The Dynamic CLOs Shaping the Future of the Legal Industry in 2025.pdf

INDIA
The Digital Horizon
Expanding Legal
Inﬂuence in a
Technology-Driven
World
Driving Long-Term
Success
Aligning Legal Strategy
with Business Vision
BireswarBireswarBireswar
Ensuring Legal Integrity in
Every Business Decision
Chatterjee
The Dynamic
CLO's
Shaping the Future of
the Legal
Industry
in 2025
Chief Compliance Ofﬁcer &
Head of Business Legal,
Shriram Life Insurance

The future belongs to
leaders who invest in
people with the same
urgency they invest in
tools.

Editor's
Perspective
uardianship and growth are two
G
forces that rarely align with
ease, yet the modern legal
leader carries both responsibilities with
precision. Protecting the enterprise from
legal pitfalls while clearing the path for
innovation has become an essential art.
No longer conﬁned to the role of a
gatekeeper, the legal function now serves
as a catalyst for resilience and
transformation, ensuring that opportunity
and security advance together.
This edition of the magazine, The
Dynamic CLOs Shaping the Future of
the Legal Industry in 2025, places a
spotlight on the individuals who redeﬁne
what legal leadership means today. Within
these pages, readers will discover how
strategy, compliance, and foresight converge
to shape the decisions that will deﬁne
businesses for years to come.
Our motive is clear. This issue is not only
about recognizing the evolving role of legal
leaders but also about oﬀering insights that
inspire both reﬂection and action. By sharing
perspectives, case studies, and emerging
practices, we aim to create a dialogue that
enriches the legal profession while
strengthening its inﬂuence on business and
society.
Looking ahead, the role of the legal leader
will expand even further, shaped by
technology, shifting regulations, and global
challenges. The future belongs to those who
can balance wisdom with innovation, clarity
with creativity, and tradition with
transformation. It is this blend of qualities
that will continue to elevate the profession
and ensure its enduring impact.
Abhishek Roy
- Managing Editor
INDIA
MANAGING EDITOR
Abhishek Roy
ART & DESIGN HEAD
Rohit Sutar
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Sapna Walunjkar
EXECUTIVES
Nisha Salunke
MARKETING MANAGER
Nikita Khaladkar
TECHNICAL HEAD
Sam Fernandez
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER
Amit Singh
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Rohan Agrawal
ACCOUNTANT
Melina D’souza
ADDRESS
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CREDITS
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I N D I A
Honoring the
Guardians of Growth

Table Of Table Of Table Of
CONTENTS
Driving Long-Term Success
Aligning Legal Strategy
with Business Vision
The Digital Horizon
Expanding Legal Inﬂuence
in a Technology-Driven World
Kanchinadham Parvatheesam
Pioneering Excellence in Corporate
Governance and Compliance
Shruti Jain
Shaping the Legal Landscape of
Global Energy and Power
Sunil Lotke
Championing Corporate Governance and
Compliance for the Future of
Financial Services
06
18
26
36
22
30
Cov Sto
Profiles
ArtiesBireswar
Chatterjee
Sowing Roots for
a Greener Tomorrow

Bireswar
Chatterjee
Ensuring Legal Integrity in
Every Business Decision
I believe in building systems that survive
people, and teams that think beyond their silos.
Legal strategy must scale with the business.
Cover Story
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very great idea must pass one
E
critical test before it ever
reaches the market: does it
play by the rules? Whether it's a new
product, a marketing campaign, or a
distribution model, organizations
cannot aﬀord to treat compliance as an
afterthought. It's the quiet force that
decides whether innovation thrives or
stumbles. True progress happens when
creativity walks hand in hand with
legality, when ambition is guided, not
hindered, by thoughtful governance.
Compliance is not the brake. It is the
steering wheel.
This is where Bireswar Chatterjee
makes a lasting impression. As a legal
and compliance leader at Shriram
Life Insurance, he has reimagined the
role of governance as a strategic
partner to innovation. His foresight and
discipline have embedded compliance
deep within the organization's DNA
Accelerating Innovation the Right
Way
At Shriram Life Insurance, Bireswar
has redeﬁned the traditional role of
legal and compliance teams. Instead of
operating in isolation, he has
implemented a model that positions
these functions as strategic enablers
within the organization. By integrating
legal insight from the earliest stages of
planning, every product, partnership,
campaign, or channel innovation is
vetted for compliance at inception.
Bireswar's approach ensures that
governance protocols and regulatory
frameworks are seamlessly embedded
into the fabric of business operations.
This integration has not only
accelerated regulatory approvals but
also created a foundation for
sustainable growth and institutional
trust.
Staying Ahead of the Regulatory
Curve
Regulatory preparedness is a hallmark
of Bireswar's leadership. He
established the Regulatory Intelligence
Cell at Shriram Life to monitor
developments from IRDAI, PFRDA,
RBI, and other key regulatory
authorities. This team continuously
evaluates circulars, exposure drafts,
and consultation papers, both domestic
and global, to stay aligned with
emerging compliance trends. Insights
from this unit are translated into
internal simulations and planning
strategies that help the company stay
ahead of the curve. Bireswar's foresight
has empowered Shriram Life to
respond proactively, avoiding last-
minute adjustments and fostering a
strong, consistent rapport with
regulators.
Navigating Rural India with
Sensitivity and Structure
Bireswar has played a pivotal role in
designing a compliance framework that
caters to the unique demands of rural
markets. Recognizing the
infrastructural and cultural
complexities of these areas, he
introduced protocols that are locally
adapted yet fully compliant. These
include disclosures in local languages,
simpliﬁed documentation for KYC,
and mandatory agent training on ethics
and transparency. Rural audit teams
and grievance redressal mechanisms
have also been institutionalized to
protect customer interests. One of his
key initiatives involved collaborating
Bireswar Chatterjee
Chief Compliance Ofﬁcer &
Head of Business Legal,
Shriram Life Insurance
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translates rules into practical scenarios.
