Kushal Gayakwad
Summary
Dedicated financial services professional with 12 years’ experience in credit risk assessment, mortgage advisory, underwriting, and sales leadership. Proven ability to deliver end-to-end credit appraisals, and customer advisory services while ensuring alignment with regulatory and compliance frameworks. Skilled in branch expansion, business development, and team management, with a track record of driving growth in secured mortgage finance.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Lending Assessor & Mortgage Adviser
Global Financial Services, Auckland
2024.03 - Current
- Conduct end-to-end assessment of home loan/mortgage applications as per New Zealand credit policies and guidelines.
- Perform income verification, credit checks, property valuation reviews, and responsible lending assessments.
- Liaise with lenders, clients, and internal teams to resolve documentation gaps and provide clarifications.
- Analyse financial statements, credit scores, ratios, and other risk metrics to evaluate creditworthiness.
- Prepare and underwrite loan reports, summarising findings and recommendations.
- Provide tailored mortgage advice, evaluating affordability and guiding clients through approval in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Regional Manager
Vastu Housing Finance
2022.11 - 2023.11
- Led business growth in Pune and emerging Western Maharashtra markets, generating Home Loan (HL) and Loan Against Property (LAP) business.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic planning.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to foster business partnerships.
- Trained and mentored sales team members, improving performance and product knowledge.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined operations and increased overall productivity.
- Expanded market share within the region by identifying growth opportunities and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Regional Manager
Bajaj Housing Finance
2021.11 - 2022.11
- Headed a large cross-functional team (2 Cluster Managers, 5 ASM, 25 RM/RO) with responsibility for revenue and profitability.
- Managed sales via builders, DSAs, and marketing partnerships, while reducing attrition through team engagement.
- Contributed to product and policy development for assigned regions.
- Controlled daily business monitoring, ensuring credit quality and compliance in a high-velocity retail lending environment.
Cluster Manager
Home First Finance Company (HFFC)
2016.08 - 2021.11
- Oversaw branch operations including lending, customer service, and compliance.
- Reviewed credit proposals and ensured adherence to sanctioning standards.
- Trained Relationship Managers/Assistant Managers, improving TAT and portfolio quality.
- Managed collections, delinquency control, and restructuring strategies for distressed accounts.
- Led clusters with 3 Branch Managers and 12+ team members, achieving strong business growth.
- Monitored performance metrics, providing actionable insights for continuous improvement initiatives.
Media Marketing Manager
Hindustan Times
2015.11 - 2016.08
- Managed classified B2B advertising sales in the Delhi NCR region.
- Executed sales strategies, acquired new clients, and ensured retention of key accounts.
Product Manager
Dainik Bhaskar
2013.07 - 2015.04
- Designed and implemented market strategies to boost circulation and revenue.
- Led product launches, market research, and promotional campaigns.
- Collaborated with editorial and marketing teams to develop sales and branding strategies.
Education
New Zealand Certificate - Financial Services Level 5
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
2024-09
Certification - Financial Risk Management
IIM Raipur
2021-04
MBA -
Fostiima Business School
New Delhi, India2013-05
B.E. - B.E
Sagar Institute of Science & Technology
Bhopal, India2011-06
Skills
- Hard Skills: Microsoft Office, Excel, Rstudio, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Credit Analysis and Credit Risk Management, Risk Analysis, Risk and Control Self-Assessment, CRM, Budgeting and Finance, Portfolio Management, Compliance and Regulatory Checks
- Soft Skills: Leadership, Communication, Negotiation, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Flexibility, Resilience, Dedication, Team Building
LANGUAGES
English, Hindi, Marathi
Timeline
Lending Assessor & Mortgage Adviser
Global Financial Services, Auckland
2024.03 - Current
Regional Manager
Vastu Housing Finance
2022.11 - 2023.11
Regional Manager
Bajaj Housing Finance
2021.11 - 2022.11
Cluster Manager
Home First Finance Company (HFFC)
2016.08 - 2021.11
Media Marketing Manager
Hindustan Times
2015.11 - 2016.08
Product Manager
Dainik Bhaskar
2013.07 - 2015.04
New Zealand Certificate - Financial Services Level 5
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Certification - Financial Risk Management
IIM Raipur
MBA -
Fostiima Business School
B.E. - B.E
Sagar Institute of Science & Technology