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K. Paul Thomas Appointed as Chairperson of Sa-Dhan During 27th AGM in Bengaluru.

Appointment | Dated: 24 Jun 2025

In June 2025, Kadambelil (K.) Paul Thomas, the Managing Director and CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank, was elected as the new Chairperson of Sa-Dhan, India’s apex Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for microfinance institutions.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The election took place during the 27th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Sa-Dhan held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • - The AGM also witnessed the induction of new governing body members, including G. Kiran Kumar (Swaamaan Financial Services), Rahul Gupta (Avanti Finance), Jagadish Ramadugu (Pragati Finserv), and Pravin Thigale (Fingel Management Services).
  • - K. Paul Thomas, who hails from Thrissur, Kerala, brings over three decades of experience in community-based banking and financial inclusion.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) K. Paul Thomas founded the Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF) in 1992, which transitioned into ESAF Microfinance and later became ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF SFB) in 2017, one of India's leading inclusive finance institutions.
  • (ii) Under his leadership, ESAF became the first Indian member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) and was twice shortlisted for the European Microfinance Award.
  • (iii) He is known for promoting ethical, sustainable, and value-driven financial services aimed at underserved communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban India.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, who was appointed as the Chairperson of Sa-Dhan during its 27th Annual General Body Meeting held in Bengaluru?

Correct Answer: K. Paul Thomas

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Sa-Dhan

  • Founded: 1999
  • Headquarters: New Delhi