Under Bireswar's guidance,
compliance has evolved from a back-
end function to a core organizational
value.
Innovation Anchored in Legal
Assurance
As Shriram Life accelerates its digital
transformation with tools like
ShriMithra and ShriA, Bireswar has
ensured that legal and compliance
safeguards are built into every stage of
with the Telangana state government to strengthen
the State Insurance Committee, thereby
amplifying awareness and outreach across
underserved communities.
Orchestrating Timely and Transparent
Submissions
In his role at Shriram Life, Bireswar has overseen
the submission of regulatory returns and managed
interactions with various regulatory bodies. His
approach to ensuring accuracy, transparency, and
timeliness is rooted in strong systems and
structured governance. He implemented a
Compliance Calendar alongside a centralized
Regulatory Filing Management System, which
tracks more than 150 periodic and ad hoc
submissions. To uphold the highest standards, a
maker-checker-approver model was introduced,
creating layers of scrutiny before any ﬁling.
Transparent audit trails further reinforce
accountability. For regulator queries, Bireswar
established a Response Coordination Cell that
gathers inputs across departments. This ensures
responses are comprehensive, backed by data, and
aligned with the company's policies. These
practices have helped Shriram Life maintain a
spotless compliance record and cultivate strong
regulatory relationships.
Driving Accountability Across the Organization
Bireswar believes that a robust compliance culture
must be intentional and consistently reinforced. At
Shriram Life, he launched a Compliance Culture
Program that promotes ethical behavior as a
shared responsibility across the organization. This
initiative includes department-wise compliance
champions who serve as local advocates, gamiﬁed
training modules that make learning engaging, and
quarterly ethics audits to assess adherence.
Leadership plays a key role in reinforcing the
message, and compliance KPIs are embedded into
performance appraisals to drive accountability.
Additionally, a monthly digest titled "Compliance
Insight" simpliﬁes regulatory updates and
In insurance,
trust is
everything.
Our policies
must reﬂect
integrity not
just in words,
but in how
they're
explained,
delivered, and
honored.
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innovation. He developed a
comprehensive Tech Compliance
Framework that evaluates each
initiative against regulatory, data
privacy, and cyber risk criteria. Legal
review begins at the blueprint phase
and continues through development
and deployment. In these digital tools,
particular attention has been given to
areas such as customer disclosures,
consent mechanisms, and vendor
contract protections. Bireswar's team
also conducts legal stress testing and
breach scenario simulations before any
full-scale rollout. This meticulous
approach allows Shriram Life to
innovate boldly while maintaining the
trust and conﬁdence of its stakeholders.
Rewriting the Rules of Data
Engagement
At Shriram Life, Bireswar positioned
data governance not as a back-end
compliance task but as a strategic
diﬀerentiator. He led a comprehensive
transformation of the company's data
architecture to align with the Digital
Personal Data Protection Act
(DPDPA). This included adopting a
consent-ﬁrst model, enforcing purpose-
speciﬁc data usage, establishing
stringent access protocols, and
embedding breach response readiness
across teams. Crucially, customer-
centricity remained a guiding principle.
Bireswar ensured intuitive processes
for data access and correction,
reinforcing transparency and trust. This
thoughtful blend of security and
simplicity has not only strengthened
regulatory alignment but also driven
increased digital adoption and
enhanced the organization's risk
posture.
Redeﬁning Compliance Through
Foresight
Bireswar envisions the Chief
Compliance Oﬃcer as a
multidimensional leader, one who
combines regulatory expertise with
strategic inﬂuence. At Shriram Life, he
has redeﬁned the compliance function
as a catalyst for innovation and long-
term resilience. From digital
distribution models to micro-insurance
and ESG considerations, compliance
now operates as a hub for regulatory
foresight and risk anticipation. Under
Bireswar's leadership, regulatory
thinking is embedded in the early
stages of product design, supported by
analytics to ﬂag potential gaps before
they arise. His vision aligns with
IRDAI's emphasis on the evolving
stature of the CCO as a Key
Managerial Personnel, with
expectations of sectoral expertise,
continuity, and ethical stewardship.
Legal as an Enabler
To Bireswar, legal agility means
empowering innovation while
maintaining regulatory and contractual
integrity. At Shriram Life, he
architected a modular legal framework
that includes standardized templates,
regulatory vetting sheets, and tailored
risk matrices across departments. A
pivotal moment came with the launch
of a centralized contract management
tool, an initiative he conceptualized
and implemented for the ﬁrst time in
the company's legal division. This
platform has revolutionized contract
lifecycle management, oﬀering real-
time visibility, version control, and
faster turnaround times. Beyond tools,
Bireswar has instilled a culture where
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the legal team serves as a strategic
partner, not a roadblock. By oﬀering
legally sound yet business-savvy
guidance, his leadership has helped
Shriram Life bring innovative
insurance products to market swiftly
and securely.
Embedding Integrity into Every
Policy
For Bireswar, trust is the true currency
of insurance. As a leader overseeing
both legal and compliance functions,
he has prioritized fairness,
transparency, and
accountability—especially for
underserved and vulnerable
populations. Under his direction,
Shriram Life has simpliﬁed policy
documentation, standardized claims
turnaround protocols, and introduced
claim advocacy support in remote
regions. Compliance teams now
proactively audit agent behavior,
resolve grievances early, and ensure
disclosures are clear and honest. These
measures have signiﬁcantly improved
customer conﬁdence and strengthened
the company's social responsibility
mandate.
