Anand Bajaj

Professional Overview

Anand Bajaj is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned business leader with a proven track record of driving innovation and transformative growth in the financial services industry. As the Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of PayNearby, he is at the forefront of the digital financial inclusion movement in India, leveraging technology to empower underserved communities and reshape the way financial services are accessed and delivered.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of PayNearby, Anand is responsible for shaping the strategic vision and overseeing the execution of the company's mission to digitally enable India's vast network of neighborhood retail stores. Under his leadership, PayNearby has emerged as a leading player in the business correspondent and digital banking ecosystem, providing a comprehensive suite of financial services to millions of customers across the country. Anand's unwavering commitment to financial inclusion and his ability to drive impactful initiatives have positioned PayNearby as a trailblazer in the fintech space.

Career Progression

Prior to founding PayNearby, Anand held senior leadership roles at YES BANK, where he served as the President and Chief Innovation Officer, and the Group Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer. In these positions, he was instrumental in spearheading the bank's digital transformation and pioneering innovative financial solutions that catered to the evolving needs of the market.

Anand's extensive experience in the banking and fintech sectors, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision, have been instrumental in his success. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory environment and industry best practices, serving as the Co-Chair of the Business Correspondent Federation of India and the Chairman of the Board of Studies for the Business Design Program at Welingkar Institute of Management.

Academic Background

Anand holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Mumbai and has completed executive education programs at leading institutions, such as the Harvard Business School and the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

Areas of Expertise

Anand's areas of expertise span across digital banking, financial inclusion, fintech innovation, and strategic leadership. He is renowned for his ability to identify emerging market trends, develop transformative solutions, and drive collaborative initiatives that address the diverse needs of the financial services landscape.

Professional Impact

Under Anand's stewardship, PayNearby has become a leading player in the digital financial services ecosystem, serving over 1 million+ retail partners and reaching over 100 million+ customers. The company's innovative solutions have enabled millions of underbanked individuals to access a wide range of financial products and services, empowering them to participate in the formal financial system.

Anand's industry contributions extend beyond his role at PayNearby. He serves on the Board of Studies for the Center of Excellence in Digital Transformation at SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), where he provides strategic guidance on shaping the curriculum and preparing the next generation of digital leaders.

Conclusion

Anand Bajaj's entrepreneurial spirit, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to financial inclusion have positioned him as a transformative force in the fintech industry. As the Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of PayNearby, he continues to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and create sustainable impact, ultimately contributing to the digital and financial empowerment of India's vast population.