CEO Insights Magazine

Asia’s expanding economies, rising youth population, and increasing disposable incomes have led to a surge in demand for financial products and services. In this dynamic BFSI market, Sayan Chattopadhyay has established himself as a prominent leader. Starting his career in 2008 amidst the challenging times of the global financial crisis, Sayan demonstrated his passion and determination in the face of adversity. His early experiences at HSBC InvestDirect in India taught him the value of understanding market intricacies and building strong client relationships. Over the course of his nine-year tenure in India, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Anand Rathi’s Kolkata business, witnessing its growth from zero to over 100 Crore AUM. He later ventured into the Dubai market, joining Seguro Private Wealth and subsequently heading the NRI business at AHR, while also travelling to several countries and understanding the market in various regions.

Currently serving as the Director at Arrow Capital - DIFC, he has successfully managed a team and established a strong asset base under his leadership. His client-centric approach and unwavering commitment to knowledge-driven decision-making have been the cornerstones of his professional journey. CEO Insights Asia engages in an exclusive conversation with Sayan Chattopadhyay. Read the excerpts to deduce his wise inputs.

What has been your success mantra so far?

My professional success is rooted in two key principles: maintaining a positive mindset and managing work-life balance. From an early stage, I developed the ability to separate work and personal life, not carrying the work-matters to home. Spending time with my family has always been a priority. Even during the initial stages of my career, I maintained a positive outlook and provided clients with solutions  that required interpersonal skills and a sense of positivity. Understanding the client's needs and offering intelligent solutions became my approach. People often label me as a workaholic, never refusing meetings, even on weekends. Taking risks has been integral to my journey, like moving to Dubai and being part of a new business venture. Despite doubts, I’ve made timely decisions and gained valuable insights. It's about interpreting scenarios, a skill that cannot be taught.

How do you ensure that company operations are effectively managed and free from flaws?

To ensure smooth company operations, empowering employees is key. This means providing them with the right training and feedback. I give credit to the backoffice teams, such as compliance and operations, for their crucial role. This ensures ethical practices and avoids lapses. Roughly 80 percent of our operations run smoothly due to their efforts, with the remaining aspects relying on our research team. Sales also play a vital role, but it's the combination of empowered back-office operations, research, and sales that creates a well-functioning company. These teams are incentivized and invested in the company's success, similar to business owners and CEOs.

Elaborate on the key qualities that define your leadership approach.

One of the key qualities that defines my leadership approach is the focus on empowering and nurturing my team members. I focus on giving them the freedom to excel in their roles and trust in their abilities. Don't micromanage their every move, but instead, trust them to know their responsibilities, targets, and numbers. We should work closely with each team member to support and guide them in meeting their goals. Investing time and effort in training new hires, even accompanying them on meetings and calls for extensive learning is crucial. Value individuals and provide them with a sense of security and stability. And, refrain from firing someone solely based on performance, as I give them time to improve and grow. This approach has led to long-term relationships with my team. They work diligently, even outside regular hours, not because of pressure, but because they feel secure and valued. As the business expands, I identify potential leaders among my team members to lead smaller units, fostering their ambition and ensuring their future growth. I believe in shared success and accountability, as I am actively involved in deals and share responsibility for both successes and failures.

What is your anticipation for the future outlook of the BFSI sector?

The financial services sector will be less overshadowed by AI. While AI has its capabilities, there are certain aspects where human intelligence is indispensable. Factors like geopolitical events and their impact on client portfolios require human interactions and expertise. As more people move towards affluence, there will be a growing investable surplus, leading to opportunities in the sector. However, institutions need to evolve by embracing innovation, enhancing transparency, and allowing clients to have more control. Automation can play a role in providing transparency, but human interactions will remain crucial. To thrive in this field, talented individuals with analytical and mathematical skills are essential. External asset managers like us are likely to gain market share compared to banks, as we prioritize client relationships and provide consistent strategies.

Where do you see yourself headed towards the upcoming years?

In the coming years, I envision myself thriving in this market. Whether I start my own business or remain in my current role is uncertain. One thing I am certain about is my commitment to this market. I will continue to prioritize the growth and development of my talented team. I am confident in actively engaging in this market, delivering excellent service, expanding my expertise, and contributing to the sector's development.

Sayan Chattopadhyay, Director, Arrow Capital

Sayan’s expertise lies in navigating complex financial discussions and providing tailored solutions. His ability to delve into the intricacies of financial products sets him apart from his peers. Despite his achievements, Chattopadhyay remains humble and continuously seeks opportunities to enhance his skills consistently.