Amit Agarwal (PFM 2012-14) Portfolio Manager, Credit & Risk, Caspian Impact Investment Pvt Ltd

My professional journey has been steady and straightforward rather than a roller coaster ride. I began my career with Axis Bank through campus placement and later transitioned to Kotak Mahindra Bank. During this period, I had the comfort of being based in my hometown, Jaipur—a choice that offered stability but lacked the thrill of exploring the unconventional.

While I appreciated the structured environment and consistency of traditional banking, I often felt a lingering sense of FOMO—missing out on engaging with enterprises that are truly making a difference through innovative and impactful solutions. This realization pushed me to break free from the comfort zone I had built around myself.

Determined to experience something more dynamic, I took a conscious decision to move beyond the familiar—leaving my hometown and stepping away from the system-driven frameworks of conventional banking. This shift was aimed at gaining firsthand insights into the entrepreneurial journeys of businesses that are redefining industries and contributing meaningfully to society.

Location: Delhi, India

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-agarwal-3ab3b356/

Q. How did IIFM happen?

A. IIFM had always been on my wishlist for pursuing an MBA, given my background in Horticulture and my strong interest in continuing my postgraduate studies in the development and impact sector. While shortlisting colleges, I applied to only a few that offered MBA programs aligned with high-impact sectors, and fortunately, I secured admission to IIFM.

Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?

A. After graduating, I was eager to apply what I’d learned and find a role that aligned with both my skills and values. Being an Agri allied graduate and MBA, Agri Business lending in Axis bank was a perfect match for me. I was fortunate to land a position that not only matched my interest but also offered a strong learning environment. Initially I was skeptical about my career in a bank but over the past few years, I’ve grown a lot—both professionally and personally. The team culture, the challenges, and the ability to make a tangible impact have made it a genuinely satisfying journey.

Looking back, I feel proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead. I feel like I’m in the right place professionally—doing work I enjoy, with people I respect, and in an environment where I’m continuously learning.

Q. What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?

A. It’s been quite a journey, and I’ve had countless learnings along the way, but if I had to highlight one, I’d say people management has been the most valuable lesson. What I’ve truly realized is that for any journey to be meaningful and fulfilling, you need a supportive environment and the right team around you—whether they’re your colleagues, juniors or seniors.

Surrounding yourself with people who bring fresh ideas and positive energy can make a huge difference. On the flip side, it’s equally important to distance yourself from negativity.

One principle I firmly believe in is maintaining a healthy boundary between personal and professional life. If, at any point, your job starts to interfere with that balance, it might be a sign to reassess. Sometimes, the right decision is to move on—for the sake of your overall well-being.

Q. How has been your experience in your current Organization? What all areas have you been working here?

A. I have joined Caspian few months back but in this short period of time, I feel lucky because of the new dimensions of work and the culture here. In my previous organization, due to the bigger team size it was bit difficult to reflect on the direct impact one has on the system but here, I feel that the lean structure of organization enables clarity and delivery in line with our strength.

Here I have been given responsibility to analyse credit worthiness of Financial Institutions and fast growth companies which comes under the boundary of venture debt funding which is quite interesting. One interesting part of my current job is that I get lot of opportunities to meet many IIFM alumni frequently as part of my job and otherwise also 🙂

Q. What is the most satisfying part in your career?

A. Over the past decade, my experience with Agri and SME companies has given me the opportunity to witness remarkable transformations—businesses that started with just 5-10 employees growing into thriving enterprises with multiple units, providing livelihoods to over 100-200 individuals. Seeing this evolution reaffirms the value of my decisions as a lender and gives me a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that the support extended at the right time has contributed to real, lasting impact.

Q. Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?

A. There hasn’t been a single moment in my professional journey where I haven’t credited IIFM for shaping my approach to work. The teaching methods of CSR Sir, Dharni Sir, Ashutosh Sir, and Rekha Singhal Ma’am played a pivotal role in developing my critical thinking and subject understanding. Beyond the classroom, I remain deeply grateful for the continuous learning I gained from seniors, batchmates, and juniors—insights that continue to influence my everyday decisions and actions.

Q. What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles ?

A. To freshers and fellow IIFM graduates, I would encourage you to embrace roles that challenge your capabilities and push you beyond your comfort zone. This is just the beginning of your professional journey. Even if your preferences aren’t clear today, as you move forward and gain experience, clarity will come. Growth often begins where comfort ends.

Q. What are your favorite memories during your IIFM days?

A. My time at IIFM is filled with countless cherished memories. I actively participated in almost every campus event—whether it was a volleyball match, Kavi Sammelan, Besura Raag competition, poem recitations, skits, or dance performances. I was fortunate to have won several of these, including the Poem Recitation at Kavi Sammelan, Chess Competition, Treasure Hunt, and the Besura Raag contest.

