IIFL Samasta

IIFL Samasta Finance Limited, headquartered in Bengaluru, is a leading microfinance institution in India, focusing on providing innovative, affordable financial products to underserved women, primarily in rural and semi-urban areas.

Three friends, inspired by the success of microfinance in Bangladesh, founded the company to offer credit to those lacking access to formal financial services. Mr. Venkatesh, R. C. Shekar, and Shivaprakash Deviah established IIFL Samasta Finance Ltd erstwhile Samasta Microfinance, opening their first branches in Tambaram, Chennai, and Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore, soon followed by locations in Shampur and Yelahanka, Karnataka.

Our Vision

  • To be the chosen financial product and services provider backed by technology & passionate human capital.

Our Mission

  • To Bridge the gap between our customers’ ambition & achievement by providing top-notch financial products & services.

Our Values​

  • Integrity always
  • Respect for individuals and communities
  • Excellence in everything we do

Our Logo

In Hindu mythology, the nine interlocked triangles radiating from the central point (bindu) represent the highest, invisible core from which all figures and the cosmos emerge. Our brand embodies this concept, symbolizing a universe where two worlds converge: one where we collectively strive for growth and expansion, and the other where we create limitless possibilities for our customers. This fusion of ideas, represented by the ancient symbol of converging energies, forms the essence and identity of our brand.

History

The philosophy behind our old logo:

Delving into the symbolism of our logo, Samasta, meaning “all-encompassing” in Sanskrit, embodies our vision. The central figure, paired with an arrow, embodies progress and individual advancement towards development. Our logo’s fractal design echoes our belief in the replicable nature of change, cascading from individual to community and beyond, symbolizing collective growth and support. The concentric circles represent our expanding reach, embracing more members and communities, while the vibrant colors reflect warmth and vitality. Together, we embark on a journey of limitless possibilities, fostering organic growth and transformation within society.

Milestones

Leadership Team

Venkatesh N

Managing Director

Shivaprakash Deviah

Whole Time Director

Govinda Rajulu Chintala

Independent Director

Kalengada Mandanna Nanaiah

Independent Director

Ms. Uma Shanmukhi Sistla​​

Additional (Independent Director)

Nihar Niranjan Jambusaria

Independent Director

Venkataraman R

Non-Executive Director

Venkatesh N

Managing Director

Shivaprakash Deviah

Whole Time Director & CIO

Manoj Pasangha

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Anantha Kumar T

Chief Financial Officer

Manish Agrawal

Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Chelladurai A

Chief Credit Officer

Ravi K Shah

Chief Human Resources Officer & Head of CSR

Avinash Yadav

Chief Technology Officer​

Sneha Sharma

Chief Compliance Officer

Vishwachandran Nair

Chief Learning Officer

Certifications

We are committed to providing dependable & diverse financial solutions serves as a catalyst for empowering women from unbanked sections of society.

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Board of Directors

Venkatesh N​

Managing Director​

Mr. Venkatesh N, one of the founders and Managing Director of IIFL Samasta Finance Ltd, is a visionary leader in the financial services sector, with over two decades of entrepreneurial prowess. Renowned for his innovative spirit, he spearheaded the esteemed PNV Techno Acquisitions Private Ltd., specializing in financial product marketing, and Affluence Edifice, a premier provider of wealth management services for individuals. Combining his bachelor’s degree in computer science with advanced training from the esteemed Harvard Business School-ACCION Program on Strategic Leadership in Microfinance, Venkatesh epitomizes a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic foresight.

His unwavering dedication to inclusive finance resonates deeply in the establishment of IIFL Samasta, where he steers the organization towards unparalleled success. Venkatesh’s groundbreaking initiatives have propelled IIFL Samasta to the forefront of the microfinance industry, ensuring that financial empowerment reaches even the most marginalized communities. With a seasoned entrepreneurial spirit, Venkatesh remains steadfast in his commitment to fostering sustainable growth and driving positive change in the financial landscape.

