Sanjay Agarwal, MD and CEO of AU Small Finance Bank, reflected on the bank’s remarkable growth over the past nine years, during which its balance sheet has expanded tenfold. Despite navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, high interest rates, and non-banking financial company (NBFC) crises, the bank has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Agarwal attributed this success to the bank’s initial focus on high net-worth clients and its strategic partnership with HDFC Bank, which helped shape its approach to risk management, distribution, and franchise building.
Investor Raamdeo Agrawal praised AU Bank for its professional management and prudent decision to avoid unsecured lending in its early years, which enabled the bank to manage risk and achieve steady growth. Sanjay Agarwal highlighted the crucial role of technology in the bank’s growth, citing AI-led communication and operational tools that have enabled the bank to reach deeper markets and serve customers more efficiently. This has allowed AU Bank to scale faster than traditional banking models.
Agarwal emphasized the importance of building a strong leadership team that can run the institution independently, ensuring continuity beyond individual promoters. He credited mentorship from Raamdeo Agrawal, who encouraged him to think bigger, strengthen governance, and prioritize patience in building a lasting institution. Looking ahead, Sanjay Agarwal expressed confidence that AU Bank can grow into a much larger institution over the next two decades, driven by disciplined capital management, strong teams, and technology. The bank’s focus will be on longevity rather than short-term expansion, with a commitment to sustainable growth and long-term success. Overall, AU Bank’s story serves as a testament to the power of strategic leadership, prudent risk management, and innovative technology in driving growth and success in the banking sector.