Ananya Birla – Singer & Businesswoman, Svatantra MicroFin

Ananya Birla is a successful business-woman and platinum selling artist. Her first company, Svatantra Microfinance Pvt Ltd, founded at the age of 17, is amongst India’s fastest growing MFI’s, has crossed an AUM of 1 billion USD, 7000 employees, a CAGR of 120% (2015-2022), and is consistently accorded Great Places To Work. With a CRISIL A+ rating, Svatantra is the youngest, highest rated organization in the sector. Svatantra successfully acquired Micro Housing Finance Corporation Ltd. in 2018. Her innovation across the business has resulted in a number of firsts in the industry, and solidified Svatantra’s position as an industry leader in financial services. Birla is also the founder of design-led home decor brand Ikai Asai. On the social front, Ananya Birla has co-founded Mpower, and advocates the need for conversations around mental health in India; and the Ananya Birla Foundation that does pioneering research in mental health and social impact. Alongside the Chairman, Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, she is involved in various group businesses driving key strategy across industries. As a Director of Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt. Ltd., she works to expand the financial, fashion and entertainment portfolio within the group. Her role will further contribute to strategy led decisions in new businesses and investments, across India and overseas.

Moderated by – Sudha Natrajan. Director, Response, The Times of India Group