Dheeraj Beri

Fintech | NBFC | Strategic Growth | Digital Lending | CEO/COO/CRO Readiness

With over 20+years of leadership experience across India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, I’ve led transformation and growth initiatives in the financial services sector, spanning traditional banking, NBFCs, and fintech ventures. My core strength lies in building high-performing organizations that align capital efficiency, regulatory compliance, and technology-led innovation—especially in underpenetrated or high-friction segments.

🚀 Career Highlights:

Turned around a ₹300 Cr NBFC in India by overhauling credit risk frameworks, optimizing cost structures, and reducing NPAs by 30% within 12 months.

Led strategic expansion across Tier II/III cities, enabling double-digit YoY growth in loan disbursals and borrower retention through agent networks and embedded finance models.

Built and advised digital-first lending platforms in the UK and India, focusing on B2B and B2B2C models with customized credit scoring and API-led underwriting.

Partnered with senior leadership in startups and the third sector to align organizational mandates with risk management, digital enablement, and inclusive financial services.

💼 Current Role:

I currently lead a stealth-mode B2B startup focused on digitizing construction material aggregation and offering supply chain financing solutions for contractors and SMEs. From concept to traction, I oversee product development, compliance, partner alliances, and early go-to-market execution.

🎯 Leadership Philosophy:

I’m an advocate of inclusive leadership, where accountability, agility, and purpose drive team and business outcomes. Whether driving fintech adoption, co-lending partnerships, or strategic turnarounds, I believe success lies in aligning cross-functional execution with long-term stakeholder value.

📌 Core Expertise:

Strategic Planning | Business Turnaround | Embedded Finance

Digital Lending | NBFC Operations | Product Innovation

Compliance & Risk (FCA, AML/KYC, Fair Practice)

Credit Management | Co-Lending | Financial Inclusion

B2B & B2B2C Business Models | Team Leadership

API Integrations | Sustainable Finance | Entrepreneurial Execution

🌍 Education:

B.Com and LLB—Lucknow University

MSc in Sustainable Business Risk Management—University of South Wales (UK)

🎯 Aspirations:

Open to CEO, COO, CRO, or Board / Independent Director roles in fintech, NBFC, or financial inclusion–oriented organizations. I bring the strategic clarity, operational depth, and stakeholder trust required to scale innovation responsibly.

I am a seasoned risk management professional with over 20+ years of experience in banking and fintech, specializing in credit risk, unsecured lending, and digital transformation. Key highlights include:

• Chief Risk Officer, Paisalo Digital Limited (Jan 2015–Feb 2021): Led risk performance for corporate, retail, and personal loans, managing a ₹440 crore unsecured lending portfolio using machine learning underwriting. Strengthened risk appetite measurement, liquidity, and interest rate risk monitoring for assets worth ₹2700 crore. As project manager, oversaw technology infrastructure reengineering, including ERP implementation and ML-driven lending. Managed a 325-member team across seven Indian states, disbursing ₹2000 crore in microfinance loans, and served on ALM and Risk Management Board committees.
• Advisor to Board, Robert Owen Community Banking Fund, New Town, Powys, United Kingdom (Apr 2014–Apr 2016): Provided credit strategy and operational risk management advisory, developing compliance frameworks that secured EU funding. Ensured adherence to regulatory standards for community energy funds.
• Other Roles: 
  • Supported Rapipay Fintech in securing ₹50 crore capex by developing an in-house risk engine on an open-source platform.
  • Headed risk management at ElasticRun (Naspers-backed B2B fintech), focusing on unsecured supply chain finance and metrics analysis.
  • In my present role, I conceptualized and deployed a B2B platform for anchor-led supply chain finance in construction, emphasizing credit control.

Skills: Expertise in risk management, machine learning for credit scoring, project management (PMP certified), regulatory compliance (AML certified), stakeholder management, and team leadership. Proficient in building scalable lending systems, process improvement, and customer-first product strategies.

Education: Executive MBA (IIM Lucknow), MSc in Sustainable Business Risk Management (University of South Wales, Distinction), Diploma in Retail Banking Conduct (London Institute of Banking and Finance), and certifications in AML and PMP.

My career demonstrates a proven track record in driving operational efficiency, financial growth, and compliance in Indian and EU financial ecosystems, with strong leadership in cross-functional teams and technology-driven lending solutions.

• Executive MBA, Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (May 2012–May 2013): Developed expertise in business strategy and leadership, equipping skills for strategic decision-making and governance in financial institutions.
• MSc in Sustainable Business Risk Management, University of South Wales, UK (Sep 2013–Dec 2014): Graduated with distinction, specializing in risk management frameworks and sustainable business practices, critical for operational and credit risk oversight.
• Diploma in Retail Banking Conduct of Business, London Institute of Banking and Finance, UK (Apr 2014–Jan 2015): Gained knowledge in regulatory compliance and retail banking operations, strengthening capabilities in financial conduct and governance.
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Expert, Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (2015): Acquired specialized expertise in AML compliance, essential for ensuring regulatory adherence in financial services.
• PMP Certification, Project Management Institute, USA (Jul 2020): Certified in project management, enhancing ability to lead complex technology and risk management initiatives effectively.
• Independent Director: Eligible to serve as an independent director, contributing to strategic oversight, governance, and risk management at the board level, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory standards.

These qualifications and the independent director role provide a robust foundation in risk management, regulatory compliance, project leadership, and board-level governance, highly relevant for senior leadership positions in fintech and banking.