Beyond his role as an industry luminary, Venkatesh serves as a beacon of leadership, offering strategic insights that continue to shape the trajectory of microfinance in India and beyond.

Board of Directors

Shivaprakash Deviah​

Whole Time Director​

Shivaprakash, as one of the founders and technological visionary behind IIFL Samasta since its establishment in 2008, brings forth a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in both software development and financial services. Leading the charge in the organization’s technology-driven initiatives, he has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for a robust IT infrastructure that underpins seamless operations. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in computer science & engineering from PSG College of Technology and a Diploma in Microfinance from the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance, Shivaprakash seamlessly integrates technical expertise with financial acumen.

Drawing from his tenure at Wipro, where he managed global technology projects, Shivaprakash honed his leadership and project management skills, providing a solid framework for his pivotal role at IIFL Samasta. As a co-founder, he meticulously oversees operations, ensuring the flawless execution of business strategies and the delivery of unparalleled services to clients.

Under his guidance, IIFL Samasta has embraced cutting-edge technology to optimize efficiency and elevate the customer experience, positioning the organization as a pioneer in the microfinance landscape. Shivaprakash’s unwavering commitment to harnessing technology for social impact underscores his dedication to driving positive change and fostering inclusive growth. His visionary leadership continues to chart the course of IIFL Samasta, propelling it towards even greater success and impact in the financial services sector.

Board of Directors

Govinda Rajulu Chintala​

Independent Director​

Dr G R Chintala has more than 20 years of experience as director of Boards of various Financial, Insurance & Microfinance institutions. Currently, He holds various position of Non- Executive Chairman of a Sugar Group, Independent Director on the Boards of Two NBFCs, Chairman of Research Advisory Committee of ICAR – NAARM (GOI Institution), Advisor to Agri Infra Fund Project of World Bank in Assam state (Government) and Mentoring the Agri- Startups.

He was the Chairman, NABARD till 31st July 2022. As a Chairman, he was responsible for the landmark projects that were sanctioned/partnerships entered into such as Multi-purpose link project to Madhya Pradesh, Long-term irrigation fund & RIDF in Uttar Pradesh, Infrastructure project to Tamil Nadu, Infrastructure assistance to Goa, Computerisation of PACS in Uttarakhand, Special Package for UT of J&K, Health care infrastructure under RIDF/NIDA, Rural Infrastructure Assistance to States (RIAS) etc.,

Dr. G R Chintala was awarded Asia’s Most Promising Business Leader Award 2020-21 by The Economic Times. He was also awarded Honorary Doctorate in Science by Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad.

He attended quite a few but notable among was the Conference attended on invitation at NAIROBI (Kenya) for presenting a paper on “Rural Transformation Through Info Tech –Indian Experiences” in 2003. He also presented on various topics in National level Seminars & Conferences, GIZ Program at Frankfurt, Germany,in 2012, RACAS conference at Dakar, Senegal in 2016, International Workshop on RuFBeP by APRACA at Beijing in March 2018. He was also Panellist in many conferences on Microfinance organised by MFIN, SaDhan and Access Assist.

Board of Directors

Kalengada Mandanna Nanaiah​

Independent Director​

Nanaiah Kalengada was the Managing Director, Equifax Credit Information Services Private Limited for over five years till July’23. He was responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the Credit Bureau in India. Nanaiah has led Equifax to build diversified solutions with exchanges across Retail, Microfinance, Commercial and Fraud Risk management over the years with a unique market position.

Equifax was awarded with the ‘Best Brands’ by the Economic Times for 2 consecutive years in 2021 and 2022 under his leadership and Mint Tech Circle, an arm of HT Media group awarded Equifax for excellence in digital execution. During his tenure Equifax launched publications like Microfinance Pulse report in partnership with SIDBI, State of Micro enterprise Financing report with Access Assist, Mapping the Indian Retail Lending landscape with PWC and Fintech lending trends with FACE.

While at Equifax, Nanaiah was also the Director of Infocredit Holdings Private Limited (IHPL) based in Singapore, one of holding companies of a credit bureau in Singapore and was a Committee Member of CII National Committee on Inclusion and Digitization.

