How Abhay Bhutada Built a Career in Finance with Vision and Strategy

Abhay Bhutada’s journey into the world of finance started in Latur, Maharashtra. He completed his school education at Venkatesh Vidyalaya and later attended Rajarshi Shahu College. With an early inclination toward finance and numbers, he pursued a degree in Commerce from Symbiosis International University. His academic drive did not stop there. In 2009, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant—an achievement that laid the foundation for his disciplined, number-oriented approach to the financial sector.

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Initial Steps into the Banking Sector

Abhay Bhutada began his professional career in 2010, stepping into the field of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) finance at the Bank of India. This period allowed him to gain firsthand experience in working with businesses that required customized loan offerings and strategic financial support. These early years helped him understand how crucial timely financing can be for business growth and sustainability.

Launching TAB Capital and Building It Up

By 2014, Abhay Bhutada transitioned from employee to entrepreneur. He launched TAB Capital Limited, a non-banking financial company with a focus on digital lending. TAB Capital’s services included personal loans, MSME loans, and consumer finance solutions. Under his leadership, the company operated across 5–6 physical branches and consistently disbursed between ₹15 to ₹20 crores monthly.

What stood out during this phase was Bhutada’s emphasis on digital operations. Unlike traditional NBFCs that depended heavily on offline models, he leaned toward online processes that allowed for faster approvals, better data tracking, and scalable systems. Within just three years, TAB Capital turned profitable. Its successful track record caught the attention of larger financial groups, eventually leading to its acquisition in 2019.

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Entry into a Larger Role

Post-acquisition, Abhay Bhutada assumed the position of Managing Director and CEO of the newly formed financial entity. His objective was to build an institution focused on customer ease, strong digital infrastructure, and responsible lending practices.

Within a short span, the company achieved external validation by receiving an “AA+” credit rating from CARE Ratings Limited. This was a reflection of the organization’s solid risk controls, good loan performance, and strategic growth. Bhutada’s focus on automation, digital applications, and real-time verification tools set the tone for how the company functioned going forward.

A New Chapter and a National Recognition

In 2021, the financial institution acquired another established NBFC and adopted a new identity. The organization emerged stronger, more visible, and more ambitious in its goals. Abhay Bhutada, MD (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, continued to guide its vision as Managing Director.

Under his direction, the institution reached a significant milestone—achieving the “AAA” rating from CRISIL Ratings Limited and CARE Ratings Limited. These ratings not only validated the company’s creditworthiness but also helped boost investor confidence and reduce borrowing costs.

Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, played a pivotal role in navigating this complex transition, aligning strategic priorities, and building a brand that resonated with digital-first customers.

Public Recognition and Industry Praise

Beyond the boardroom, Abhay Bhutada’s leadership and industry contributions have been recognized across various platforms. He is known for actively participating in business forums and supporting educational and social initiatives.

Some of his notable accolades include:

• Young Entrepreneur of India 2017
  
  

• Promising Entrepreneur of India 2019
  
  

• Global Indian of the Year 2023
  
  

• Lokmat’s Maharashtrian of the Year 2024
  
  

These awards reflect both his ability to lead and his consistent presence in transforming financial models with new-age thinking.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Journey of Success and Social Contribution

His Philosophy on Technology and Lending

One of the defining traits of Abhay Bhutada’s approach is his belief in digital optimization. He often highlights that automation tools and tech-driven processes are not just about saving time, but about increasing accuracy and transparency.

In his own words, the digital-first approach has made systems faster and more scalable while reducing errors. This vision pushed the organization to adopt robotic process automation across its departments—from loan application to credit checks and disbursement. As a result, the financial firm not only saw operational improvement but also became a more attractive option for customers seeking quick and trustworthy services.

Setting a New Benchmark in Compensation

By 2023, Abhay Bhutada’s achievements were reflected not just in awards and ratings but also in compensation. He became one of the highest-paid managing directors in India, signaling his growing value in the Indian corporate structure. His pay package became a topic of national conversation, reinforcing his reputation as a successful executive with a strong track record.

Conclusion

Abhay Bhutada’s career is a study in focused growth, timely innovation, and disciplined execution. From starting out as a chartered accountant to becoming one of the most respected names in Indian financial services, his journey has remained rooted in smart strategy and hard-earned insight. Abhay Bhutada continues to influence the industry through his thoughtful leadership and digital-first mindset. His story is not just about personal success but also about how smart changes can shape the future of finance.