology and innovation functions at RBL Bank and IDBI Bank.

“The main thought that prevailed our decisions when we started conceptualizing a technology platform for us was that we are not a technology company and should not build a technology infrastructure from the ground zero. Instead we should leverage the existing technology partner ecosystem. This really worked well for us and we could roll out an entire lending system in about 8 weeks in collaboration with partners.” says Sharma.

DIGITAL DEPENDENCE

He says the underlying aim was to create a very lean organization relying heavily on technology. “When we began our journey, objective was to build a lean, asset lite, agile and cloud empowered technology platform which does not require upfront capital investment. Idea was not to overspend at the beginning but build an infrastructure that can scale up with our business growth. During the initial days, you don’t need a big team to manage technology and digital initiatives and so I just manage it with our partners and business user teams. You need to apply lean and partnership principles in everything you do!” explains Sharma.

MORE STORIES FROM Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

Enhanced use of AI ensures optimal growth for banks

A recent Accenture study underlines the need for enterprises to go beyond the implementation of Al-based chatbots and make AI a part of their strategic bets:

time to read

4 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

State Bank of India for New Branch Channel

For the Finnoviti 2025 Awards, State Bank of India filed a nomination for its largest CBS transformation program.

time to read

1 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

It's imperative for banks to use PETS

A recent report by a global consultancy strongly recommends that Indian banks should make use of PETs, or Privacy-Enhancing Technologies:

time to read

3 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

Aaya hoon toh kuch leke jaunga

Two things unlearned in 2024: Unlearning can be one of the most challenging aspects of life because what we've learned often stays with us. (i) However, one of the most important things I've unlearned is taking my health for granted. After facing significant health challenges, I've made a conscious effort to prioritize my well-being and gradually detoxify my lifestyle. (ii) Another key realization for me has been that there’s no age limit to learning. When I took on the role of CEO at ITI Mutual Fund, I had to step into a new world filled with fresh responsibilities and learning opportunities. As the saying goes, 'with great power comes great responsibility,' and I believe that to lead effectively, one must be committed to continuous learning and personal growth.

time to read

5 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

Bank of Baroda for use of IT to accelerate Competence, Commitment & Culture

For the Finnoviti 2025 Awards, Bank of Baroda filed a nomination for use of IT to accelerate HR objectives.

time to read

1 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Airtel Payments Bank for Face Match

For the Finnoviti 2025 Awards, Airtel Payments Bank filed a nomination for AI/ML based face match for proactive fraud prevention.

time to read

1 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

Canara Bank for Junior Savings Account

For the Finnoviti 2025 Awards, Canara Bank filed a nomination for its youth oriented junior savings account.

time to read

2 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

HDFC Bank for Vigil Aunty Concept and Camapign

For the Finnoviti 2025 Awards, HDFC Bank filed a nomination for cyber fraud awareness & secure banking education.

time to read

2 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

CMO's Festive Playbook: Schemes, Campaigns & AI

The annual festive season opens new doors for banks. MVS Murthy, Chief Marketing Officer at Federal Bank and Sujit Shakya, Sr. Dy. CEO at Nabil Bank, reveal their playbook for the 2025 festive season:

time to read

4 mins

September 2025

Banking Frontiers

Banking Frontiers

State Bank of India for MPLADS e-Sakshi App

For the Finnoviti 2025 Awards, State Bank of India filed a nomination for its MPLADS e-Sakshi App.

time to read

1 min

September 2025

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size