Blueprints of Leadership
Bireswar's evolution from Head of
Legal to his dual role as Chief
Compliance Oﬃcer and Head of
Business Legal has been guided by
three principles: empowerment,
adaptability, and stewardship. He
believes in building systems that
outlast individuals, mentoring teams to
think strategically and act
autonomously. His leadership
emphasizes cross-functional literacy,
spanning ﬁnance, technology, and
operations, so that legal and
compliance guidance is always aligned
with business realities. This holistic,
systems-driven approach has allowed
him to scale his responsibilities while
staying closely connected to the
organization's strategic vision.
Forging Compliance Leaders for the
Modern Era
Bireswar encourages aspiring legal and
compliance professionals to go beyond
just mastering the law. He advises them
to understand business models,
customer psychology, digital
technologies, and ethics. In his view,
the most eﬀective legal minds are those
who become solution providers, who
integrate legal knowledge with
commercial value. His message is
clear: remain curious, stay grounded in
integrity, and aim to be indispensable
by bridging legal frameworks with
business outcomes. Credibility, he
emphasizes, is built not just on
knowledge but on character.
The regulatory
landscape
may shift, but
if your
principles are
right and your
systems are
strong, your
organization
remains
steady.
BM
I N D I A
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Every great
innovation
needs a
guardian who
understands
both the law
and the vision

n the world of corporate
I
governance and compliance, few
leaders have demonstrated the
breadth and depth of expertise that
Kanchinadham Parvatheesam brings to
the table. With a career spanning
nearly 25 years, he has established
himself as a stalwart in the ﬁelds of
governance, risk management, ethics,
and stakeholder relations. His
exceptional academic foundation as a
Management Graduate, Lawyer, and
Corporate Secretary, combined with his
hands-on experience with iconic
companies, has enabled him to shape
and strengthen corporate governance
frameworks across industries.
A Journey Rooted in Governance
and Legal Expertise
Kanchinadham's professional journey
began in the late 1990s, with his early
roles as Executive Legal and
Secretarial at Mphasis and Senior
Executive Legal at Wipro
Technologies. These positions
provided him with foundational
exposure to corporate law, compliance,
and the intricacies of regulatory
adherence within India's rapidly
corporate governance, and legal aﬀairs
for one of the world's top steel
producers. Tata Steel, with a global
presence across ﬁve continents and a
consolidated turnover of US $19.7
billion in the ﬁnancial year ending
March 31, 2020, has relied on
Kanchinadham's expertise to maintain
its leadership in corporate governance
standards.
In his role, he ensures that the
organization operates within regulatory
frameworks while adhering to the
highest ethical standards. His
responsibilities span managing
compliance protocols, overseeing legal
matters, and guiding Tata Steel's
corporate governance policies in
alignment with global best practices.
Through his strategic insights, he has
contributed to Tata Steel's consistent
ranking among the top steel companies
in the DJSI Corporate Sustainability
Assessment since 2016, highlighting
the company's commitment to
sustainable and ethical operations.
evolving corporate landscape. His deep
understanding of corporate structures
and legal frameworks enabled him to
navigate complex governance
challenges with precision and integrity.
Over the years, Kanchinadham honed
his expertise at Infosys, where he
served in several pivotal roles,
including Company Secretary and
Compliance Oﬃcer, and later as Chief
Risk Oﬃcer and Company Secretary.
During this tenure, he managed risk
assessment processes, ensured
regulatory compliance, and played a
key role in aligning corporate
strategies with best-in-class
governance practices. These
experiences cemented his reputation as
a dependable and insightful leader
capable of managing multifaceted
responsibilities across legal,
compliance, and governance domains.
Transforming Corporate
Governance at Tata Steel
Currently serving as the Company
Secretary and Chief Legal Oﬃcer at
Tata Steel, Kanchinadham has been
entrusted with leading compliance,
Kanchinadham
Pvathees
Pioneering Excellence
in Corporate Governance and Compliance
Chief Legal Ofﬁcer | Tata Steel
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Global Exposure and Regulatory
Acumen
Kanchinadham's exposure is not
limited to Indian regulations. As a
former Compliance Oﬃcer of a US
Securities and Exchange Commission
Registrant, he gained signiﬁcant
experience with US Securities Laws,
corporate governance rules, and SEC
procedures. This international
perspective allows him to navigate
cross-border governance challenges
with conﬁdence, ensuring that Tata
Steel's global operations meet the
highest standards of compliance and
transparency.
His contributions extend beyond
corporate roles. Kanchinadham has
been an active member of various
regulatory, industry, and professional
committees that shape corporate
governance principles in India.
Notably, he served on the committee
that framed guidelines on Investor
Relations for Central Public Sector
Enterprises, demonstrating his ability
to inﬂuence policy and foster
transparency in corporate reporting.
Building Governance with Precision
and Integrity
Known for his meticulous attention to
detail, Kanchinadham combines a
strategic mindset with operational
rigor. He approaches governance not
just as a set of obligations but as a
strategic enabler for long-term
corporate success. His leadership style
emphasizes clarity, consistency, and
accountability, ensuring that Tata
Steel's operations reﬂect both ethical
principles and operational excellence.
Kanchinadham's philosophy revolves
around proactive risk management,
structured disclosure, and robust
stakeholder communication. He
believes that eﬀective governance is
the cornerstone of sustainable business
growth and that the credibility of an
organization is built on trust,
transparency, and ethical practices.
Under his guidance, Tata Steel has
achieved numerous accolades,
including recognition for sustainability,
ethical practices, and excellence in
ﬁnancial reporting.
Championing Risk Management and
Ethical Leadership
Throughout his career, Kanchinadham
has emphasized the importance of
ethics and risk management as integral
components of corporate governance.
He has successfully led initiatives to
identify, assess, and mitigate risks
while fostering a culture of ethical
decision-making across organizations.
