Mumbai: Equirus Group, a leading full-service financial services firm, has announced the appointment of 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). The strategic board appointment is aimed at bolstering governance and leadership as Equirus Finance builds a diversified lending franchise.
Mr. Malik brings over three decades of distinguished experience in banking and financial services, having held senior leadership positions at Bank of America, ABN AMRO Bank, Citibank, and Aditya Birla Capital. His expertise spans retail and corporate banking operations, technology and digital transformation, risk management, and regulatory compliance across domestic and international markets. 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, added, “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 for 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, supported by a strong compliance and risk framework. The NBFC aims to unlock synergies with Equirus Wealth, creating a unified “One Equirus” experience for clients.
