Appointment Announcement
On November 5, 2026, IIFL Home Finance Limited, a technology‑driven affordable housing finance company, issued a press release from New Delhi stating that Mr. Sharad Kumar has been appointed as its Chief Risk Officer (CRO). The appointment is presented as a step to further strengthen the firm’s risk management framework and governance capabilities.
Professional Background of Sharad Kumar
Mr. Kumar brings more than 22 years of experience spanning risk management, banking, financial services, strategic planning and economic research. He most recently served as Senior Head – Risk at Bajaj Finance, where he oversaw the enterprise risk framework, regulatory risk, regulatory analytics, stress testing, climate risk and overall risk governance. Prior to Bajaj Finance, he held senior risk‑related positions at State Bank of India, Corporation Bank and Bank of Maharashtra, gaining exposure to macro‑economic analysis, asset‑liability management, strategic planning and regulatory compliance. He holds an M.Phil. and a master’s degree in economics, is a Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Bankers (CAIIB), and possesses a Certificate in Management of Banking and Finance from NIBM, Pune. He has also contributed to several publications on banking, financial markets and the economy.
Reporting Structure and Transition
In his new role, Sharad Kumar will report to the Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors and will have administrative reporting to the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of IIFL Home Finance. The current CRO will move into another senior leadership position as part of the transition.
Company Overview
IIFL Home Finance Limited is described as India’s leading retail‑focused housing finance company dedicated to first‑time homebuyers from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low‑Income Groups (LIG). It operates as a subsidiary of IIFL Finance Ltd, which holds a 79.59% stake, while the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) holds the remaining 20.41% shareholding since 2022. As of 31 March 2026, the company has served 4.89 lakh customers, including 3.17 lakh first‑time home buyers, 1.68 lakh customers from the informal sector, and 4.62 lakh women borrowers. The firm runs a network of 315 branches across 18 states and two Union Territories, focusing on underserved and emerging geographies such as suburbs of Tier‑1 cities and towns classified as Tier‑2 to Tier‑4, with residential property used as collateral.
Executive Comment
Mr. Girish Kousgi, Managing Director & CEO of IIFL Home Finance, commented that strong risk governance and effective oversight are critical for sustainable growth in housing finance, and that Mr. Kumar’s extensive experience will further reinforce the company’s risk functions and support its strategic priorities.