His approach ensures that Tata Steel
and its subsidiaries not only comply
with statutory requirements but also
embed values-driven decision-making
into everyday business operations.
He has consistently demonstrated the
ability to manage complex governance
frameworks, balancing regulatory
compliance with strategic business
imperatives. His eﬀorts in driving
integrated governance practices have
enhanced stakeholder conﬁdence,
strengthened investor relations, and
reinforced Tata Steel's reputation as a
company committed to excellence.
A Legacy of Leadership and
Mentorship
Kanchinadham is widely respected not
only for his professional achievements
but also for his mentorship and
leadership qualities. He has nurtured
Vision for the Future of Corporate
Governance
Looking ahead, Kanchinadham
envisions a corporate world where
governance, compliance, and ethics are
seamlessly integrated into business
strategy. He advocates for continuous
learning, adoption of global best
practices, and the use of technology to
enhance transparency and eﬃciency.
His vision underscores the importance
of forward-thinking governance that
adapts to evolving business challenges
while upholding the highest ethical
standards.
Kanchinadham Parvatheesam's career
is a testament to the power of
expertise, integrity, and leadership in
shaping corporate excellence. Through
his unwavering commitment to
governance, compliance, and
stakeholder engagement, he has left an
indelible mark on the organizations he
has served and continues to inﬂuence
the broader corporate landscape in
India. As Tata Steel continues to grow
and innovate globally, Kanchinadham's
leadership ensures that the organization
remains a benchmark for ethical
governance, strategic foresight, and
operational excellence.
teams across legal, compliance, and
governance functions, instilling in
them the importance of ethics,
diligence, and strategic thinking. His
guidance has helped develop future
leaders capable of navigating the
increasingly complex corporate
environment with conﬁdence and
competence.
His ability to foster collaboration
across departments and geographies
has been pivotal in creating cohesive
governance structures. By building a
culture that values transparency and
accountability, he ensures that
governance practices are not only
compliant but also sustainable and
forward-looking.
Recognitions and Contributions to
Corporate Excellence
Kanchinadham's contributions have
been instrumental in Tata Steel
receiving several prestigious
recognitions, including the World
Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse
recognition for its Kalinganagar Plant,
the Prime Minister's Trophy for the
best performing integrated steel plant,
and awards for excellence in ﬁnancial
reporting from the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India. His
work has reinforced Tata Steel's
position as a global leader committed
to sustainable business practices and
ethical corporate governance.
His active participation in regulatory
and industry committees further
highlights his dedication to shaping the
governance landscape in India. By
contributing to policy frameworks and
best practice guidelines,
Kanchinadham ensures that his
expertise beneﬁts not only his
organization but the broader corporate
community.
I take pride in
nurturing teams that
are not only
competent but also
principled.
Developing future
leaders is as
important as
achieving
organizational goals.
BM
I N D I A
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n today's fast-changing marketplace, organizations face
I
growing complexities in governance, compliance, and risk
management. Legal functions are no longer conﬁned to
managing contracts or resolving disputes. They are expected to play
a proactive role in shaping business growth. By aligning legal
strategy with the overall business vision, organizations can
strengthen resilience, minimize risks, and capture opportunities for
long-term success.
Legal as a Strategic Partner in Business Growth
Traditionally, legal departments were seen as advisory units that
responded to challenges when needed. However, forward-thinking
organizations recognize that the legal function can be a powerful
driver of value creation. When legal strategies are designed to
support business objectives, they help companies enter new markets,
structure innovative partnerships, and build trust with stakeholders.
A business that envisions international expansion, for example,
needs legal foresight on cross-border compliance, intellectual
property protections, and regulatory frameworks. By embedding
legal expertise into the planning process, leaders can prevent costly
mistakes and accelerate execution. In this sense, legal strategy
becomes a guiding partner rather than a ﬁnal checkpoint.
Risk Management Aligned with Vision
Every business vision comes with a unique set of risks. These may
include ﬁnancial risks, reputational concerns, or regulatory
uncertainties. Aligning legal strategy with business vision ensures
that risk management is not just about avoiding pitfalls but also
about enabling safe growth.
For instance, a company entering the renewable energy sector faces
regulatory changes and environmental standards. A legal strategy
that anticipates evolving policies while supporting innovation helps
the company position itself as a trusted leader. Rather than
restricting progress, the legal framework acts as a stabilizing
foundation on which bold moves can be made with conﬁdence.
Driving Long-Term Success
Aligning
Legal Strategy
with
Vision
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Embedding Compliance into Culture
Compliance is often viewed as a box
ticking exercise, but in reality it is a
reﬂection of a company's values. When
legal strategy aligns with business
vision, compliance is no longer an
obligation but a culture that reinforces
trust. Employees, investors, and
customers are reassured when they see
that the company respects ethical
standards and regulatory requirements.
For long term success, compliance
must be embedded across all levels of
the organization. This requires ongoing
training, clear policies, and leadership
that communicates the importance of
integrity. By integrating compliance
into the organizational culture,
businesses protect their reputation and
secure sustainable growth.
Innovation and Legal Foresight
Business visions often emphasize
innovation, whether in technology,
services, or customer experiences. Yet
innovation without legal foresight can
lead to risks around intellectual
property, data privacy, or liability.
Aligning legal strategy with the
innovation agenda ensures that
creativity is supported by a strong
protective framework.
Consider a company investing in
artiﬁcial intelligence. Legal input on
data usage, transparency, and ethical
implications allows innovation to
ﬂourish responsibly. Legal teams that
anticipate future regulatory trends can
help organizations position themselves
as leaders who innovate with
accountability, not just speed.
