Pankaj D Kulkarni

· EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – HEAD, PAYMENTS & CARDS TECHNOLOGY | CIO / CTO ASPIRANT

Senior technology leader with over 25 years of experience in the Banking and Financial Services Industry (BFSI), currently leading Payments & Cards Technology at IndusInd Bank Ltd. Responsible for the full payments ecosystem including all NPCI products , Communications Technology & Government Banking Solutions for IndusInd Bank driving digital transformation, Innovation. Strong exposure to IT governance, RBI regulatory frameworks, audits, cyber and operational risk management, and technology resilience . Regularly interfaces with RBI, NPCI, networks, auditors, fintech partners, and senior leadership , and presents technology strategy, risk posture, and transformation initiatives to board-level and strategy committees .

Recognised as a business–technology partner , translating strategic objectives into cost-effective, resilient, and future-ready solutions . Led payments modernisation, cards platform enhancement, vendor rationalisation, and cost optimisation initiatives while enabling business growth and innovation.

Actively preparing for expanded CXO and board-level responsibilities , including Independent Director roles , with a focus on governance excellence, digital transformation, and sustainable value creation

• Led the technology and teams for various payment products, including UPI, IMPS, NACH, AePS, NFS – ATMs, RTGS, NEFT, Cheque Clearing, SWIFT, Debit Cards, Prepaid and FOREX Cards, Credit Cards, and Messaging Infrastructure (SMS and Email Portfolio).
• Contributed to the Public Fund Management System for Retail, Corporate, and Digital Payments organization, enhancing overall payment processing efficiency and security.
• Spearheaded the deployment of transformative payment solutions at IndusInd Bank by adopting an innovative approach with Cloud-Compatible, Containerized, and Scalable On-Demand Architecture.
• Consistently enhanced and sustained MeITY (Ministry of Information Technology) scores and NPCI ratings, securing the bank a position within the top three rankings.
• Spearheaded collaborations with regulators and auditors during Green Audits for Banking Technology, aiming to uphold and enhance positive ratings for the bank's Technology department.
• Fulfilled the business performance levels by executing the products in both international & domestic banks, including Lloyds TSB in UK, Citibank in Africa region & India, banks in UAE, HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bank of Baroda.
• Successfully participated in senior management forums within the bank, such as IT Strategy, IT Steering Committee, and Information Security & Audit Committees.
• Acted as a representative for Payments Technology, presenting new investment or business cases, showcasing the control posture of Payments Technology, and providing progress updates to management on strategic and transformational projects of the bank.

• Impacted the entire process by being involved in business planning, driving strategic initiatives, operational planning & analysis using extensive appropriate techniques
• Adopted strategic initiatives towards Payments & Cards Technology, encompassing all National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) suite of payment products
• Mentored and directed teams towards transformational technology projects in collaboration with Corporate, Retail, and Digital banking business units
• Analysed process improvement opportunities and worked towards upgradation of the process & systems, creating strategy, developing process roadmap, working with process owners & service providers
• Contributed to the process by analyzing transformation opportunities to enhance team performance via operational solutions, increased efficiency, transition / migration, and / or reduced costs
• Displayed excellent industry linkages by building credibility, establishing rapport and maintaining communication with parties at multiple levels, including those external to the organization
• Enhanced operational efficiency by leveraging tech-enabled solutions and deploying additional automation
• Achieved greater competitive mileage through automation, innovation & re-use methodologies
• Made sure regulatory standards are met and industry best practices in the management of payment technologies
• Established excellent relationships that align technology initiatives with broader business goals, ensuring a unified approach to technology-driven transformations
• Maintained a robust risk and control posture within Payments Technology by implementing measures to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborated with Chief Information Officers at the highest levels to enhance risk management and control strategies in the payment technology domain.