Leaders
The Banking and Financial Services industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, serving as a cornerstone of the country's economic growth. A prominent luminary in this field is Hina Kamra, a versatile professional boasting an impressive track record of over 28 years of experience. Hina Kamra possesses a diverse and extensive background that spans across various domains within the financial sector, encompassing Commercial Banks Non-Bank Finance Companies, a Private Credit Real Estate Fund, a Primary Dealer, etc in both the Private and the PSU sector. Currently, Hina holds the position of Managing Director at Neo Wealth Management. Her impressive track record, coupled with her dedication to the industry, has earned her respect as a leader of substance. Let’s read more about her in this interaction.
Tell us about your diverse and expansive professional experience and the key areas of expertise you have developed over the past three decades in the industry.
Over the course of more than 28 years in the financial sector, I have navigated a diverse range of roles and institutions, accumulating a wealth of experience and insights in very varied asset classes like banking, treasury viz., money markets/foreign exchange and real estate financing. My journey commenced in 1995, shortly after India's economic liberalization in 1992. Since then, with each new role, I kept developing additional expertise across business cycles. What has worked well for me has been a willingness to embrace change, my adaptability, and a macro-level perspective. Also, I have always played to my core strengths of strategizing, building businesses, relationship management, and the ability to unlearn and learn.
Please describe your interesting journey in some more detail.
The world of finance is quite dynamic. During the last 3 decades, there were some truly formidable situations, but I persevered and was quite resilient. To describe in some more detail, I started my career in an investment bank as an equity research analyst. Subsequently, I transitioned to the money markets as a trader in a public sector organization, then swiftly climbed the ladder to become the Head of Treasury Sales-North in a private sector bank. These early years were characterized by a rapid career growth.
The period from 2000 to 2008 was marked by exhilaration and seemingly limitless opportunities. I continually set new benchmarks while ascending the corporate hierarchy. However, this phase also brought a slew of challenges, including stakeholder management and the transition from a top-performing junior role to a senior middle management position in a new city, devoid of a social network. Nevertheless, with each new situation, I developed new skill sets which contributed to my development as a leader.
The Global Financial Crisis of 2008 prompted a recalibration of career choices. I shifted to the lending and capital deployment side of banking, in a role in a private sector NBFC, an emerging player in real estate financing. This shift was accompanied by a steep learning curve, as I adapted to a different industry, organizational culture, and an unstructured sector. At the age of 39, I found myself in a senior position in a totally new sub-sector of BFSI. Adding complexity to the situation was the prevalence of gender biases, stereotypes, and glass ceilings which were all more pronounced in this sector than in traditional banking. I persevered, focusing on my core competencies.
“My guiding principle is 'no quick fixes' for immediate benefits”
The initial years were undeniably tough, but I constantly adapted and rose to become a Regional Head and Fund Manager, boasting a healthier portfolio in the target segment than many peers with exclusively real estate-focused backgrounds.
This interesting trajectory has continued as I joined Neo Wealth Management in a senior, multi faceted role in late 2022. I remain committed to my pursuit of excellence in this exciting new role.
How does your previous experience enable you to excel as a business leader today?
My guiding principle is 'no quick fixes' for immediate benefits. Thanks to my wide ranging background, I can identify opportunities while maintaining a holistic perspective and a keen emphasis on risk, compliance, and governance.
Describe the range of duties you undertake in your role as the Managing Director of the company.
Neo Group, which is just two years old, is a young and vibrant organization, and I'm engaged in a wide array of responsibilities. Currently, the top priorities are to establish and grow the franchise, expand our client base, and implement strategic initiatives. This interesting role is constantly evolving even as each team member leverages their strengths in this early period and focuses on execution.
From your perspective, what are some of the key obstacles you face in your current position? What strategies do you employ to address these challenges?
While I remain in the realm of finance, there are still nuanced distinctions to consider. However, I have the assurance of having successfully adapted to various demanding circumstances in the past by playing to my fundamental strengths. Additionally, I am fortunate to be part of a welcoming and encouraging work environment. For instance, when confronted with any impediments, the team collaborates to brainstorm for optimal solutions and swiftly resolves them.
Tell us about the top professional milestones you have achieved over the years. What has been your success mantra?
Imagine stepping into the role of Head of Treasury Sales at just 33! I had a pan India canvas in a strategic role with a leading platform. Then yet again at 39, I successfully reinvented myself in a new industry where I started as an 'outsider', and developed a robust portfolio in real estate financing. These have been my proudest moments. My mantra for success is a mix of humility, unlearning, and learning, an inclusive approach to team management, with a keen focus on governance and risk management. These principles have guided me throughout, and I'm excited to keep applying them in new challenges ahead.
How do you stay in sync with the latest industry developments and changes?
I adopt an 'external perspective' with an ‘outside in approach’. I consistently prioritize extensive reading and connect with thought leaders from diverse backgrounds to ensure I remain well-informed and aligned with the industry's dynamic trends and shifts.
Hina Kamra, Managing Director, Neo Wealth
Hina Kamra is a woman leader with 28+ years of experience spanning diverse sectors in BFSI. Currently, a Managing Director at Neo Wealth Management, she is an inspiration to other aspiring women. She is known for her inclusive leadership and a very principled and ethical approach in building businesses.