Building Stakeholder Conﬁdence
Investors, partners, and customers
increasingly expect organizations to
demonstrate strong governance and
accountability. A clear alignment
between legal strategy and business
vision signals that the company takes
long term sustainability seriously. This
This collaboration creates a shared
responsibility for long-term success.
A Future Focused Approach
The ultimate goal of aligning legal
strategy with business vision is to
create sustainable value. It allows
companies to grow with integrity,
innovate responsibly, and manage risks
eﬀectively. As markets evolve, this
alignment ensures that organizations
are not only legally compliant but also
strategically positioned for enduring
success.
In the future, the role of legal teams
will continue to expand as
organizations face new challenges in
digital transformation, global trade,
and environmental responsibility.
Companies that align their legal
strategy with their vision will not only
navigate these challenges but also
thrive by turning them into
opportunities.
Conclusion
Aligning legal strategy with business
vision is no longer optional. It is a
cornerstone of long-term success.
Legal teams that move beyond
traditional advisory roles and integrate
themselves into the heart of strategic
planning empower businesses to grow
with resilience and conﬁdence. When
legal foresight and business ambition
move together, organizations are better
equipped to deliver sustainable success
for all stakeholders.
alignment reduces uncertainties and
reassures stakeholders that risks are
well managed.
For instance, investors may hesitate to
back a company with unclear legal
frameworks around intellectual
property or compliance. Conversely,
when a company's legal strategy is
transparent and aligned with its goals,
stakeholders are more conﬁdent in its
ability to deliver consistent returns.
Legal clarity builds credibility, and
credibility strengthens stakeholder
relationships.
Agility in a Changing Environment
One of the deﬁning features of
successful organizations is agility. In
dynamic markets, adaptability is a
crucial diﬀerentiator. Legal strategies
aligned with business vision provide a
framework that is ﬂexible enough to
evolve with changing conditions.
When geopolitical shifts, technological
disruptions, or new regulations emerge,
businesses with aligned legal strategies
can pivot faster. Instead of reacting to
crises, they adapt smoothly because
their legal teams are already integrated
into strategic planning. This
preparedness creates resilience and
gives the organization a competitive
edge.
Collaboration Between Leaders and
Legal Teams
Aligning legal strategy with business
vision requires collaboration. Leaders
and legal teams must work hand in
hand, sharing insights and anticipating
future scenarios. The legal function
should not operate in isolation but
rather as an integral part of the
decision-making process.
Open communication allows legal
experts to understand the company's
ambitions and design frameworks that
support them. In turn, business leaders
gain clarity on potential risks and
opportunities from a legal standpoint.
BM
I N D I A
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hruti Jain is a distinguished
S
leader in the ﬁelds of legal
aﬀairs and corporate
governance, with more than twenty-
four years of experience and twelve
years as Global Head of Legal and
Company Secretary. Renowned for her
ability to merge strategic foresight with
legal expertise, Shruti has become a
trusted advisor to boards, executive
teams, and investors. Her career
reﬂects a unique blend of governance,
compliance, and business partnership,
positioning her as a powerful voice in
shaping organizations in complex,
high-stakes industries.
Mastering the Art of Governance
and Growth
Shruti's professional expertise spans a
wide spectrum of complex corporate
and ﬁnancial transactions, including
mergers and acquisitions, joint
ventures, debt and equity ﬁnancing,
carve-outs, and cross-border deals.
With a rare ability to balance strategic
foresight and meticulous attention to
detail, she navigates intricate legal and
business landscapes with precision.
Her approach goes beyond simply
ensuring compliance; she leverages
governance as a powerful enabler of
credibility, resilience, and
Her career then advanced to CRISIL
Limited, a subsidiary of S&P Global
and one of India's most respected
analytical companies, where she
assumed the role of Global Legal
Head. In this position, she not only
managed mergers and acquisitions,
litigation, and compliance, but also
embedded a culture of governance and
ethics across the organization. She
transformed the legal function into a
trusted partner of business leaders,
demonstrating that legal expertise is
not limited to risk management but is
integral to creating a culture of
accountability, transparency, and trust.
Today, Shruti leads legal aﬀairs at
Sterlite Power as the Global Chief
Legal Oﬃcer for Renewable Energy
and Power Transmission, while
simultaneously serving as the Global
Chief Legal and Compliance Oﬃcer at
Serentica Renewables. This dual
responsibility underscores her
extraordinary capacity to balance high-
impact roles with equal dedication and
success. At two of the world's most
dynamic energy companies, she
provides strategic guidance on some of
the most complex legal and
compliance matters, reinforcing her
reputation as a global leader in the
legal and governance space.
organizational growth. By aligning
legal frameworks with overarching
business strategies, Shruti ensures that
every transaction not only safeguards
proﬁtability but also strengthens the
foundation for sustainable long-term
value creation.
Pioneering Roles Across Leading
Organizations
Shruti's professional journey reﬂects a
rare blend of legal acumen, business
vision, and transformative leadership.
She has been associated with some of
the most respected global enterprises,
where her contributions have not only
protected corporate interests but also
enabled organizations to achieve
ambitious growth milestones.
At Aegis Limited, the one billion dollar
services arm of the Essar Group, Shruti
played a pivotal role during a critical
phase of international expansion. She
steered complex international contracts
and regulatory frameworks, ensuring
compliance while enabling the
company to seamlessly enter new
markets and scale operations. Her
ability to anticipate challenges and
address them with precision allowed
Aegis to strengthen its global footprint
with conﬁdence.
