A

Ajay Kumar Giri

CEO

Delhi, India21 yrs 5 mos experience

Key Highlights

  • Over 20 years in Agricultural Banking and Microfinance.
  • Expert in financial inclusion and agri-financing strategies.
  • Led national-level government schemes for rural credit expansion.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Fintech expert specializing in agricultural finance and financial inclusion.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Agri FinanceFinancial InclusionMicrofinanceKey Account Relationship Building

Other Skills

AgribusinessBranch BankingBranch ManagementBusiness DevelopmentBusiness PlanningBusiness StrategyCapacity BuildingCommunity DevelopmentCredit AppraisalsFinancial Literacy TrainingFundingGovernment BankingMarket ResearchNBFCPortfolio Management

About

With over 20 years of experience in Agricultural Banking, Financial Inclusion, and Microfinance, I have consistently driven strategic initiatives that support rural development and financial empowerment through innovative lending models and technology-driven solutions. My expertise spans across banking operations, credit risk management, agri-business financing, and business correspondence, with a strong grasp of agricultural finance cycles and inclusive banking frameworks. Currently, I serve as the Business Head – Banking at LeadsConnect, where I am leading efforts to scale agri-financing and rural credit partnerships through data-led underwriting, strategic NBFC and bank collaborations, and the integration of digital platforms like the Agrani App. The focus is on enhancing last-mile delivery, empowering field teams, and expanding access to formal credit for smallholder farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. Previously, I led BC Partnerships and Inclusive Growth at Kissandhan Agri Financial Services, and held leadership roles with AU Small Finance Bank, ICICI Bank, and BASIX. My work has involved spearheading national-level government schemes, institutional partnerships, and rural credit expansion initiatives that align with industry regulations and financial inclusion mandates. I am passionate about creating scalable, risk-mitigated financial ecosystems that bridge the rural credit gap. My leadership approach combines stakeholder engagement, technology integration, and deep sector knowledge to drive sustainable, impactful lending models for underserved communities across India.

Experience

Leadsconnect services pvt. ltd.

Business Head - Banking

Jul 2025Present · 8 mos

Agri Finance

Slcm group / (kissandhan agri financial services private limited )

Business Head - BC Partnership & Inclusive Growth (Micro Finance Business)

Dec 2023Jul 2025 · 1 yr 7 mos · New Delhi, Delhi, India · On-site

  • As the Business Head - BC Partnership & Inclusive Growth at Kissandhan Agri Financial Services Pvt. Ltd., I have been instrumental in driving financial inclusion through strategic partnerships and microfinance initiatives. As a founding team member, I played a key role in designing and launching the business correspondent (BC) partnership model, focusing on lending to NBFC-MFIs and agri-financing. My work involves scaling up asset business verticals, fostering partnerships across the BFSI ecosystem, and ensuring seamless financial solutions for underserved communities.
  • I lead a 40-member team, reporting directly to the CEO, to enhance operational efficiency, leverage technology, and streamline lending processes. My responsibilities include overseeing wholesale lending, risk analysis, and credit portfolio management, ensuring sustainable growth while mitigating financial risks. I have actively engaged with technology vendors to develop customized IT solutions, improving accessibility and functionality for microfinance operations.
  • My expertise extends to business development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to align with the company's vision. I have built and nurtured key relationships within the industry to ensure due diligence, understand economic trends, and optimize credit risk management. Additionally, I focus on mentoring teams, setting high-performance benchmarks, and driving operational excellence to expand financial inclusion and empower rural and agricultural communities.
NBFCMicrofinanceFinancial InclusionFundingAgri FinanceCredit Appraisals

Apna haat retail pvt. ltd.

Co-Founding Partner

Jan 2023Dec 2023 · 11 mos · Delhi, India · On-site

  • As a Co-Founding Partner at Apna Haat Retail Pvt. Ltd., I played a pivotal role in establishing an innovative entrepreneurial venture aimed at addressing critical needs within the agricultural sector. The initiative was designed to create sustainable retail solutions for communities, leveraging technology and market-driven strategies to enhance accessibility and affordability of essential agricultural products.
  • Despite extensive efforts in business planning, market research, and strategic partnerships, the venture faced challenges due to market dynamics and evolving industry trends. While we were unable to gain the necessary traction to sustain operations, the experience provided invaluable insights into agri-business models, supply chain constraints, and the complexities of rural market adoption.
  • This journey honed my entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and strategic adaptability, reinforcing my ability to navigate uncertainties, assess risks, and drive innovation in dynamic business environments. The learnings from this venture continue to shape my approach to business development, financial inclusion, and strategic decision-making in my professional pursuits.

