Shri Umakant Jayaram is a distinguished leader with over 28 years of experience in global investment banking, finance, and risk consulting. Currently serving as a Public Interest Director on the Bombay Stock Exchange board, he is renowned for his strategic insights and contributions to financial transformation and innovation in the industry.

Early Life and Education

Shri Umakant Jayaram was born in India and pursued his education at prestigious institutions. He earned a Bachelor of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, in 1987, followed by a Master’s in Management Studies from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, University of Bombay, in 1990. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his career in finance and investment banking. Additionally, he holds certifications in Quantitative Finance, Financial Risk Management, and Six Sigma, further enhancing his expertise in the field.

Professional Journey

Shri Umakant Jayaram’s professional journey spans over 28 years in global investment banking, finance, and risk consulting. He began his career at American Express Bank and progressed through various roles at HSBC, Commerzbank, and Société Générale. Notably, he served as Country Head for Commerzbank in India and held executive positions at JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank, where he directed global trading and consulting operations.

As a Managing Director at Deutsche Bank, he was instrumental in setting up global centers of excellence, while at JP Morgan, he led the Risk and Product Controllership services function, driving significant advancements in finance technology and analytics.

In 2019, he joined the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as a Public Interest Director, contributing his expertise in finance and strategic implementation to enhance the BSE’s operations. Additionally, he has been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures, focusing on healthcare information analytics aimed at improving clinical outcomes.

Umakant’s extensive experience in managing large-scale global risk and trading books showcases his strong analytical skills and leadership capabilities in the finance sector.

Leadership at BSE

Public Interest Director: Appointed in 2019, focusing on governance and strategic initiatives.
Strategic Oversight: Provides insights and guidance on the BSE’s operations and long-term vision.
Risk Management: Leverages extensive experience in finance and risk consulting to enhance the exchange’s risk management frameworks.
Global Perspective: Brings a global viewpoint from his previous roles in international investment banks, aiding in the BSE’s competitive positioning.
Innovation Champion: Advocates for the adoption of advanced technologies in trading and analytics to improve efficiency and transparency.
Talent Development: Supports initiatives to source and train talent from prestigious institutions, enhancing the BSE’s human capital.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensures alignment with emerging regulations and compliance standards in the financial markets.

Contributions to the Industry

Innovative Risk Management: Developed risk management strategies that improved operational efficiency in major financial institutions.
Pioneering Capital Structures: Structured the first P&C reinsurance capital markets risk transfer for Asian insurance.
Sustainable Finance: Directed the Carbon Emissions Cap & Trade Markets in India, facilitating significant emission credit transactions.
Asian Ethical Index: Created the first Asian Ethical Index aligned with PRI and Nordic ESG standards.
Quantitative Finance Platform: Developed Tradefinder AB, an award-winning analytics platform with over 2,000 global installations.
Entrepreneurship Support: Advised on initiatives like the BSE Ryerson Technology Startup Incubator to foster innovation.
Education and Training: Serves as a visiting faculty member at prestigious institutions, preparing the next generation of finance professionals.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Educational Initiatives: Actively participates in mentoring programs for students from IITs and IIMs, promoting careers in finance and investment banking.
Healthcare Advocacy: Engaged in projects aimed at improving healthcare analytics to enhance clinical outcomes and financial performance in hospital systems.
Sustainability Efforts: Involved in initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and responsible investing practices.
Support for Startups: Contributes to various incubators and accelerators, providing guidance and support to emerging entrepreneurs.
Public Speaking: Participates in seminars and workshops focused on investment strategies, risk management, and ethical finance, helping to educate the broader community.

Personal Life and Interests

Umakant Jayaram enjoys reading about finance, technology, and sustainable development. He is passionate about mentoring aspiring professionals in the finance sector and advocates for community development through education. In his free time, he participates in outdoor activities and values quality time with family and friends.

Vision for the Future

Umakant Jayaram envisions a future where the financial sector leverages technology to enhance transparency, sustainability, and efficiency. He aims to foster innovative solutions that address emerging risks and compliance challenges, ensuring robust growth for the industry. By promoting collaboration among stakeholders, he seeks to empower the next generation of finance professionals to drive positive change.