Shruti Jain
Chief Legal and Compliance Ofﬁcer
Sterlite Electric Ltd
Shruti
Jn
Shaping the Legal Landscape of
Global Energy and Power
www.businessmindsmedia.in026 www.businessmindsmedia.in027

Championing Renewable Energy
and Sustainability
At Sterlite Power, Shruti oversees
global legal aﬀairs across power
transmission and renewable energy
projects spanning more than seventy
countries. Her work encompasses a
wide range of responsibilities, from
arbitration and rights of way issues to
Supreme Court litigation, ﬁnancing
transactions, and large-scale mergers
business models. By weaving
environmental and social
considerations into corporate
governance frameworks, she has
established herself as an expert in
renewable energy regulation and green
compliance. Her vision ensures that
sustainability is not just a
responsibility but also a core driver of
innovation and long-term growth.
and acquisitions. In addition to her
legal expertise, she also advises boards
and promoters on critical strategic
issues, ensuring that business decisions
are both proﬁtable and sustainable in
the long term.
At Serentica Renewables, her
contributions go beyond conventional
compliance. She has been instrumental
in strengthening governance structures
and aligning them with sustainable
Leadership Beyond Law
Shruti's philosophy of leadership is
deeply rooted in trust, transparency,
and ethical decision-making. She
views governance not as a regulatory
obligation but as a driver of long-term
corporate success. Through proactive
risk management, open disclosures,
and strong stakeholder engagement,
she has consistently positioned
organizations to thrive in an
future-ready legal and compliance
teams that are equipped to support
businesses in an ever-changing
environment. By fostering resilience,
integrity, and strategic thinking among
her colleagues, she ensures that her
inﬂuence extends beyond her
immediate role and into the future of
the organizations she serves.
Her collaborative and empowering
leadership style allows her teams to
approach challenges with conﬁdence,
think beyond routine compliance, and
contribute meaningfully to business
strategy. She inspires professionals to
align personal growth with
organizational goals, creating a culture
where individuals feel valued,
motivated, and equipped to drive
innovation.
A Legacy of Impact
Shruti's career is deﬁned by the lasting
impact she has made at every
organization she has been part of. At
Aegis, she was instrumental in driving
global expansion through legal
precision and strategic foresight. At
CRISIL, she reinforced governance
frameworks and embedded ethics into
the DNA of the organization. At
Sterlite Power and Serentica
Renewables, she is now leading the
legal and compliance agenda for some
of the most transformative renewable
energy and power transmission
initiatives of our time.
Her work has gone far beyond
strengthening corporate governance.
She has been a champion of
sustainability, an advocate of ethical
practices, and a catalyst for innovation.
Shruti's legacy is not limited to the
organizations she has served, but
extends to the many professionals she
has mentored and inspired, leaving an
indelible mark on the global legal and
business community.
increasingly complex global business
environment.
Her international experience is vast
and multifaceted. She brings expertise
in United States SEC regulations,
arbitration in diverse jurisdictions, and
global ﬁnancial transactions. This
combination of skills equips her with
the ability to navigate multifaceted
legal landscapes and provide counsel
that balances compliance with strategic
business objectives. Her leadership
approach has repeatedly demonstrated
that strong governance and ethical
practices directly enhance proﬁtability
and corporate reputation.
Inspiring Teams and Building
Futures
Shruti is not only a leader but also a
mentor who has invested heavily in
nurturing talent across geographies.
She has built strong, ethical, and
Every challenge
carries within it
an opportunity.
My role has
always been to
anticipate risks,
address them
proactively, and
help the
business move
forward with
conﬁdence.
BM
I N D I A
www.businessmindsmedia.in028 www.businessmindsmedia.in029

The Digital Horizon
www.businessmindsmedia.in030 www.businessmindsmedia.in031
The legal function now plays an
essential role in bridging the gap
between innovation and regulation. It
must ensure that businesses can move
forward at the speed of technology
while maintaining compliance with
ever-changing laws across multiple
jurisdictions. This expanded role
positions legal teams not only as
advisors but also as strategic enablers
of growth.
Navigating the Complexities of Data
and Privacy
Data has become one of the most
valuable assets of the digital age.
Organizations collect, process, and
analyze vast amounts of information to
gain insights, improve customer
experiences, and create new revenue
streams. However, with this reliance on
data comes heightened responsibility.
Privacy regulations such as the General
Data Protection Regulation in Europe
and the California Consumer Privacy
Act in the United States have raised the
stakes for businesses worldwide.
Legal professionals must ensure that
organizations not only comply with
these regulations but also embed
privacy into their corporate culture.
This requires close collaboration with
T
he rapid evolution of
technology has transformed
nearly every aspect of how
businesses operate, and the legal
function has not been left behind. Once
seen primarily as a guardian of
compliance and risk management, the
legal profession is now stepping into a
more dynamic role that extends far
beyond contracts and regulations. As
organizations embrace digital
transformation, the legal function must
expand its inﬂuence to guide strategy,
manage risks in emerging technologies,
and ensure that innovation is built on a
foundation of trust and accountability.
The Shifting Landscape of Legal
Inﬂuence
Technology is no longer a support tool.
It is at the heart of business operations,
shaping products, services, and
customer experiences. In this context,
legal professionals are required to
understand not only the law but also
the technologies that power modern
enterprises. Artiﬁcial intelligence,
blockchain, cloud computing, and data
analytics are no longer niche areas.
They have become mainstream
components of global business, and
each carries its own legal and ethical
considerations.
Expanding
Legal Inﬂuence
World

BM
I N D I A
www.businessmindsmedia.in032 www.businessmindsmedia.in033
technology teams to implement
responsible data governance practices.
In addition, as artiﬁcial intelligence
and machine learning models
increasingly rely on large data sets,
legal experts must also address
questions of bias, fairness, and
accountability to maintain public trust.
Cybersecurity and the Expanding
Role of Legal Oversight
Alongside data, cybersecurity has
become one of the most critical
concerns for modern organizations.