Au small finance bank

Asst. Vice President - Government Business

Nov 2021Dec 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo · New Delhi, Delhi, India · On-site

  • As Assistant Vice President – Government Business at AU Small Finance Bank, I played a key role in expanding the bank's portfolio and strengthening relationships with government entities. My strategic efforts led to a notable book growth of INR 50 Cr. during FY 2020-21, while ensuring 100% compliance with banking regulations, policies, and procedures. Recognized for my contributions, I was honored with a citation for exemplary performance in FY 2021-22, reflecting my ability to drive results in a highly regulated sector.
  • I was instrumental in nurturing and expanding relationships with government bodies, successfully cross-selling banking products and services to optimize the CASA ratio. My role required a deep understanding of government operations, enabling me to tailor financial solutions that aligned with policy mandates and institutional needs.
  • Additionally, I actively engaged with IAS officers and senior government officials, fostering strategic partnerships and identifying new business opportunities. By effectively positioning the bank’s liability products, I contributed to sustainable revenue growth and institutional trust-building, reinforcing AU Small Finance Bank’s presence in the government banking sector.
Key Account Relationship Building

Icici bank

4 roles

Chief Manager- Key Relations (Government and Institutional Banking)

Promoted

Sep 2019Nov 2021 · 2 yrs 2 mos

  • During my tenure at ICICI Bank Ltd. (2015–2021), I held multiple strategic leadership roles, driving business expansion and operational excellence across government & institutional banking, CASA, branch operations, and farmer finance. As Chief Manager–Key Relations (Government & Institutional Banking), I successfully managed a government business portfolio of INR 500 Cr., driving an additional INR 200 Cr. growth in FY 2019-20 and mobilizing INR 50 Cr. in funds the following year. My ability to acquire and deepen client relationships across liabilities, loans, and fee-based businesses resulted in an aggregate income of INR 100 Cr., solidifying the bank’s market position.
Key Account Relationship Building

Regional Sales Head

Promoted

Jun 2019Aug 2019 · 2 mos

  • As Regional Sales Head–CASA (Gurgaon-NCR), I oversaw a CASA portfolio worth INR 1,500 Cr. across 10 branches, leading a high-performing team to optimize customer acquisition and deposit growth.
Key Account Relationship Building

Branch Manager

Apr 2017May 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • As Branch Manager, I achieved 31% YoY business growth, strengthened risk management processes, and optimized branch operations to enhance customer experience. I was also responsible for SME lending, ensuring compliance, and improving internal governance frameworks.

Regional Head Sales (Farmer Finance)

Mar 2015Mar 2017 · 2 yrs

  • In my role as Regional Sales Head–Farmer Finance, I was recognized for outstanding performance in ICICI Bank’s FF Titans Awards (2016) and expanded the KCC agricultural loan book to INR 70 Cr. across 17 branches in Western Haryana. I led credit risk assessments, streamlined loan processing, and introduced innovative financing strategies to support farmers and cooperatives. Throughout my tenure, I demonstrated strong strategic leadership, team mentorship, stakeholder engagement, and governance expertise, making a significant impact across multiple banking verticals.
Key Account Relationship BuildingFinancial Literacy TrainingCredit Appraisals

Basix

Sr Manager and Head of Energy Business

Apr 2004Feb 2015 · 10 yrs 10 mos · Greater Delhi Area · On-site

  • During my tenure at Indian Grameen Services (BASIX Social Enterprise Group), I played a key role in driving sustainable energy solutions, rural market expansion, and financial inclusion initiatives. I spearheaded strategic partnerships with leading corporations such as HUL, Godrej, and Eureka Forbes to introduce essential products like water purifiers to underserved communities. Additionally, I led corporate and institutional sales functions for agricultural and solar products, leveraging market research and consumer insights to design and implement scalable solutions tailored for rural India.
  • A significant achievement was the successful transition of BASIX Urja from a concept to a commercially viable entity within the BASIX Group. I collaborated with renowned energy companies such as Panasonic, Intelizon Energy, and Schneider Electric to develop innovative renewable energy products that met the latent demand in rural areas. Additionally, I designed loan products for retailers of energy-based solutions, strengthening the financial ecosystem supporting sustainable energy adoption. My expertise extended to serving as a national expert on CDM project finance under UNIDO, leading capacity-building initiatives in the energy and agriculture sectors.
  • Beyond energy solutions, I was deeply involved in financial inclusion and community development. I played a pivotal role in linking over 1,000 savings groups to formal financial institutions, extending financial access to more than 50,000 individuals. By delivering microfinance and enterprise training to women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), I fostered an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurship. My leadership also contributed to the development of contract farming models with Frito-Lay (PepsiCo) and efficient milk procurement strategies with Reliance Dairy Foods Ltd., strengthening rural supply chains and enhancing livelihoods.
Agri FinanceCredit Appraisals

Education

Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management

PGDBM — Marketing (Agri-Business Management)

Jan 2002Jan 2004

College of Agriculture, Pune

BSc — Agriculture

Jan 1997Jan 2001

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