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Anand Bajaj

Anand Bajaj


Founder, MD & CEO
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Professional Overview


Anand Bajaj is a visionary entrepreneur and industry leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and digital transformation in the financial services sector. As the Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of PayNearby, he has spearheaded the company's mission to revolutionize financial inclusion and accessibility for the underserved population in India.

Experience Summary



Current Role


As the Founder, MD & CEO of PayNearby, Anand leads a team of passionate professionals in building a robust digital payments ecosystem that empowers individuals and small businesses across the country. Under his guidance, PayNearby has rapidly scaled its network to over 1 million neighborhood retail outlets, providing convenient access to a wide range of financial services and digital products.

Career Progression


Prior to founding PayNearby, Anand held senior leadership roles at YES BANK, where he served as the President and Chief Innovation Officer, driving the bank's digital transformation and pioneering new financial solutions. As the Group EVP and Chief Innovation Officer, he played a crucial role in shaping the bank's technology-driven strategies and fostering a culture of innovation.

Academic Background


Anand holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School.

Areas of Expertise


  • Financial inclusion and digital payments

  • Financial technology (FinTech) innovation

  • Digital transformation and strategy

  • Entrepreneurship and startup leadership

  • Collaborative ecosystem building


Professional Impact


Under Anand's visionary leadership, PayNearby has emerged as a leading player in the financial inclusion space, serving millions of underbanked individuals and small businesses across India. The company has received numerous industry accolades, including the SKOCH Award for Financial Inclusion and the Inclusive Finance India Award for Technology Innovation.

Anand's contributions extend beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Business Correspondent Federation of India, where he advocates for policies and initiatives that promote financial access and digital empowerment. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Studies at the Center of Excellence in Digital Transformation at SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) and the Chairman of the Board of Studies for the Business Design Program at Welingkar Institute of Management.

Conclusion


With his visionary leadership, relentless drive, and deep industry expertise, Anand Bajaj continues to shape the future of financial inclusion in India. Through his innovative solutions and collaborative approach, he is empowering millions of individuals and small businesses to participate in the digital economy and achieve financial prosperity.