Sethurathnam Ravi at 66: Building India’s Financial Future

Sethurathnam Ravi at 66: Building India’s Financial Future

As India advances toward a more digitally empowered and globally connected financial system, it’s essential to recognize the architects behind its evolution. Among them, Sethurathnam Ravi, a respected financial expert and former BSE Chairman, stands out for his ethical leadership, long-term vision, and impactful reforms that continue to shape the Indian economy.

A Legacy Rooted in Ethics and Precision

Born in 1959 and raised in central India, Sethurathnam Ravi built his early academic career across Jabalpur and Bhopal. With a strong foundation in ethics, logic, and finance, he qualified as a Fellow Chartered Accountant and later specialized in information systems audit and insolvency—two fields that would define much of his future advisory work.

Strengthening Institutions from the Inside

Ravi’s appointment to the board of Punjab & Sind Bank in 2003, backed by the Government of India and the Reserve Bank, marked the beginning of his institutional influence. His role focused on stabilizing operations, enhancing compliance, and preparing the bank for modern financial challenges.

This experience laid the groundwork for his most public-facing role—Chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) between 2017 and 2019. Under his guidance, the BSE saw expanded SME participation, tighter governance frameworks, and significant upgrades to its digital infrastructure. His focus on structure over spectacle helped ensure long-term stability for the exchange.

A Broad Impact Across India’s Corporate Sector

Beyond the BSE, Sethurathnam Ravi’s expertise spans multiple sectors. He has served on the boards of more than 45 major companies, including:

• ONGC

• IDBI Bank

• Aditya Birla Capital

• Usha Martin

• PCBL

Through his firm, Ravi Rajan & Co. LLP, he continues to advise businesses on corporate strategy, compliance, risk management, and financial restructuring.

A Future-Focused Thought Leader

What makes Sethurathnam Ravi especially relevant today is his ongoing engagement with the future of finance. He is a vocal advocate for:

• Ethical and ESG-driven investing

• Fintech governance and digital inclusion

• Balanced regulation of cryptocurrencies

• Financial literacy and access for underserved communities

Even in times of global economic uncertainty, Ravi remains a steady voice calling for innovation anchored in responsibility.

Final Thoughts

At 66, Sethurathnam Ravi represents more than just experience—he represents a philosophy of leadership grounded in integrity, resilience, and forward-thinking. His decades of quiet yet powerful service continue to influence how India builds and governs its financial institutions.

In a world often driven by quick wins and loud headlines, Ravi’s story reminds us that true impact is measured by the foundations you strengthen and the legacies you leave behind.