Abhay Bhutada and His Impactful Career in Modern Lending
- Atharava Agnihotri
- May 2
- 4 min read
Updated: May 12
Abhay Bhutada has steadily made his mark in the financial services sector by choosing clarity, innovation, and systems-driven practices. With each step of his career, he has moved closer to creating more reliable and tech-supported lending structures. His name today is associated with progress, strong execution, and modern management.
His journey is not just about achieving milestones—it’s about building institutions with purpose and vision. In an industry known for rigid practices and slow transformations, Bhutada has stood out by prioritizing speed, accuracy, and technological efficiency in financial operations.
Academic Path and Early Choices
Born and raised in Latur, Maharashtra, Abhay Bhutada completed his school education at Venkatesh Vidyalaya before moving on to Rajarshi Shahu College. Later, he pursued a degree in Commerce from Symbiosis International University. In 2009, he became a Chartered Accountant—setting a professional base that would anchor his journey in the financial world.
Becoming a Chartered Accountant helped Bhutada gain a strong understanding of compliance, auditing, and financial structure. It taught him the importance of working within frameworks, even as he later went on to challenge outdated ones through technology.
Professional Beginnings in Banking
Abhay Bhutada started his career in 2010 at the Bank of India, working in the area of SME finance. This experience gave him an in-depth understanding of lending for small businesses. The exposure shaped his understanding of credit risks, client requirements, and the importance of operational efficiency. It was here that he got his first real view of how funding shapes economic activity.
During this phase, he worked closely with entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and service providers. The experience gave him practical insight into how different industries function and what kind of financial support they need. It also highlighted to him the limitations of conventional banking systems, planting the early seeds for a future pivot into digital lending.
Entrepreneurship and Digital Lending
In 2014, he turned entrepreneur and founded TAB Capital Limited. The firm operated as a non-banking financial company focused on offering loans to individuals, businesses, and consumers. What made TAB Capital different was its digital-first structure. It was not just a lending company—it was a tech-enabled lending solution.
The company operated across 5 to 6 branches and disbursed ₹15–₹20 crores per month. TAB Capital offered MSME loans, personal credit options, and small-ticket consumer finance. Bhutada ensured that approval times were shortened, risk assessments were data-driven, and customer service was consistently improved.
Within three years, TAB Capital had become profitable. This success laid the groundwork for its acquisition by a larger financial group in 2019, bringing Abhay Bhutada into a broader leadership role. The acquisition was seen as a sign of his entrepreneurial maturity and his understanding of institutional growth.
A New Corporate Chapter
After the acquisition, Abhay Bhutada took on the role of Managing Director and CEO. With responsibility for the company’s direction, he led the development of technology-supported processes that helped speed up services and reduce paperwork. These improvements were soon reflected in the company receiving an “AA+” external credit rating from CARE Ratings Limited—a sign of strong financial discipline and a healthy credit portfolio.
This phase of his journey was marked by rapid process improvements. Robotic process automation, advanced underwriting software, and digitally integrated loan journeys were introduced. Bhutada remained focused on reducing turnaround time, ensuring compliance, and scaling sustainably.
Strategic Growth and National Attention
In 2021, the company acquired another well-known NBFC. This merger brought about a change in name, structure, and reach. Abhay Bhutada, MD (former) of Poonawalla Fincorp, continued to lead the institution. Under his watch, the company received “AAA” credit ratings from both CRISIL and CARE Ratings Limited. These milestones established the company’s position among the top-rated financial institutions in the country.
In less than a decade, Bhutada had gone from managing a start-up NBFC to heading one of the country’s most highly rated finance firms. What remained constant was his belief in combining technology with good governance. His ability to lead during complex integrations and expansions stood out, earning him respect across the industry.
Public Roles and Awards
Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, has been active outside corporate circles too. He is known for his involvement in various business and charitable events. His efforts in building sustainable financial services have been acknowledged through several awards.
Key recognitions include:
Young Entrepreneur of India 2017
Promising Entrepreneur of India 2019
Global Indian of the Year 2023
Maharashtrian of the Year 2024 by Lokmat
These awards are a reflection of his multi-dimensional efforts. Whether it’s mentoring professionals, addressing finance forums, or supporting educational causes, Bhutada continues to be an active contributor beyond boardrooms.
How Technology Became the Driver
Abhay Bhutada believes in the role of technology in eliminating inefficiencies in lending. Under his leadership, digital interfaces, automated loan verification, and robotic process automation were introduced. These steps helped reduce human error, increase response speed, and improve the accuracy of internal processes.
More importantly, the digital shift also helped customers. Applications became faster, document collection became smoother, and overall turnaround times were significantly reduced. This digital model helped the company become a more competitive option in the market.
His belief is that finance should be simple, fast, and inclusive—and technology is the only way to achieve that at scale. For him, digital tools are not accessories but central to the business model.
Earning a Spot Among India’s Highest Paid Leaders
By 2023, Bhutada’s work and leadership had begun to gain national recognition. His compensation that year placed him among India’s top-paid managing directors. His salary reflected the value he brought to the table—through thoughtful decisions, strong execution, and continuous improvement in systems.
His inclusion in the list of top earners was not just a personal achievement but a signal of how important digital transformation and stable leadership have become in Indian finance.
Conclusion
Abhay Bhutada’s journey shows what long-term focus and consistent action can achieve. From working in a public sector bank to launching his own firm, and eventually leading a top-rated financial company, each phase has been backed by commitment and innovation. Abhay Bhutada remains an influential figure in finance today—someone whose work continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in purpose and process.
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