“Guiding Growth, Shaping Strategy:
Board Members in Action”
Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh
Co-Founder & MD
Mr. Singh has over three decades of experience in financial services and social development sectors. He was instrumental in setting up many educational institutes, especially for girls and women. He goes with the premise that to serve the nation, service has to begin at grass root level and the educational sector is the most potent tool in this regard.
He has been actively involved in with community services, plantation of trees, youth sport and other social initiatives. He is committed to creating a culture of excellence, enhancing business growth, achieving the Vision, Mission and Goals of FCSL. Through his prudent stewardship an innovative perspective has been imparted to the dynamic journey of FCSL. He has earned the degrees in Law (LLB), Social Development (MA), and Management (MBA). He has rich and varied expertise in promoter management, business planning, financial planning and corporate governance.
CA. Gourav Sirohi
Co-Founder & CEO
Gourav is a seasoned Chartered Accountant with more than 16 years of experience in various domains, including Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Direct and Indirect Taxation, Finance, Treasury, Equity, Debt, Financial Audit, Company Law Matters, Information System Audit, and Valuation.
Professional Journey:
SAVE Group:
Prior to Friends Capital, Gourav was the Group CFO at SAVE Group, which comprises five companies, including NBFC-MFI, NBFC (LAP), and HFC. His significant achievements at SAVE include:
- Establishing initial lending businesses.
- Setting up the corporate office in Delhi.
- Securing Equity and Debt for the company.
- Setting up the Board and promoting good corporate governance.
- Hiring the initial leadership team.
- Leading two company acquisitions and integrating them into the group.
Fusion Microfinance Limited (a listed company now):
Prior to his role at SAVE Group, Gourav was a founding member of Fusion Microfinance Private Limited. During his eight years there, he made substantial contributions by:
- Implementing effective systems, practices, and processes.
- Managing Treasury, Secretarial, and Finance functions.
- Supporting the company’s growth to achieve an AUM of around INR 3,000 Cr.
Grant Thornton:
Gourav began his career at Grant Thornton, where he specialized in Assurance and Auditing for various listed and unlisted clients such as DLF, BPTP, Network 18, Ranbaxy, and Spicejet etc. His key responsibilities included:
- Conducting Statutory audits.
- Limited Reviews of listed companies on stock exchanges.
- Performing Tax audits.
- Executing Stock audits.
Gourav’s extensive experience and proven track record make him a valuable asset to Friends Capital, demonstrating his ability to lead, innovate, and drive financial and operational success.
Dr. Rakesh Malhotra
Independent Director
Rakesh Malhotra holds the degrees of M.Sc. (Dairying); Ph.D. (Public Administration); D. Lit. (Public Administration). He has experience of more than 43 years in the development sector through – policy advocacy, strategic planning, project management, governance, vocational skills, financial inclusion, community institutions, capacity building and research. To his credit there are about thirty-two research reports.Â
- In NABARD for twenty-two years was involved in microfinance, strengthening of rural financial institutions, district planning, etc. He was the nominee Director of a Regional Rural Bank (government bank) at Bareilly for 6 years.
- As Head of UNDP, Madhya Pradesh, for about three and half years, was extensively involved in working closely with state government.
- As Lead – Financial Literacy & Capacity Building was working with GoI on thematic issues of institutional building, financial inclusion for the entire country.
- Published about a hundred articles, monograms, books, papers, reports, etc.
Dr. M.K Singh
Independent Director
Dr. Singh is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in administration and governance. His expertise spans strategic planning, collaborative leadership, administration, and empowering small businesses through program implementation, management, monitoring, training, and capacity building. Dr. Singh has held various positions, including Faculty member/Project Director at the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development U.P. Lucknow, where he was involved in entrepreneurship development programs, skill development, and liaising with government departments and financial institutions. His career highlights include implementing rural industrialization programs, rehabilitation projects for displaced families, and skill development initiatives. Dr. Singh has also contributed to numerous research assignments, including evaluations of government programs and diagnostic studies of various industries. He has published articles on micro and small enterprises and has been instrumental in establishing facilities like the SHEROES Hangout Cafe for acid attack victims and Common Facility Centers for artisans. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Economics, and he has attended various training programs to enhance his expertise in project management, gender mainstreaming, and quality management systems.
Ms. Sarita Singh
Director
Ms. Singh has a unique blend of Entrepreneurship, Community Upliftment, and Operational Expertise that has helped prepare her for her role at FCSL. She has more than a Decade in Community Development, Social work, Women’s Education, and Empowerment. She drives the company’s long-term policies towards Gender sensitivity, Financial Inclusion, and Community participation to achieve the Company’s Business Objectives, Growth, and Sustainability.
Er. Yuvraj Singh
Non-Executive Director
He is an Engineer with an Education from a premier technical University in the Country. He is a very Confident, Self-driven, Organized, and Dynamic individual. His excellent Leadership qualities along with his Innovative thinking ability have helped FCSL build a sustainable business platform for itself within no time. He believes that Passion is the key to being successful in any endeavor that one sets their mind to hard work, Dedication and Attentiveness are essential Principles needed to improve not just a single community but Society as a Whole.