GAURAV SAGAR
Chennai
Summary
Seasoned credit risk analytics expert with over 10 years in the Fintech industry. Successfully managing multi-billion-dollar credit portfolios while implementing data-driven strategies to enhance risk management. Proficient in utilizing analytics for effective decision-making and operational efficiency. Experienced in leading transformation projects and navigating macroeconomic and geopolitical changes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Data Scientist
PAYPAL
Chennai
04.2025 - Current
- Managing a $10B revolving credit portfolio for the UK market, controlling credit risk and ensuring financial health for 3.5M customers
- Built and deployed credit strategies using new underwriting decisioning models improving lending approval efficiency and accuracy
- Guiding strategic credit policy adjustments using data-driven insights to maintain losses within defined risk appetite
- Pioneering prudent affordability policies, including successful Open Banking Proof of Concept modernizing originations process
Data Scientist II
PAYPAL
Chennai
07.2022 - 03.2025
- Formulated line testing methodologies using bespoke data models to forecast 18-month credit line utilization, identifying high/low utilization segments with neutral risk profiles
- Developed comprehensive long-term risk projection framework integrating various metrics to predict 4-year Net Credit Losses (NCL), Revenue, and RAM across acquisition vintages
- Spearheaded strategic overhaul utilizing PUMA models (internal data model incorporating Transunion, Equifax, and PayPal variables), generating additional $20M TPV while maintaining neutral risk stance
Data Scientist I
PAYPAL
Chennai
05.2020 - 07.2022
- Shaped core acquisition strategy for PayPal Credit UK while optimizing credit policies to ensure vintage losses remained within risk parameters
- Simplified complex credit policy validation methodology, enhancing accuracy in estimating RAM and NCL for each applicant
- Drove multiple iterations of credit strategy using internal models, resulting in $12M acquisition loss mitigation
Senior Analytics Scientist II
GAIN CREDIT (FORMERLY GLOBAL ANALYTICS)
Chennai
10.2019 - 04.2020
- Managed partnership team for new customer acquisition, contributing 60% of company's new business
- Developed predictive models reducing credit data pull costs from various providers, saving £80K monthly
- Implemented regression model optimizing conversion rates, saving £50K in monthly lead costs
- Designed robust purchase strategy to acquire higher quality leads earlier than competitors, resulting in more new business at reduced default rates
Analyst II
GLOBAL ANALYTICS
Chennai
10.2016 - 09.2017
- Conducted challenger-champion tests to improve customer acquisition and optimize marketing channel conversions
- Created rules and alerts to minimize fraudulent/suboptimal activities from third-party lead providers
- Collaborated onsite (London) with executive leadership on key strategic projects
Analyst I
GLOBAL ANALYTICS
Chennai
07.2015 - 09.2016
- Developed portfolio management forecasts and profit estimations for various customer acquisition channels
- Created high-quality dashboard reporting periodic channel performance summaries for leadership
Graduate Technical Intern
TRIMBLE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Chennai
12.2014 - 07.2015
- Revamped Android mobile app frontend with Material Design principles
- Developed Android unit module tracking user movement and transmitting location data to proprietary device servers
Education
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) - Information Technology
VIT - Vellore
Vellore01.2015
Skills
- Credit risk management
- Data-driven decision making
- SQL
- Python
- Data Modeling
- Credit Risk Analysis
- Statistical Modeling
- Machine Learning
Certification
- Google Advanced Data Analytics Professional
- Programming
- Data Structures and Algorithms
Languages
- English, Native/Bilingual
- Hindi, Native/Bilingual
- French, Elementary
Timeline
Staff Data Scientist
PAYPAL
04.2025 - Current
Data Scientist II
PAYPAL
07.2022 - 03.2025
Data Scientist I
PAYPAL
05.2020 - 07.2022
Senior Analytics Scientist II
GAIN CREDIT (FORMERLY GLOBAL ANALYTICS)
10.2019 - 04.2020
Analyst II
GLOBAL ANALYTICS
10.2016 - 09.2017
Analyst I
GLOBAL ANALYTICS
07.2015 - 09.2016
Graduate Technical Intern
TRIMBLE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
12.2014 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) - Information Technology
VIT - Vellore