AU Small Finance Bank strengthens board with key appointments, re-appoints seasoned leader
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, November 25, 2025: AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest small finance bank and the first to receive in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India to transition into a universal bank, has appointed Mr. Narasinganallore Venkatesh Srinivasan (“Mr. N S Venkatesh”) and Mr. Satyajit Dwivedi as Non-Executive Independent Directors for a term of three years, and re-appointed Ms. Malini Thadani as Non-Executive Independent Director for a second term for a term of three years, subject to approval of shareholders.
Mr. N S Venkatesh: A distinguished Chartered Accountant with a strong academic foundation in Science, Mr. Venkatesh brings a wealth of experience spanning over 4 decades in banking and financial services.
His illustrious career is marked by leadership roles at prominent institutions such as IDBI, AMFI, and Lakshmi Vilas Bank, where he has excelled in Treasury, International Banking, and strategic growth initiatives. As a respected industry voice, he has chaired FIMMDA and served on key committees of RBI and SEBI, driving policy reforms and governance standards.
Mr. Satyajit Dwivedi: A highly accomplished development finance professional, Mr. Dwivedi boasts an impressive 35+ year career in agriculture, rural economy, microfinance, and banking. 
His expertise has been leveraged by leading institutions such as NABARD, Nabkisan Finance Ltd, and National Centre for Financial Education, where he has spearheaded initiatives in financial inclusion and sustainable growth. A Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) and Diploma holder in Microfinance, Mr. Dwivedi's thought leadership has earned him recognition as one of the "100 Most Influential Leaders in Banking and Financial Services Institutions" by The Economic Times in 2017.
Ms. Malini Thadani: A seasoned leader with a strong track record in Sustainability, CSR, and Public Affairs, Ms. Thadani brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to the table. Her distinguished career spans over 4 decades, with notable stints in the Indian Revenue Service and HSBC. At HSBC, she has driven strategic initiatives in sustainable finance, ESG, and stakeholder engagement. As a respected voice in the industry, she advises organizations on integrating sustainability into their core business strategy and serves as Executive Director, World Monuments Fund India Association, championing heritage conservation and sustainable development.
Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, "We are happy to welcome Mr. N S Venkatesh and Mr. Satyajit Dwivedi to our Board and to re-appoint Ms. Malini Thadani for a second term. These leaders bring exceptional experience and diverse perspectives that will strengthen our governance as we prepare for our next chapter as a universal bank. A strong and varied Board is the foundation of sound governance. With these appointments, we are better equipped to navigate complexity, embrace innovation, and deliver inclusive and sustainable growth for all our stakeholders."
Mr. Venkatesh, a Chartered Accountant and former CFO & Executive Director at IDBI, has also served as CEO of AMFI, bringing unmatched expertise in risk management and treasury. Mr. Dwivedi, recognized among the ‘100 Most Influential Leaders in Banking and Financial Services’ by The Economic Times, has led institutions like Nabkisan Finance and NCFE, with deep knowledge of rural economy and financial inclusion. Ms. Thadani continues to guide us with her rich experience in sustainability and ESG, having led strategic initiatives at HSBC.
