Sivakumar Nandipati, CDO, Fedbank Financial services
In 2025, AI is the new credit officer, cloud is the new branch, and APIs are the new front desk.
The New Foundations of Modern NBFCs
In the evolving landscape of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), technologies like embedded finance, ONDC-driven sourcing, and AI-led risk engines are fundamentally transforming how credit is accessed, underwritten, and serviced. Real-time analytics and consent-based data sharing are turning generic transactions into highly personalized financial experiences.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is no longer confined to the server room. In NBFCs, the CIO has become a growth architect—co-piloting alongside business leaders to drive embedded credit offerings, orchestrate fintech partnerships, and create real-time data strategies. Their responsibilities now encompass not just infrastructure uptime but also business KPIs and customer experience outcomes.
From Detection to Prevention
A security-first culture is being instilled across organizations. Cyber awareness is no longer relegated to policy documents. Much like ATM PIN literacy, the effectiveness of cyber protocols depends on collective understanding and vigilance. NBFCs are now conducting cyber drills akin to fire drills, embedding gamified phishing simulations into training modules, and integrating security compliance into employee onboarding. Cyber hygiene is being visualized daily through dashboards, making it a living, breathing part of the organization’s DNA.
Enterprise security strategies are being redefined with AI, automation, and zero-trust frameworks at the core. AI is functioning as a next-gen SOC analyst, capable of detecting behavioral anomalies in real time. Fraud detection systems are layered with behavior-based AI, access control mechanisms are automated, and zero-trust principles are enforced with rigor—mirroring credit underwriting logic where nothing is trusted unless verified repeatedly across every access point.
The New Leadership Stack
The roles of CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and DPOs are converging into a unified digital trust command center. CIOs act as business enablers, CTOs scout and integrate emerging technologies, CISOs design cyber resilience strategies, and DPOs ensure compliance with privacy norms and ethical standards. Together, they form a collaborative risk-intelligence hub.
While in smaller setups, roles like Data Protection Officer (DPO) may overlap with those of the CIO, CTO, or CISO, these functions are inherently distinct. Just as an auditor is not the same as an accountant, a DPO provides necessary checks and balances—critical at a time when regulators like the RBI are sharpening their focus on data governance and compliance.
