Slice Small Finance Bank has elevated its founder, Rajan Bajaj, to the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment received approvals from the bank’s board, shareholders, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), signaling strong confidence in Bajaj’s vision for digital-first banking.
An IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Bajaj founded Slice in 2016 as a Bengaluru-based fintech startup targeting young, underserved customers with innovative credit and payment solutions. His leadership steered the company through a pivotal 2024 merger with North East Small Finance Bank, transforming it into a fully regulated small finance bank. Previously serving as Executive Director post-merger, Bajaj succeeds Satish Kumar Kalra, whose tenure recently concluded.
This leadership shift comes at a critical juncture for Slice SFB, which has raised over $250 million from global investors like Tiger Global, Insight Partners, and Advent International. The bank offers a suite of digital products, including Slice savings accounts with daily interest credits, fixed deposits, UPI services, borrowing options, and India’s first UPI-led bank branch. Bajaj’s promotion underscores the lender’s commitment to leveraging AI for personalised banking at scale, making complex financial decisions accessible to everyday users.
In his statement, Bajaj emphasised India’s massive untapped banking potential: “More people need banking today than ever before. Technology now enables us to serve them at a fraction of traditional costs, offering personalised products powered by AI.” He highlighted ambitions to compete with top financial institutions by prioritising customer-centric innovations like competitive repo rates and seamless digital experiences.
Eugene Emmanuel Karthak, Part-Time Chairman and Independent Director, praised Bajaj’s fintech expertise: “Rajan understands digital customers and is driven to expand formal credit access for the underserved.” Industry observers see this as a strategic move to blend regulatory compliance with cutting-edge tech, positioning Slice SFB for growth amid India’s booming digital economy. With UPI transactions surging and fintech adoption rising, especially in rural areas, Bajaj’s tenure could accelerate financial inclusion for millions.
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As small finance banks bridge the credit gap for MSMEs and youth demographics, Slice SFB under Bajaj aims to redefine affordable, tech-driven banking. This appointment reflects the maturing fintech landscape, where startups evolve into robust institutions driving BFSI innovation.
