Seasoned Financial Services Leader Brings Deep Banking, Technology and Operations Expertise to Strengthen Governance and Strategic Direction of Equirus’ NBFC Business
Wednesday, 17 December 2025: Equirus Group, a leading full-service financial services firm, announced the appointment of Mr. Mukesh Malik as an Independent Director on the Board of Equirus Finance, the Group’s newly launched non-deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). This strategic board appointment further strengthens the governance framework and leadership bench of Equirus Finance as it embarks on its journey to build a diversified lending franchise.
Mr. Malik brings over three decades of distinguished experience in banking and financial services, having held senior leadership positions at four highly reputed global organizations – Bank of America, ABN AMRO Bank, Citibank, and Aditya Birla Capital. His expertise spans retail and corporate banking operations, technology, digital transformation, risk management, and regulatory compliance across domestic and international markets. He brings deep expertise in banking operations, technology transformation, digital platforms, risk management, and large-scale financial services execution.
He is a qualified Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi
Commenting on the appointment, Ajit Deshmukh, Managing Director, Equirus, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mukesh Malik to the Board of Equirus Finance. His exceptional track record in building and scaling financial services operations, coupled with his deep understanding of NBFC businesses, technology infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, makes him an invaluable addition to our board. His strategic counsel will be instrumental as we build Equirus Finance into a leading wealth-focused NBFC with the highest standards of governance, risk management, and client service.”
Mukesh Malik, Independent Director, Equirus Finance, said: “I am pleased to join the Board of Equirus Finance at an important phase of its strategic journey. Equirus has built a strong reputation across investment banking, institutional equities and wealth, and the NBFC presents a natural extension of this platform. I look forward to working closely with the Board and management to help build a scalable, well-governed lending franchise, anchored in prudent risk management, robust technology, and a sharp focus on client outcomes.”
Equirus Finance will offer bespoke lending products such as Loan Against Securities (LAS), ESOP financing, Market-Linked Debentures (MLDs), Structured Finance, and other customized secured lending solutions tailored to the needs of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), family offices, and promoters. The company is targeting a ₹3,000 crore high-quality loan book over the next few years, backed by a strong compliance and risk framework. The NBFC aims to unlock powerful synergies with Equirus Wealth, creating a unified “One Equirus” experience.
About Equirus:
Equirus Group is a leading full-service financial services firm specializing in investment banking, institutional securities, wealth and asset management, HNI broking, NBFC, and insurance solutions. With a “client always first” approach and a proven track record of delivering value creation, Equirus has built impeccable credentials across domains and sectors. Equirus has completed more than 315+ transactions across M&A, PE, IPOs, QIPs, Rights Issues, and Structured Finance, raising USD 15 billion in the process across sectors over the last 18 years, and has created a differentiation for itself through its ability to structure and deliver transactions in line with the client’s requirements.
By: Sandhya Bharti