With cyberattacks growing in both
scale and sophistication, companies
face risks that can lead to reputational
damage, ﬁnancial loss, and regulatory
penalties. The legal function has a
pivotal role in shaping cybersecurity
strategies. This includes drafting
incident response plans, ensuring
compliance with disclosure
obligations, and working with
technology teams to prepare for
potential breaches.
Beyond compliance, legal leaders are
also expected to anticipate emerging
threats and advise on proactive
measures. For example, the growing
use of internet-connected devices in
industries such as healthcare and
ﬁnance raises complex legal questions
about liability, consumer protection,
and national security. By providing
foresight on these issues, legal
professionals help organizations
safeguard not just their systems but
also their long-term credibility.
Intellectual Property in the Era of
Innovation
As businesses invest heavily in
innovation, intellectual property
becomes a cornerstone of competitive
advantage. In a digital-ﬁrst economy,
where ideas can be shared or replicated
quickly, protecting intellectual property
has never been more vital. Legal
professionals are at the forefront of
ensuring that patents, copyrights, and
ability to interpret and apply the law in
new and uncertain contexts will deﬁne
the success of the legal profession in
the years ahead.
Continuous learning, adaptability, and
strategic thinking are becoming core
competencies. Legal teams that
embrace technology, such as using AI-
driven tools for contract management
or blockchain for secure record-
keeping, are already setting new
benchmarks for eﬃciency and
eﬀectiveness. By combining legal
knowledge with digital insight, these
professionals are positioning
themselves as indispensable partners in
the journey toward innovation.
Conclusion
The rise of technology has opened an
entirely new chapter for the legal
profession. From data privacy and
cybersecurity to intellectual property
and ethical governance, the scope of
legal inﬂuence has expanded far
beyond its traditional boundaries. In a
world where technology drives both
opportunities and risks, legal
professionals must embrace their role
as strategic leaders who guide
organizations through complexity with
foresight and integrity.
The digital horizon oﬀers immense
potential, but realizing it requires trust,
responsibility, and adaptability. By
expanding their inﬂuence and aligning
with the needs of a technology-driven
world, legal professionals are not only
safeguarding organizations but also
shaping the future of business itself.
trademarks are properly managed and
defended.
Moreover, the rise of technologies like
generative artiﬁcial intelligence raises
fresh challenges. Questions such as
who owns the output of an AI system
or how creative works can be protected
in an automated environment require
new frameworks and interpretations.
Legal teams are called upon to shape
these evolving standards, inﬂuencing
not only individual businesses but also
the broader innovation ecosystem.
Building Ethical and Sustainable
Digital Practices
Technology may provide solutions, but
it also brings ethical dilemmas. Issues
of surveillance, facial recognition, and
algorithmic bias are no longer conﬁned
to academic discussions. They are real
concerns with societal implications.
Legal professionals play a vital role in
guiding organizations toward ethical
choices that go beyond compliance and
reﬂect a commitment to fairness,
transparency, and sustainability.
For instance, environmental, social,
and governance priorities are
increasingly tied to digital operations.
From sustainable data centers to ethical
sourcing of technology components,
legal teams are instrumental in
ensuring that organizations meet both
regulatory expectations and
stakeholder demands. This alignment
of technology with ethical and
sustainable practices further expands
the inﬂuence of the legal function in
shaping business strategy.
Preparing for the Future
The digital horizon is vast and rapidly
changing, demanding that legal
professionals continuously expand
their skill sets. No longer can they rely
solely on traditional legal expertise.
They must also develop ﬂuency in
technology, risk management, and
cross-functional collaboration. The
BM
I N D I A

Growth
ourishes where
legal guidance
transforms from
restriction into
direction.

he world of ﬁnance operates
T
on trust, structure, and
compliance. Behind the rapid
growth of ﬁnancial institutions are
leaders who ensure that every legal,
regulatory, and governance standard is
met without compromise. Among these
leaders is Sunil Lotke, a seasoned
professional with nearly two decades
of experience in corporate compliance,
legal aﬀairs, and secretarial
responsibilities. His career is marked
by an unwavering commitment to
integrity, operational excellence, and
strategic legal guidance. Today, as the
Chief Legal and Compliance Oﬃcer at
UGRO Capital, he continues to shape
the future of the ﬁnancial services
sector by blending expertise with
vision.
A Career Built on Expertise and
Dedication
Sunil's professional journey reﬂects
consistent growth across diverse
organizations in the ﬁnancial domain.
He began his career with Capital First
Limited, serving as Senior Manager,
aligning governance frameworks with
the organization's goals. This role
tested his ability to lead cross-
functional teams while ensuring strict
adherence to regulatory norms in a
sector that required both agility and
precision.
In 2018, Sunil transitioned to InCred
Finance as Director of Legal and
Compliance. His tenure here was
marked by innovation in compliance
systems, proactive risk management,
and seamless integration of legal
functions into the company's rapidly
expanding operations. Managing
compliance for a dynamic institution
like InCred required foresight and
adaptability, qualities that Sunil has
consistently demonstrated throughout
his career.
In August 2019, he joined UGRO
Capital as Chief Legal and Compliance
Oﬃcer. Over the years, he has grown
into a central ﬁgure within the
company, ensuring that every aspect of
compliance and legal governance
supports its larger mission of
where he developed his foundation in
corporate legal functions and
compliance management. His role
required him to engage with regulatory
frameworks, contract negotiations, and
governance structures, preparing him
for the larger responsibilities that
would follow.
After this, he joined IIFL, also known
as India Infoline Group, as Vice
President of Compliance, Legal and
Secretarial. In this role, he spent over
ﬁve years managing complex legal and
regulatory matters for one of India's
most prominent ﬁnancial services
groups. His expertise extended across
wealth management, securities laws,
private equity, and corporate
restructuring, giving him an expansive
understanding of how legal compliance
integrates with business growth.
