Jayanta Kumar Roy: Identifying Growth opportunities To Maximize Business Profitability
It is essential to enable local businesses with superior financial products, quick and comfortable services, and individualized assistance to ensure their growth and triumph. These businesses play a crucial part in the economy, and they must be able to obtain financial resources that permit them to expand and compete with more extensive corporations. Offering them customized financial products and services can help these businesses increase their operations, employ more people, and contribute to the overall economic progress of their communities. Considering this, the CEO of Validus, Jayanta Kumar Roy is committed to empowering local businesses with better financial products, fast and convenient services, and personalized support. Jayanta Kumar Roy is a seasoned banking professional with over 35 years of experience in various functions, including business development, credit and risk, and process re-designing. He has held senior management positions for the last 18 years, serving as country head for business or credit risk.
Below is an excerpt of Jayanta Kumar Roy’s exclusive interaction with CEO Insights magazine
How has your professional journey been so far? What is the motivation that fuels your daily routine?
I have had a diverse career in the banking industry. After graduating as a mechanical engineer, I started my job in maintenance and marketing. However, my interest in banking grew after graduating from IIM Bangalore. It was not easy to break into the industry with my experience, but I persevered and eventually landed a job with Citibank India. One of my biggest achievements was pioneering vehicle financing loans and trade loans in India, which was unheard of at that time.
Over the years, I have gained expertise in lending to the micro & SME segments and understanding
the needs of various industries. I believe that serving small businesses and under served segments is crucial for the economy as they are the pillars of employment and growth. It has been my passion to identify these segments and provide them with finance, indirectly serving the economic growth of those communities.
My career has taken me to different positions in different countries, but my motivation has remained constant identifying business opportunities and serving the needs of industries and customers. I strongly believe that banking is not just about servicing the large corporates and wealth segments, but providing products and finance to the growing small and micro-businesses that are the backbone of the economy.
Could you tell us about the unique experiences IIM Bangalore offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?
As some one who attended IIM Bangalore in the late eighties, the first thing we learned was how to work in teams. We had limited access to computers, with only a few available for use by a large group of people. We had to multitask and team up in many small groups for case studies, to study, and to work in different groups and present our discussions and findings. This taught us the importance of time management, prioritization, and teamwork. Looking back, I realize that the networking opportunities at IIM Bangalore were also invaluable. Although we didn't have social media back then, we made connections with fellow students and faculty that have lasted over the years. These connections have opened doors for me and helped me in my career. Although the academic demands and intensity were high, the valuable team skills and connections that I acquired during my time at IIM Bangalore have been some of the most significant take aways.
As a former engineer, I was very task oriented. Business School
The Valuable Skills & Connections That I Acquired During My Time At IIM Bangalore Have Been Some Of The Most Significant Takeaways
My career has taken me to different positions in different countries, but my motivation has remained constant identifying business opportunities and serving the needs of industries and customers. I strongly believe that banking is not just about servicing the large corporates and wealth segments, but providing products and finance to the growing small and micro-businesses that are the backbone of the economy.
Could you tell us about the unique experiences IIM Bangalore offers and what did you learn from the campus beyond academics?
As some one who attended IIM Bangalore in the late eighties, the first thing we learned was how to work in teams. We had limited access to computers, with only a few available for use by a large group of people. We had to multitask and team up in many small groups for case studies, to study, and to work in different groups and present our discussions and findings. This taught us the importance of time management, prioritization, and teamwork. Looking back, I realize that the networking opportunities at IIM Bangalore were also invaluable. Although we didn't have social media back then, we made connections with fellow students and faculty that have lasted over the years. These connections have opened doors for me and helped me in my career. Although the academic demands and intensity were high, the valuable team skills and connections that I acquired during my time at IIM Bangalore have been some of the most significant take aways.
As a former engineer, I was very task oriented. Business School
improved my big picture thinking and helped me understand 'how a business runs' holistically.
Can you share some insights on Validus' approach toward customer satisfaction and how it sets the company apart from its competitors?
Validus focuses on empowering small and growing businesses with better financial products and services so they can grow and deliver a big impact on our society and community. Our target market is micro and small customers, which includes sole proprietors and companies with less than 20-30 employees. At the heart of our business is a 'people first' approach to digital finance. Validus has positioned itself as a partner to uplift these businesses and communities. Validus offers working capital finance, along with digital banking services that include opening and managing bank accounts, transferring money, FX services, payroll services, and more. Validus's key proposition is 'speed & convenience', and is technology-oriented in its approach to meet the needs of its customers.
You possess over thirty-five years of experience. How has your path to success and what is your success mantra?
From my experience of working at different levels from being an area manager to eventually becoming the head of a country & CEO, I have learned that important qualities a leader should have are the ability to sense opportunity, understand the business needs, and translate to efficient execution. Having a clear understanding of the target market, creating the necessary framework of execution and the ability to empathize with customers are essential for a leader. Understanding the ‘where’ and ‘how’ to play enables a leader to relate to the needs and preferences of their customers, which is a key success factor. The hallmark of a good leader is identifying talent and motivating teams to excel. I was always blessed with talented teams working cohesively towards 'one' goal.
Jayanta Kumar Roy, CEO, Validus
The banking industry pioneer, Jayanta Kumar Roy is a prestigious alumnus of IIM Bangalore. Jayanta Kumar Roy began his professional journey with Eicher Motors and since has been part of various prominent companies like Citi Bank, PT Bank Danamon Indonesia, DBS Bank, and PT Bank BTPN Tbk. He is currently serving as the CEO of Validus.
Can you share some insights on Validus' approach toward customer satisfaction and how it sets the company apart from its competitors?
Validus focuses on empowering small and growing businesses with better financial products and services so they can grow and deliver a big impact on our society and community. Our target market is micro and small customers, which includes sole proprietors and companies with less than 20-30 employees. At the heart of our business is a 'people first' approach to digital finance. Validus has positioned itself as a partner to uplift these businesses and communities. Validus offers working capital finance, along with digital banking services that include opening and managing bank accounts, transferring money, FX services, payroll services, and more. Validus's key proposition is 'speed & convenience', and is technology-oriented in its approach to meet the needs of its customers.
You possess over thirty-five years of experience. How has your path to success and what is your success mantra?
From my experience of working at different levels from being an area manager to eventually becoming the head of a country & CEO, I have learned that important qualities a leader should have are the ability to sense opportunity, understand the business needs, and translate to efficient execution. Having a clear understanding of the target market, creating the necessary framework of execution and the ability to empathize with customers are essential for a leader. Understanding the ‘where’ and ‘how’ to play enables a leader to relate to the needs and preferences of their customers, which is a key success factor. The hallmark of a good leader is identifying talent and motivating teams to excel. I was always blessed with talented teams working cohesively towards 'one' goal.
Jayanta Kumar Roy, CEO, Validus
The banking industry pioneer, Jayanta Kumar Roy is a prestigious alumnus of IIM Bangalore. Jayanta Kumar Roy began his professional journey with Eicher Motors and since has been part of various prominent companies like Citi Bank, PT Bank Danamon Indonesia, DBS Bank, and PT Bank BTPN Tbk. He is currently serving as the CEO of Validus.