Prior to joining Equifax, he was the Managing director of Pitney Bowes in India, a global technology company for ten plus years. He has set up the India Business of Pitney Bowes as the first Managing director and managed the business successfully for over ten plus years. Overall experience of 16 plus years in the role of Managing Director between Pitney Bowes India and Equifax Credit Information Services.

Nanaiah has wealth of experience, knowledge and understanding of the financial services industry in the area of data, technology and analytics. He is also a visiting faculty at College of Supervisors, Reserve Bank of India. Very passionate about Microfinance. He has received awards for encouraging Diversity at workplace.

Board of Directors

Ms. Uma Shanmukhi Sistla​​

Additional Director (Independent Director)​

Smt. Uma Shanmukhi Sistla is a banking professional with four decades of experience at the State Bank of India and its associated companies. Upon retirement, she held the position of Chief General Manager at the State Bank of India and served as the Managing Director and CEO of SBI-SG Global Securities Services Pvt Ltd (SBI-SG). SBI-SG specializes in custody, clearing, fund accounting, and various other securities services.

Smt. Uma Shanmukhi Sistla began her career with State Bank of Hyderabad in 1983 and joined State Bank of India as a Probationary Officer in 1987. She has wide experience spanning ~40 years, in various areas of Banking, covering Branch Operations, Credit Management, Consumer Banking, SME Finance, International Banking, Training, Research, e-course development, Investment Banking, Investor relations, ALM, Financial Control. She also has exposure to Bank’s International operations, owing to a 2 year stint at SBI’s Frankfurt Branch.

Smt. Uma Shanmukhi Sistla has served as a Whole time Director of SBI Capital Markets Limited for a period of two years and was a Director on the Boards of the group companies viz. SBICAP Securities Ltd, SBICAP Ventures Ltd SBICAP Trustee Company Ltd, SBICAP UK & SBICAP Singapore.

Smt. Uma Shanmukhi Sistla is a Science graduate and a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers. She holds an MBA in Banking and Finance and was also a Certified Financial Planner from FPSB India in 2011.

She takes keen interest in Capital Markets businesses  and was also honoured by Equalifi as one among the “Top 100 Women in Finance” during 2020.

Board of Directors

Nihar Niranjan Jambusaria​

Independent Director​

Mr. Nihar Niranjan Jambusaria is a distinguished member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), renowned for his exceptional leadership and expertise in the field. He has served as the former President and Vice President of the ICAI, as well as President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA).

Since 1984, Mr. Jambusaria has been the senior partner at N. N. Jambusaria & Co., Chartered Accountants, offering unparalleled consultancy services to esteemed clients such as the Reliance group and various public and private sector organizations. His areas of specialization include Direct Tax, International Tax, Mergers & Acquisitions, FEMA, and Business Restructuring.

Prior to his consultancy role, Mr. Jambusaria held the position of Senior Vice President at Reliance Industries Ltd., further enriching his practical experience in the corporate landscape.

Beyond his corporate endeavors, Mr. Jambusaria  has served as a member of the Government Accounting Standards Advisory Board (GASAB) and the Audit Advisory Board of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), reflecting his dedication to upholding professional standards and integrity in the accounting industry.

Board of Directors

Venkataraman R

Non-Executive Director​

Mr. R. Venkataraman, holds Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore and Bachelor in Electronics and Electrical Communications Engineering from IIT Kharagpur. He has been contributing immensely in the establishment of various businesses and spearheading key initiatives of the Group over the past 24 years. He previously held senior managerial positions in ICICI Limited, including ICICI Securities Limited, their investment banking joint venture with J P Morgan of US and Barclays –BZW. He worked as an Assistant Vice President with G E Capital Services India Limited in their private equity division. He has a varied experience of more than 31 years in the financial services sector.

