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
03.2024 - 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
11.2022 - 11.2023
- 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
11.2021 - 11.2022
- 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)
08.2016 - 11.2021
- 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
11.2015 - 08.2016
- 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
07.2013 - 04.2015
- 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)
09-2024
Certification - Financial Risk Management
IIM Raipur
04-2021
MBA -
Fostiima Business School
New Delhi, India05-2013
B.E. - B.E
Sagar Institute of Science & Technology
Bhopal, India06-2011
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
03.2024 - Current
Regional Manager
Vastu Housing Finance
11.2022 - 11.2023
Regional Manager
Bajaj Housing Finance
11.2021 - 11.2022
Cluster Manager
Home First Finance Company (HFFC)
08.2016 - 11.2021
Media Marketing Manager
Hindustan Times
11.2015 - 08.2016
Product Manager
Dainik Bhaskar
07.2013 - 04.2015
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
Similar Profiles
Yusuf BulbuliaYusuf Bulbulia
Research Analyst- Geopolitics and Macroeconomics at Global Risk Institute in Financial ServicesResearch Analyst- Geopolitics and Macroeconomics at Global Risk Institute in Financial Services
NARESHA KRNARESHA KR
Senior Analyst at Financial Markets Regulatory operations - Standard Chartered Bank Global Business Services Pvt LtdSenior Analyst at Financial Markets Regulatory operations - Standard Chartered Bank Global Business Services Pvt Ltd
Azza AbdelbariAzza Abdelbari
Senior Manager, Sector Lead at Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Supervision Division, Abu Dhabi Global MarketSenior Manager, Sector Lead at Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Supervision Division, Abu Dhabi Global Market
Matt MiklasevichMatt Miklasevich
Technical PM – BTI – Home Equity/Lending, Mortgage Origination and Retail Lending at PNCTechnical PM – BTI – Home Equity/Lending, Mortgage Origination and Retail Lending at PNC
Regine PatricioRegine Patricio
Instructor | Accredited TESDA Trainer & Assessor in Bookkeeping NC III | Accounting Support Staff | Student Council Adviser | Alternate Acting Cashier | Petty Cash Custodian | Association Officer at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College (LGPC)Instructor | Accredited TESDA Trainer & Assessor in Bookkeeping NC III | Accounting Support Staff | Student Council Adviser | Alternate Acting Cashier | Petty Cash Custodian | Association Officer at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College (LGPC)