Veefin Capital welcomes ex-Kotak Mahindra banker Shantanu Bairagi as CEO

By Gloria Mathias

The Veefin Group has announced the appointment of Shantanu Bairagi as the Chief Executive Officer of Veefin Capital, a subsidiary of the Group focused on creating a new asset class out of supply chain finance that will benefit borrowers, specifically MSMEs.

With over 20 years of experience in banking and finance, Mr Bairagi brings a wealth of expertise to his new role aimed at driving the company’s growth.

Mr Bairagi began his banking career with ICICI Bank, managing corporate coverage and setting up low-cost rural distribution channels. He then joined Kotak Mahindra Bank, playing a pivotal role in establishing its corporate banking practice, initiating relationships with large Indian conglomerates, and executing marquee deals in structured receivable finance and debt consolidation. At Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), he created the corporate banking franchise focused on the Indo-GCC corridor, significantly expanding ADCB’s presence in India and facilitating international trade finance and cross-border funding.

In 2018, Bairagi co-founded a factoring NBFC and a supply chain advisory firm known for innovative funding structures in capital markets. The firm pioneered India’s first covered Commercial Paper (CP) and the first Pass-Through Certificate (PTC). It expanded its assets under management (AUM), securitized receivables, and significantly supported MSMEs.

Raja Debnath, Chairman of the Veefin Group, shared, “We proudly welcome Shantanu as the CEO of Veefin Capital Pvt Ltd. His vast experience and strategic vision in the banking and finance sector will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our financial solutions. Shantanu’s proven track record in driving growth and transformation aligns perfectly with our goals for Veefin Capital.”

Shantanu Bairagi expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, shared, “I am honored to join Veefin Group to lead its financing vertical and to be part of the Group’s next chapter of growth. At Veefin Capital, we would leverage the Group’s tech prowess and extensive client network to create innovative financial products like securitization of trade assets, thus creating a new asset class for Banks, FIs and other debt capital participants.”