Senior Management

Venkatesh N

Managing Director

Mr. Venkatesh N, one of the founders and Managing Director of IIFL Samasta Finance Ltd, is a visionary leader in the financial services sector, with over two decades of entrepreneurial prowess. Renowned for his innovative spirit, he spearheaded the esteemed PNV Techno Acquisitions Private Ltd., specializing in financial product marketing, and Affluence Edifice, a premier provider of wealth management services for individuals. Combining his bachelor’s degree in computer science with advanced training from the esteemed Harvard Business School-ACCION Program on Strategic Leadership in Microfinance, Venkatesh epitomizes a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic foresight.

His unwavering dedication to inclusive finance resonates deeply in the establishment of IIFL Samasta, where he steers the organization towards unparalleled success. Venkatesh’s groundbreaking initiatives have propelled IIFL Samasta to the forefront of the microfinance industry, ensuring that financial empowerment reaches even the most marginalized communities. With a seasoned entrepreneurial spirit, Venkatesh remains steadfast in his commitment to fostering sustainable growth and driving positive change in the financial landscape.

Beyond his role as an industry luminary, Venkatesh serves as a beacon of leadership, offering strategic insights that continue to shape the trajectory of microfinance in India and beyond.

Senior Management

Shivaprakash Deviah​

Whole Time Director​

Shivaprakash, as one of the founders and technological visionary behind IIFL Samasta since its establishment in 2008, brings forth a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in both software development and financial services. Leading the charge in the organization’s technology-driven initiatives, he has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for a robust IT infrastructure that underpins seamless operations. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in computer science & engineering from PSG College of Technology and a Diploma in Microfinance from the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance, Shivaprakash seamlessly integrates technical expertise with financial acumen.

Drawing from his tenure at Wipro, where he managed global technology projects, Shivaprakash honed his leadership and project management skills, providing a solid framework for his pivotal role at IIFL Samasta. As a co-founder, he meticulously oversees operations, ensuring the flawless execution of business strategies and the delivery of unparalleled services to clients.

Under his guidance, IIFL Samasta has embraced cutting-edge technology to optimize efficiency and elevate the customer experience, positioning the organization as a pioneer in the microfinance landscape. Shivaprakash’s unwavering commitment to harnessing technology for social impact underscores his dedication to driving positive change and fostering inclusive growth. His visionary leadership continues to chart the course of IIFL Samasta, propelling it towards even greater success and impact in the financial services sector.

Senior Management​

Manoj Pasangha

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Manoj Pasangha, as IIFL Samasta’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, possesses an impressive career spanning over 28 years across diverse industries. From his tenure at Australian News Corp to Ansett Airlines, and later as the Executive Vice President & COO – SZ of Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd, India’s foremost publicly listed MFI, Mr. Pasangha has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.

He has also ventured into entrepreneurship with his own hospitality business in Australia. Returning to India, he contributed significantly to Standard Chartered Bank and ING Life India, spearheading innovative urban concepts and impactful rural initiatives. Notably, Mr. Pasangha served as Vice Chairman of AKMI (Association of Microfinance Institutions in Karnataka), highlighting his commitment to the microfinance sector.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s in Commerce and Post-Graduation in Business Accountancy, Hospitality Management, Public Relations, Publicity, and Promotions from Australia, underpinning his comprehensive skill set and dedication to excellence.

Senior Management​

Anantha Kumar T

Chief Financial Officer

Anantha Kumar, as the Chief Financial Officer at IIFL Samasta, assumes a pivotal role overseeing overall budgeting, operational expense management, and payroll supervision. With an extensive career spanning over 11 years, Anantha has garnered invaluable experience across diverse industries including financial services, steel, garments, and IT. His expertise encompasses audit, strategy, accounts & finance, treasury, and tax management. Prior to his tenure at IIFL Samasta, Anantha held the position of Senior Consultant at GBA Consulting Services, where he successfully managed assignments both locally and internationally. Anantha is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary, further solidifying his proficiency in financial management and regulatory compliance.

