ASHWIN M DESHPANDE
Pune
Summary
A Branch Manager with Trade Finance experience oversees branch operations while leveraging deep knowledge of trade finance products and services such as letters of credit, guarantees, bills for collection, and export-import documentation. This dual role involves both leadership and technical expertise in international banking and financial instruments. Experienced and results-driven Bank Branch Manager with over 18 years of expertise in branch operations, customer relationship management, and team leadership. Experience in Trade operations like handling of Bank guarantees, LCs, FCGPR, Annexure VI regulatory reporting to RBI. Managed APR (Annual performance report) for Indian companies raising funds through FDI or ECB. Proven track record of increasing branch profitability, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving operational excellence. Passionate about mentoring teams, driving excellence, and delivering solutions that prioritize customer outcomes.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Branch Manager: Assistant Vice President
HDFC Bank Ltd
Pune
09.2018 - Current
- Manage day-to-day operations of the bank branch.
- Lead a team of relationship managers, tellers, and back-office staff.
- Drive business growth through trade finance products.
- Oversee the execution of trade finance transactions: LC issuance, advising, confirmation, discounting, BGs, and documentary collections.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with SME and corporate clients.
- Monitor branch performance and prepare periodic reports for senior management.
- Managed handling FCGPR, Annexure VI, APR (Annual performance reporting) for various clients.
- Co-ordinated with Relationship Managers and clients to resolve discrepancies, leading to client satisfaction.
Branch Manager
BANK OF INDIA
01.2017 - 09.2018
- Oversee all branch operations, including sales, customer service, compliance, and risk management.
- Lead a team of 10 staff members, providing coaching, training, and performance evaluations.
- Achieved a 15% increase in branch profitability by implementing effective sales strategies and cost-control measures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction scores by 15% through improved service quality and personalized banking solutions.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies, resulting in zero audit issues.
Assistant Manager
CITIBANK
Pune
11.2011 - 01.2017
- Processed Bank guarantees within defined TATs.
- Managed document checking and SWIFT messages.
- Co-ordinated with Relationship Managers and clients to resolve discrepancies, leading to client satisfaction.
- Handled Inward / Outward remittances.
- Handled FCGPR / Annexure VI compliances related to the regulatory.
- Handled APR filing for companies who raised funds through FDI or ECB.
- Supported the Branch Manager in daily operations and assumed full managerial responsibilities in their absence.
- Awarded for significant contribution towards Cost Saving for Q2 in Citibank (2015-16).
- Received Team excellence award for ATM department for the year 2012-13 by significant contribution to team & continuous monitoring & management of ATMs across Pune and Goa region.
- Managed customer service functions, resolving issues promptly and maintaining high satisfaction levels.
Assistant Manager
HDFC Bank Ltd
Pune
03.2010 - 11.2011
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.
- Successfully grew the client base by contributing significantly to branch revenue.
- Advised clients on a range of banking products and services, resulting in increased cross-selling opportunities.
- Collaborated with the branch team to exceed sales targets and enhance overall customer experience.
Assistant Manager
ICICI Bank Ltd
Pune
04.2007 - 02.2010
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.
- Successfully grew the client base by contributing significantly to branch revenue.
- Advised clients on a range of banking products and services, resulting in increased cross-selling opportunities.
- Collaborated with the branch team to exceed sales targets and enhance overall customer experience.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance
Institute of Management Education
Pune, India01.2007
Master of Commerce (M.Com) - Banking and Finance
University of Pune
Pune, India01.2004
Skills
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- RBI guidelines
- Internal audit
- Core banking software
- CRM
- MS Office
- High-performing branch management
- SME and corporate clients
- Import/export operations
Awards
- Received Award from Business Banking Head for consistently overachieving the April 2024 to Feb 2025 budgets across liability products.
- Received Award from Zonal Head under the Gold Category for overachieving the quarterly budgets for the period Oct 2024 to Dec 2024.
- Recognised for prestigious Cordellia Cruise 2023, organised by HDFC Bank Ltd for outstanding performance in life insurance.
- Recognised for prestigious Greece 2020, and Malaysia in 2019 for MDRT contest organised by HDFC Bank Ltd for outstanding performance in life insurance.
Timeline
Branch Manager: Assistant Vice President
HDFC Bank Ltd
09.2018 - Current
Branch Manager
BANK OF INDIA
01.2017 - 09.2018
Assistant Manager
CITIBANK
11.2011 - 01.2017
Assistant Manager
HDFC Bank Ltd
03.2010 - 11.2011
Assistant Manager
ICICI Bank Ltd
04.2007 - 02.2010
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance
Institute of Management Education
Master of Commerce (M.Com) - Banking and Finance
University of Pune