Asirvad Microfinance Ltd, a subsidiary of Manappuram Finance Limited, has announced the appointment of Gerard David Manoj Pasangha as its Co-Chief Executive Officer. Based in Valapad, Kerala, Pasangha will steer the company’s expansion strategy, drive operational excellence, and foster innovation in Asirvad’s product and service delivery. Recognised for three decades of leadership in financial services, Pasangha’s professional journey spans roles including President and Deputy CEO at IIFL Samasta, Executive Vice President at ING Life India, and Chief Operating Officer at Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd, where he played a pivotal role in digital transformation and scaling inclusive finance initiatives.
Pasangha exemplifies people-centric leadership, blending vision with empathy, and is known for empowering teams, mentoring talent, and guiding organizations through regulatory changes and digital disruptions. Speaking on his new role, he expressed enthusiasm for joining Asirvad Microfinance, emphasising the company’s commitment to customer-centric growth, governance, and innovation. He plans to collaborate with the leadership team to expand Asirvad’s impact and deliver responsible value to millions of underserved households across India.
Welcoming the new leader, V.P. Nandakumar, Chairman of Asirvad Microfinance Ltd, said that Pasangha’s in-depth experience and sectoral expertise will help bridge India’s credit gap and drive the next phase of inclusive growth. Asirvad serves millions of women borrowers with innovative products and a technology-driven approach, and its recent scale positions it among the industry’s largest microfinance institutions. The company’s assets under management crossed ₹10,000 crore, supported by robust digital infrastructure and a deep approach to financial inclusion, evidenced by cashless disbursement practices and automated processes.
Asirvad’s strategic focus remains on extending its reach across rural and semi-urban areas, leveraging digital onboarding and product innovations while adhering to strict governance and risk protocols. The microfinance sector itself is undergoing a significant transformation, with Indian regulatory bodies emphasizing financial inclusion, improved recovery strategies, and fresh technology-led product launches. The company’s proactive adaptation and commitment to sustainable, inclusive development reinforce its ability to empower women and foster economic resilience amid industry shifts.
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Asirvad Microfinance’s continued expansion, commitment to responsible lending, and investment in digital innovation situate the company as a key enabler of India’s financial inclusion agenda, with Gerard David Manoj Pasangha now at the forefront of its leadership and growth journey.
