Arinjoy Dhar appointed BRAC deputy executive director
Arinjoy Dhar has been appointed deputy executive director of BRAC, overseeing microfinance, technology, education, skills development, the migration programme and operations.
He brings senior leadership experience across banking, microfinance and technology, including work on digital transformation, operational excellence and sustainable financial inclusion in Bangladesh and international markets, according to a press release.
Dhar has played a central role in shaping the strategic direction of BRAC's microfinance programme and technology operations. He joined BRAC in January 2022 as senior director of microfinance, leading a transformation that nearly doubled the programme's portfolio and expanded its reach to 12 million clients across 3,300 branches.
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"It is an honour to take on this responsibility at BRAC. As we navigate a rapidly changing development landscape, our focus must remain on staying close to the communities we serve, responding to their evolving needs, and finding practical and sustainable ways to create lasting impact," Dhar said.
"I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across BRAC to strengthen our efforts and contribute to BRAC's continued journey of impact and innovation," he added.
Before joining BRAC, Dhar spent more than two decades with HSBC in senior executive and financial leadership roles across Hong Kong, Canada, China and Bangladesh.
During his tenure at BRAC, he has led inclusive finance initiatives that brought 1.5 million farmers under crop insurance coverage, while Credit Shield Insurance reached 12 million policies.
An advocate for technology and gender equality, he led the digital transition of credit services through the Microfinance client app, now used by 1.7 million clients.
He also helped double female representation in leadership within an ecosystem where women constitute 89% of borrowers and more than 45% of the workforce.
Dhar holds governance and advisory roles across corporate, academic and non-profit institutions. He chairs BRACNet Limited and serves on the boards of directors of Guardian Life Insurance Company and BRAC IT Services.
He also serves in advisory capacities at BRAC University, the University of Galway and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Dhar holds a master's degree (MSc) from Lancaster University. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the UK, CPA Australia and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants in Australia.