The next chapter of his career unfolded
at StarAgri Finance, where he took on
the role of Head of Legal, Compliance
and Secretarial. Over a period of three
years, he was instrumental in building
robust compliance systems and
Sunil
Lotke
Championing Corporate Governance
and Compliance for the Future of Financial Services
Sunil Lotke
Chief Legal & Compliance Ofﬁcer
U Gro Capital
www.businessmindsmedia.in036 www.businessmindsmedia.in037

transforming small business lending in
India. His leadership has been critical
to building trust with regulators,
partners, and stakeholders.
Areas of Expertise and Professional
Strengths
Sunil Lotke's career spans nearly
twenty years, during which he has built
deep expertise in multiple areas that
form the backbone of ﬁnancial
governance. His knowledge covers
NBFC and HFC regulatory
frameworks, wealth management,
securities laws, private equity
structures, corporate restructuring,
fundraising, contract management, and
corporate governance. Each of these
areas requires a high degree of
precision, foresight, and an ability to
align legal and compliance frameworks
with business ambitions.
approach and sector-focused strategy,
UGRO Capital has emerged as a key
player in empowering small businesses
across the country.
Sunil's role at UGRO Capital is
integral to this mission. As Chief Legal
and Compliance Oﬃcer, he ensures
that the organization's ambitious goals
are grounded in strong compliance
structures and transparent governance.
Under his guidance, UGRO Capital has
been able to pursue innovative lending
solutions while adhering to regulatory
standards set forth by ﬁnancial
authorities.
The company has carefully chosen
eight key sectors to serve in the MSME
space after conducting extensive
research in collaboration with market
experts. These sectors include
healthcare, education, chemicals, food
One of Sunil's deﬁning strengths is his
ability to view compliance not as a
limitation but as an enabler of business
growth. His approach is proactive,
focusing on risk prevention and
operational clarity rather than reactive
problem-solving. This perspective has
allowed the institutions he has worked
with to grow while maintaining a
reputation for transparency and
trustworthiness.
Leadership at UGRO Capital
UGRO Capital Limited has positioned
itself as a DataTech Lending platform
committed to addressing the credit gap
in India's MSME sector. The company
is listed on NSE and BSE and is widely
recognized for its mission of solving
the unsolved by providing ﬁnancial
solutions to micro, small, and medium
enterprises. With its strong data-driven
processing and FMCG, hospitality,
electrical equipment and components,
auto components, and light
engineering. In addition, UGRO
extends its services to micro-
enterprises that collectively form a
signiﬁcant part of India's economy.
Sunil's oversight ensures that the
company's lending practices across
these diverse sectors remain fully
compliant, ethical, and sustainable.
Balancing Governance with Growth
One of the most challenging aspects of
Sunil's role is maintaining a delicate
balance between compliance and
business expansion. The ﬁnancial
services sector is heavily regulated,
and institutions must continuously
adapt to evolving policies and
guidelines. For UGRO Capital, which
aspires to become India's largest small
business ﬁnancing institution, this
balance is even more critical. Sunil's
ensuring that as the company scales, its
foundations of trust, governance, and
compliance remain unshakable.
As he looks to the future, Sunil sees
compliance as a transformative force
that can strengthen institutions,
safeguard stakeholders, and contribute
to the overall health of the ﬁnancial
ecosystem. His journey reﬂects not
only personal growth but also a
broader commitment to building a
ﬁnancial sector that is transparent,
ethical, and sustainable.
Conclusion
Sunil Lotke's professional story is one
of resilience, expertise, and integrity.
With nearly twenty years of
experience, he has become a trusted
leader in legal and compliance aﬀairs
within India's ﬁnancial services sector.
At UGRO Capital, he has found a
platform that aligns with his belief in
using governance as a tool for growth
and impact. His work ensures that the
company remains true to its mission of
solving the unsolved while becoming a
model of responsible and innovative
lending.
In many ways, Sunil represents the
unsung pillars of ﬁnancial institutions,
the professionals who work tirelessly
behind the scenes to ensure that
ambition is matched with
accountability. His legacy will not only
be deﬁned by the positions he has held
but also by the values of integrity and
governance that he has upheld
throughout his career.
ability to align legal frameworks with
business strategies allows the company
to expand without compromising on
compliance.
His experience in corporate
restructuring and fundraising plays a
crucial role in supporting UGRO
Capital's ambitious plans. Whether it
involves managing contracts, advising
on new ﬁnancial instruments, or
ensuring seamless regulatory
approvals, Sunil provides the legal
clarity needed for conﬁdent decision-
making.
A Legacy of Integrity and Trust
Across every role he has held, Sunil
Lotke has left behind a legacy of trust
and discipline. Colleagues and peers
often describe him as a leader who
combines technical knowledge with
ethical clarity. His approach to
leadership is participatory, encouraging
teams to see compliance as an essential
aspect of business success rather than a
burdensome obligation.
His career also highlights his
adaptability. From managing the legal
frameworks of wealth management to
overseeing compliance in NBFC and
HFC sectors, he has consistently
demonstrated the ability to pivot and
excel in diverse ﬁnancial
environments. This adaptability has
been vital in his journey at UGRO
Capital, where innovation and
compliance must work hand in hand.
Looking Ahead
The future of ﬁnancial services in India
will be shaped by data-driven decision-
making, rapid digitization, and
evolving regulatory landscapes. For
UGRO Capital, the mission of
empowering MSMEs remains central
to its growth strategy. Sunil Lotke will
continue to play a pivotal role in
I have always
believed that
innovation and
compliance
must go hand
in hand for any
financial
services
company to
truly succeed.
BM
I N D I A
www.businessmindsmedia.in038 www.businessmindsmedia.in039

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