Among all these moments, one that stands out is from Kalptaru 2014, where I recited a situational poem. The overwhelming appreciation I received—especially when Kinhal Sir, our then Director, personally came to congratulate me—remains one of my most treasured experiences.

I would love to share the video of that performance along with this interview.

https://youtu.be/ZNH5xXoFWMQ?si=grb1zTgSUs4JqR7t

Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?

A. Courses and faculty form the backbone of any institution, and not acknowledging their contribution would be truly unjust. I owe a great deal to the dedicated faculty at IIFM for shaping my foundation.

Alongside them, I must express my gratitude to my friends—Nitish Bhardwaj, Deepak Goyal, and Parag Bhide—for always standing by me, regardless of the circumstances. Their unwavering support has played a vital role in my personal and professional growth.

In my current organization, I’ve also had the privilege of working with Siddharth Mani (IIFM Batch 2007–09), whose guidance has significantly influenced my development in a short span. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring—he exemplifies professionalism in every sense.

One remarkable thing I’ve consistently observed is the enduring strength of the IIFM alumni network. Even if we don’t communicate regularly, whenever you reach out, you can always count on a fellow alum to offer their support.

Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?

A. Nitish Bhardwaj, Parag Bhide (my roommate at IIFM), and Deepak Goyal have been my closest buddies from IIFM and continue to be till today. But it would be truly unfair not to mention the amazing friends who also made those years unforgettable—Prakarsh, Anoop T.P., Rajat, Shashank Deora, Achin Phulre, Mishra Ji, Dharmender, Tushar, Sourabh Kumar , and Anuj Bansal. Each of them played a part in making my IIFM journey so special, both during and after our time on campus.

Honestly, I already feel guilty for anyone I might be missing—there are just too many wonderful people and memories to fit in one note. It feels like I’d need an entirely separate interview just to share all the stories!

Whenever I remember those days, a smile automatically comes on my face. I still cherish every bit of that time—it was truly one of the most enriching phase of my life.

Q. What is your typical day at the work? And how does it look like while you are on a break?

A. A typical day in my role involves a balanced mix of analytical and interpersonal responsibilities. I spend a significant portion of my time reviewing customer loan files, assessing financial viability, risk factors, and overall creditworthiness. Alongside this, I actively engage in meetings—both in- person and virtual—with internal teams and external stakeholders to align on strategies, resolve issues, and ensure smooth processing of financial solutions.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is interacting with emerging entrepreneurs, particularly those striving to solve challenges at the grassroots level. These conversations are often inspiring, as they reveal the passion, resilience, and innovative thinking that drive these individuals. Being able to support their ventures—not just through funding, but by partnering in their growth journey—gives a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose to my everyday work.

Q. And how about weekends, hobbies, family and anything else you want to add?

A. I love spending time with my family on weekends. My son always keeps me engaged with a mix of indoor and outdoor games. Before moving to Delhi, I lived in a joint family, and I fondly remember the lively conversations with my nephews and nieces—mostly revolving around their endless demands and my frequent refusals—which made for great entertainment!!

I would also like to express my gratitude to my wife, Komal, for being an integral part of my decision-making in my personal as well as professional life. Her unwavering support and insightful ideas have consistently influenced and shaped the choices I’ve made throughout my journey.

In addition to that, I enjoy catching up over a cup of tea—my own version of “Chai pe Charcha”—with friends and others I don’t get to meet during the busy weekdays.

Q. Favorite Books, movies, authors?

A. I’m fond of watching Bollywood movies and TV shows at OTT. I regularly follow reviews of all Bollywood films—but that doesn’t stop me from watching even the flop ones .

Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?

A. Each year, I’ve had the opportunity to stay connected with the IIFM placement team, and I’ve consistently contributed in every way I can. Supporting the next generation of IIFM professionals is something I genuinely value.

Last year, along with my batchmates Nitish and Anoop, we organized a video call with members of the placement team to address their concerns and provide clarity about career opportunities in banks and financial institutions. It was a meaningful exchange, aimed at helping them make informed decisions and feel more confident about the roles available in the sector.

I remain fully committed to supporting both the placement and Summer Internship (SI) processes at IIFM. Whether it’s through mentorship, sharing insights, conducting sessions, or facilitating connections, I’m always ready to contribute in any way I can to give back to the institution that shaped me.

Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?

A. Siddharth Mani Iyer, Anoop TP, Sourabh Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, Achin Phulre, Vivek Mishra, Dharmender , Tushar Chauhan, Shashank Deora, Rana Pujari.