RBI Appoints Kesavan Ramachandran as Executive Director for Regulation

In a significant development for India’s financial regulatory landscape, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the appointment of Kesavan Ramachandran as its new Executive Director (ED), effective July 1, 2025. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by Puneet Pancholy, Chief General Manager at RBI.

With this appointment, Ramachandran will now lead the Department of Regulation (Prudential Regulation Division)—a pivotal segment responsible for shaping and supervising regulatory policies that govern the Indian banking sector.

A Distinguished Career Spanning Three Decades

Kesavan Ramachandran’s journey with the Reserve Bank of India spans over 30 years, during which he has held several important positions that have contributed to strengthening India’s financial system.

Before his elevation to the role of Executive Director, he served as the Principal Chief General Manager in the Risk Monitoring Department. Over the years, he has garnered deep expertise in:

• Currency management
• Banking and non-banking supervision
• Risk monitoring
• Training and administration

One of his notable contributions includes his role as Principal of the Reserve Bank Staff College, where he played a key role in designing and conducting training programs aimed at building the skills and capabilities of RBI staff.

Board Positions and Professional Engagements

In addition to his central banking responsibilities, Ramachandran has also represented RBI in several external roles:

• Served as RBI’s nominee on the Board of Canara Bank for over five years.
• Acted as a member of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for two years.

These roles reflect his multi-dimensional experience across banking, auditing, and regulatory standards—making him a well-rounded leader for his new position.

Academic Qualifications and Expertise

Kesavan Ramachandran’s academic background is equally impressive. He holds:

• A Postgraduate Degree
• An MBA in Banking and Finance
• A Diploma in International Financial Reporting from ACCA, UK
• Certified Associate status from the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF)

This combination of academic excellence and practical experience positions him well to navigate the complex challenges of financial regulation and supervision.

What Does the Department of Regulation Do?

The Department of Regulation (Prudential Regulation Division) is one of the most crucial arms of the RBI. Its responsibilities include:

• Framing prudential regulatory guidelines for banks and financial institutions.
• Ensuring financial stability through effective oversight and risk management.
• Strengthening the resilience of the banking system by setting standards for capital adequacy, liquidity, and governance.

Under Kesavan Ramachandran’s leadership, the department is expected to continue its focus on safeguarding India’s banking sector amid evolving global and domestic financial challenges.

A Commitment to Internal Talent and Leadership Excellence

The appointment of Ramachandran reflects the RBI’s commitment to promoting seasoned professionals from within its ranks—leaders who bring decades of institutional knowledge, policy insight, and regulatory experience.

By placing trusted insiders in key leadership positions, the central bank ensures continuity, stability, and informed decision-making in its regulatory approach.

Conclusion

The selection of Kesavan Ramachandran as Executive Director is a timely and strategic move by the Reserve Bank of India. With his vast experience in regulation, risk management, and training, he is well-equipped to lead the Prudential Regulation Division at a time when global financial systems are undergoing rapid transformation.

His appointment not only highlights the RBI’s focus on stability and compliance but also reinforces its tradition of empowering internal talent to guide India’s financial future.

📅 Published on: 03 July 2025
✍️ Author: CS Chhavi Goyal