The Financial Express Best Banks Awards 2025 was held in Mumbai on Thursday and brought together India’s top bankers, policymakers and fintech leaders for one of the country’s most prestigious financial honours.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was the chief guest, hailed the banking sector’s role in supporting India’s economic growth. He also took part in a joint conversation with Shyamal Majumdar, Editor, Financial Express and Rishi Raj, Executive Editor, Financial Express, which discussed reforms and the outlook for the Indian economy. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was also present at the ceremony.
Chosen by an independent jury, with EY as a knowledge partner, the awards recognise excellence across banks, small finance banks, fintechs, and NBFCs based on RBI data and governance standards.
Here are the key winners:
1. Banker of the Year-Axis Bank-Amitabh Chaudhry, MD and CEO, awarded for driving strong growth and digital focus.
2. Lifetime Achievement-Federal Bank: Shyam Srinivasa, former MD& CEO, recognised for his enduring contribution.
3. Best Public Sector Bank- Bank of Maharashtra: Award was received on behalf of the bank by Executive Director Rohit Rishi.
4. Best Private Bank- Kotak Mahindra Bank- MD and CEO Ashok Vaswani recognised, with senior leaders accepting the award.
5. Best Foreign Bank-HSBC India: CEO Hitendra Dave received the honour.
6. Best NBFC-Bajaj Finance: VC and MD Rajeev Jain awarded, Nitish Asthana accepted the honour.
7. Digital Bank of the Year-IDFC First Bank: MD & CEO V Vaidyanathan was honoured for digital leadership.
Fintech Excellence Awards were also announced:
8. Perfios Software Solutions (RegTech)-CEO Sabyasachi Goswami
9. FPL Technologies (Lending)-Co-founder and CEO Anurag Sinha
10. Juspay Technologies (Payments)- Co-founder and CEO Sheetal Lalwani
11. Go Digit General Insurance (Insurance)– Award was accepted by MD and CEO Jasleen Kohli
