Abhay Bhutada’s Professional Journey in the Finance Sector

Abhay Bhutada has become a prominent name in India’s financial space due to his innovative approach and strong focus on digital transformation. His journey from a small town in Maharashtra to leading large financial institutions reflects his ability to adapt, grow, and deliver results consistently. With a background rooted in discipline and vision, he continues to inspire many in the field of modern finance and digital lending.

Early Life and Academic Foundation

Hailing from Latur, Maharashtra, Abhay Bhutada began his education at Venkatesh Vidyalaya and completed his college years at Rajarshi Shahu College. He later pursued a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Symbiosis International University, which laid a strong foundation in business and accounting. In 2009, he successfully became a Chartered Accountant—marking the beginning of his professional financial career.

His academic path was focused and practical, setting him up for the challenges of the finance industry and preparing him to take on complex roles that required both strategy and compliance.

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Initial Career in Traditional Banking

In 2010, Bhutada began his professional journey at the Bank of India. His primary role was centered on SME finance, where he gained first-hand experience in lending processes and customer challenges. This early exposure helped him identify major gaps in how financial services were delivered, especially to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Instead of continuing down a traditional banking path, he decided to pursue entrepreneurship where he could create more flexible and technology-driven financial solutions.

Founding TAB Capital and Driving Innovation

By 2014–2015, Abhay Bhutada founded TAB Capital Limited, a digital lending NBFC focused on offering quick and paperless loans to underserved markets. With only a few branches, TAB Capital managed to disburse ₹15–20 crore monthly, using a technology-first model. The company primarily offered loans for MSMEs, personal use, and consumer needs—helping customers access funds without lengthy approval processes.

TAB Capital was built on the idea of efficiency and digital access. Its business model prioritized speed, customer satisfaction, and operational scalability. Within three years, the company had turned profitable—an achievement that caught the attention of larger players in the financial sector.

Acquisition and Entry into a New Chapter

In 2019, TAB Capital was acquired by a leading business group. This marked a turning point in Bhutada’s career, as he was appointed Managing Director and CEO of the acquired entity. His new role gave him the opportunity to implement his digital vision at a larger scale.

He introduced automated processes, improved service delivery timelines, and focused on internal digital operations. These efforts not only enhanced customer experience but also helped the company reach profitability within its first year under his leadership. The company was soon awarded an “AA+” external credit rating by CARE Ratings Limited—recognition for its stability and growth.

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Rebranding and Larger-Scale Operations

In 2021, the company acquired Magma Fincorp Limited, leading to a complete rebranding. Bhutada retained his role as Managing Director and was now responsible for steering a much larger financial entity. With a larger customer base and broader scope, his focus remained on bringing digital tools into the heart of the lending process.

His leadership helped the company secure an “AAA” rating from both CRISIL Ratings Limited and CARE Ratings Limited. This made the institution one of the top-rated in its category, known for both performance and risk management. The continued emphasis on digital lending helped differentiate the company in a crowded NBFC space.

Abhay Bhutada, CEO (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, was credited with the transformation of lending operations and a consistent focus on customer-friendly financial services during his time in leadership.

Recognitions and Contributions Beyond Business

Over the years, Bhutada’s contributions to the industry have been acknowledged through several awards. His work was not only focused on financial growth but also on community development and CSR activities. He has been actively involved in mentoring, speaking at business forums, and supporting educational and technological initiatives.

His awards include:

• Young Entrepreneur of India (2017)
  
  

• Promising Entrepreneur of India (2019)
  
  

• Global Indian of the Year (2023)
  
  

• Maharashtrian of the Year by Lokmat (2024)
  
  

These recognitions reflect his role in shaping responsible business practices and promoting inclusive financial access.

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Personal Vision and Leadership Style

Bhutada has always believed in combining technology with human-centric solutions. His leadership style is practical and driven by data-backed decisions. He encourages continuous learning and transparency within organizations. This forward-thinking approach helped build trust with both customers and employees, making the institutions he led more agile and adaptable to change.

He has often shared his belief in process automation, simplified operations, and scalable systems—especially in a sector where speed and trust are key to success. His influence has been noted across both internal business units and external collaborations.

Conclusion

Abhay Bhutada’s journey reflects how vision, discipline, and innovation can drive meaningful transformation in finance. Starting from his early days in banking to establishing a successful digital NBFC and later leading a large financial firm through rebranding and growth—his path has been clear and impactful.

His ability to recognize emerging opportunities, invest in technology, and focus on customer experience continues to serve as a valuable example for current and aspiring leaders. As he moves forward in his professional journey, his past roles continue to speak volumes about his expertise and forward-thinking mindset.