APAC Financial Services

APAC Financial Services Private Limited is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India, operating as a tech-led lender for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The company commenced operations in February 2018 with a focus on providing credit to underserved and underbanked MSMEs in semi-urban and rural areas of India. The firm specializes in secured, small-ticket loans, primarily for business modernization, stock purchase, or other financial needs.

The company was founded by Gunit Chadha, a veteran with over three decades of experience in financial services, including roles as CEO of Deutsche Bank in the Asia Pacific region and CEO of IDBI Bank. After a long career in corporate and investment banking, Chadha launched APAC Financial to address the significant credit gap for small businesses in India. The leadership team, many of whom are also investors in the company, possesses extensive experience from institutions like Deutsche Bank, Citibank, and Vistaar Financial Services.

APAC's business model centers on a 'phygital' approach, combining a physical branch network with a proprietary digital platform called 'Alpha' for loan origination and underwriting. This system enables assessed income-based lending with minimal documentation and faster processing times. The company sources all its customers directly through its network of over 200 branches across multiple states. Its product portfolio includes secured MSME loans and, through its subsidiary APAC Housing Finance Private Limited, affordable housing finance. The two entities are in the process of merging.

The company has received backing from prominent investors including Multiples Alternate Asset Management, Norwest Venture Partners, and Creador. It has demonstrated a strong growth trajectory, expanding its assets under management (AUM) and customer base significantly since its inception.

Keywords: MSME lending, non-banking financial company, NBFC, secured loans, small business finance, phygital lending, financial inclusion, rural financing, Gunit Chadha, housing finance, Indian credit market, underwriting platform, loan against property, SME finance, microenterprise loans, asset-backed lending, financial services India, fintech lender, emerging markets finance, small ticket loans