Senior Management​

Manish Agrawal

Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Mr. Manish Agrawal, the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at IIFL Samasta, brings nearly two decades of corporate expertise spanning diverse areas including Risk Management, Credit Rating, Treasury, Structured Finance, Strategy & Planning, and Risk Analytics. Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing risk management frameworks and governance structures in a newly established bank during his previous assignment.

Prior to joining IIFL Samasta, Mr. Agrawal held the position of Head of Credit Risk & Market Risk at Utkarsh Small Finance Bank. His extensive career includes stints at prestigious institutions such as ICICI Bank, Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited, CARE Ratings, and Protiviti Consulting. Additionally, he has garnered international experience with a five-year tenure at Warba Bank in the Middle East. Mr. Agrawal holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, underscoring his academic prowess and professional acumen in the realm of risk management.

Senior Management​

Chelladurai A

Chief Credit Officer

Chelladurai A. brings over 20 years of diverse experience, with expertise in rural lending, product development, and partnership-driven business models. Renowned for his strategic development and process optimization skills, he excels in creating efficient distribution channels. 
 
As Chief Credit Officer, he oversees credit functions, new product development, and strategic initiatives, collaborating closely with business leaders.
 
Previously, Chelladurai held key roles at Equitas Small Finance Bank, YES Bank and IFMR Rural Channels. He is an MBA in Rural Management from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB).

Senior Management​

Ravi Shah

Chief Human Resources Officer & Head of CSR

Ravi Shah, as the Chief Human Resources Officer & Head of CSR at IIFL Samasta, brings over 16 years of extensive experience in People Practices, HR Business Partnering, and Strategic HR Management. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions in areas such as people management, culture & capability building, and productivity enhancement.

In his current role, Ravi oversees a wide range of functions including Organization Development, Compensation & Benefits, Employee Engagement, HR Technology, Talent Acquisition & Business Partnering for corporate and support functions, Employer Branding & Communications, HR Operations, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Prior to joining IIFL Samasta, Ravi held roles at IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank, and Ocwen Financial Solutions. Notably, he also spent four years at IIFL Finance Ltd., where he led People Practices and HR Strategy, in addition to overseeing Compensation & Benefits, HR Operations, Audit & Analytics as a CoE for the IIFL Group companies.

Ravi holds an MBA specializing in Human Resources along with a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, underlining his academic foundation and expertise in the field of HR management.

Senior Management​

Avinash Yadav

Chief Technology Officer

Avinash Yadav is the Chief Technology Officer. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Avinash specializes in digital transformation, IT operations, and governance. He has successfully led AI/ML projects and is set to advance our technological objectives as CTO. Avinash will oversee IT operations and drive technological growth within the organization.

He has completed a Leadership Program from Harvard Business School, holds a certification in Digital Transformation from ISB Hyderabad, and has an MBA in Operations Management from Jaipur National University, along with an Executive MBA in IT Operations from IIBM and a B.E. from Mumbai University.

Senior Management​

Sneha Sharma​

Chief Compliance Officer​

Ms. Sneha Sharma, with over a decade of expertise in Compliance, Regulatory, and Corporate Legal Affairs, brings a wealth of experience to her role. She has successfully led critical projects, including the DRHP IPO and bank amalgamations, and has represented key cases before authorities like NCLT, RD, ROC, CCI, and RBI.

As Chief Compliance Officer, Sneha oversees the Company Secretarial and Compliance functions, ensuring rigorous adherence to legal and regulatory standards. A skilled Company Secretary, Sneha holds dual master’s degrees in Business and Corporate Law from the National Law School of India and a BFSI certification from the NSE. Her career includes notable roles at AU Small Finance Bank and Visa Group.

Senior Management​

Vishwachandran Nair​

Chief Learning Officer

Vishwachandran, with over 24 years of professional experience in Learning & Development, is an expert in organizational transformation and leadership framework execution. At Samasta, he designs and implements specialized development programs across all departments, working collaboratively to identify skill gaps and create customized L&D solutions aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives. He also leads the learning strategies for Gurukul, ensuring impactful training initiatives that drive growth and transformation.