In a key leadership development, Bandhan Bank has received prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India for the appointment of Debasish Panda as part-time Chairman for a tenure of three years. The term will commence from the date he formally assumes charge, subject to the completion of remaining internal approvals.
The proposed appointment comes at a transition point for the bank, with incumbent Chairman Anup Kumar Sinha set to complete his term in July 2026. The move signals an effort to ensure leadership continuity while strengthening governance oversight as the bank navigates its next phase of growth.
Debasish Panda brings over three decades of experience in financial sector policy and regulation. A 1987-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, he most recently served as Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India from 2022 to 2025. Prior to that, he held the position of Secretary, Department of Financial Services between 2020 and 2022, where he played a central role in shaping banking and financial sector policy.
His institutional experience extends across several key financial bodies. Panda has previously served on the boards of the Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Life Insurance Corporation of India, providing him with a broad perspective across banking, insurance and regulatory frameworks.
The appointment is expected to bring regulatory depth and policy insight to Bandhan Bank’s board, particularly at a time when the financial sector is witnessing heightened supervisory focus, evolving compliance expectations and a sharper emphasis on governance standards.
From a RiskAwarness Perspective, Debasish Panda’s appointment brings deep regulatory and policy insight to the board, strengthening Bandhan Bank’s ability to navigate evolving supervisory expectations and governance risks.
His cross-sector experience across banking, insurance and financial policy positions him to enhance board-level oversight, particularly in areas of compliance, risk discipline and institutional resilience.
