#manappuram

As Manappuram Finance marks 75 years of service, VP Nandakumar reflects on the company’s impressive transformation from a small family enterprise to a large NBFC. With its roots in Kerala’s Valapad, the company was founded to bring accessible finance to villagers. Now, with a presence across India and an AUM of over ₹42,000 crore, Manappuram Finance is a testament to innovation and resilience.

VP Nandakumar has remained committed to the founding values while expanding the business portfolio beyond gold loans. Under his stewardship, the company has grown its presence in microfinance, affordable housing, and even healthcare. The establishment of the Manappuram Foundation in 2009 highlights Nandakumar's commitment to social welfare, long before CSR was mandated.

Manappuram Finance, under the dynamic leadership of VP Nandakumar, has grown from a humble gold loan firm in Valapad to a powerful non-banking financial institution with an AUM of ₹42,070 crore. Established in 1949 by his father, the late V.C. Padmanabhan, the company originally aimed to serve the financial needs of local villagers. Today, the organization is celebrating its 75th anniversary with operations spanning the country and offerings that include personal, business, and vehicle loans.

VP Nandakumar took the reins in 1986 and changed the company's trajectory. In 1995, he led Manappuram Finance to become India’s first gold loan company to go public with an IPO on the BSE, a game-changing moment. He further expanded into microfinance by acquiring Asirvad Microfinance in 2015. Nandakumar’s focus on financial inclusion has enabled Manappuram to reach underserved communities while building a solid and ethical business model.

From humble roots in Valapad, Kerala, Vp Nandakumar emerged as a force in Indian financial services by transforming a family-run pawn broking business into Manappuram Finance Ltd. With a keen academic background in commerce, science, and banking, he left Nedungadi Bank in 1986 to take over the family enterprise after his father’s passing. His foresight led to the company’s IPO in 1995, followed by rapid diversification into microfinance, vehicle loans, SME lending, and insurance.

Under Vp Nandakumar’s leadership, Manappuram expanded from a single branch to 5,200+ branches across India, employing nearly 50,000 people. Strategic moves such as shifting focus from microfinance to secured lending and onboarding private equity partners like Bain Capital have strengthened the company's financial foundation. His efforts in governance, social responsibility, and community upliftment continue to shape a new era of inclusive growth.

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