SRIKUMAR VARIETH DRIVING CHANGE WITH LEGAL EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

In today's competitive business world, there are several laws and regulations a company and its operations must adhere to. To navigate this effectively, legal departments need leaders who are more than just law experts.

They should be influential collaborators, working seamlessly with other departments to ensure legal compliance becomes a business driver, not a roadblock. Only with such dynamic leadership can businesses thrive in this ever-changing environment. With over 30 years of experience, Srikumar Varieth stands as a pillar of legal expertise in the Indian banking sector. Currently serving as Chief Legal Officer at Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, his journey has seen him play instrumental roles in navigating complex legal landscapes and driving growth within dynamic financial institutions.

In this interview, Srikumar shares insights into his professional journey and enlightens us about the legal industry.

Can you share details about your professional background and experiences?

I bring over 30 years of experience in legal affairs, having started my career after completing a physics degree and subsequently graduating in law from Mangalore University. I practiced as an advocate in various courts in Kerala, including High Court.

My corporate career journey commenced at the Bank of Baroda, where I dedicated 17 years to refining my skills in drafting, documentation, and legal affairs. Subsequently, I transitioned to ING Vysya Bank, now Kotak Mahindra Bank, where I provided crucial legal support for various products.

In 2015, I joined Bandhan Bank, playing a pivotal role in its evolution from MFI into a Universal Bank. My contributions included the launch of over 500 branches, finalizing essential documentation, and obtaining regulatory licenses.