Finance With Doug

Abhay Bhutada, a member of the Poonawalla Group, was born and brought up in Latur, Maharashtra. From a young age, he showed a passion for learning and a strong sense of determination. After becoming a Chartered Accountant, he entered the professional world through the Bank of India in 2010, focusing on SME finance. His first role gave him real-world exposure to the challenges faced by businesses. This experience sparked a deeper interest in building financial solutions that could support growth, innovation, and accessibility for enterprises of all sizes. Growth Through Strategic Career Choices Abhay Bhutada’s professional rise has been steady, marked by smart decisions and a strong work ethic. Rather than taking shortcuts, he built his career by choosing roles and projects that aligned with his broader vision for the future. His contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, he received the 'Young Entrepreneur of India' award from the State Bank of India Chair...

Abhay Bhutada’s professional path is built on thoughtful choices, determination, and an unwavering sense of purpose. With a total compensation of ₹241.21 crore in the financial year 2023–24, he became India’s highest-paid executive. But this achievement is just one part of a much larger story. His net worth, which is now over ₹1,000 crore, reflects years of steady growth and focus rather than just financial gain. His contributions extend beyond business figures. Over the years, Abhay has transformed his skill and experience into a balanced blend of professional growth and meaningful social responsibility. He is known for keeping a low profile while making a strong difference through both leadership and outreach. Laying the Foundation in a Small Town Abhay Bhutada was born in Latur, Maharashtra. His early interest in finance and planning led him to become a Chartered Accountant, a qualification that helped him build a strong base for his career. He began his professional life in 2010 a...

Books are still essential in a world filled with screens. People are going back to reading as a way to slow down. It’s not just for learning anymore. It’s also about healing, reflecting, and escaping into another world. In India, the book industry is evolving. Regional literature is seeing a comeback. Languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali are gaining readers. More people are buying books that connect with their culture and daily life. Writers like Munshi Premchand, Rabindranath Tagore, and Kalki are being rediscovered by younger readers. Printed vs Digital Reading E-books are convenient, but physical books still hold emotional value. You can’t highlight, bookmark, or smell an e-book. Holding a paperback still means something. Many readers say it helps them focus better. Still, digital reading is growing. Apps like Kindle and Audible are changing habits. They’re perfect for people who travel or prefer multitasking. Students often choose PDFs or audiobooks for quick reference. Commute...

Abhay Bhutada, currently regarded as one of India’s most influential executives, made headlines during the 2023–24 financial year by earning a total compensation of ₹241.21 crore. This made him the highest-paid executive in the country. His net worth, now over ₹1,000 crore, is a reflection of years of calculated decision-making, consistency, and deep-rooted intent. Yet, there is more to his journey than just corporate rewards. The work he continues to lead through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation is gradually transforming the space of hands-on education in India. A Chartered Accountant with a Clear Vision Abhay Bhutada hails from Latur in Maharashtra, a town that doesn’t often feature in stories of India’s top executives. However, his ambitions were never confined by geography. After becoming a Chartered Accountant, he started his career in 2010 with the Bank of India, specifically handling SME finance. Working directly with small businesses in his initial years gave him first-hand exposur...

Abhay Bhutada has become a widely recognized figure in India’s business and social development space. His total compensation of ₹241.21 crore in 2023-24 made him the highest-paid executive in the country. Yet, what truly stands out is how he balances personal achievements with a deeper purpose. With a net worth exceeding ₹1,000 crore, his work reflects thoughtful decisions, long-term planning, and active efforts to support underserved communities. Starting Point in Latur Abhay Bhutada’s roots go back to Latur, Maharashtra. Raised in a family that was already exposed to business environments, he gained early insight into what it takes to run and grow an enterprise. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, he began his career in 2010 at the Bank of India, where he worked in SME finance. That role helped him understand the challenges faced by small businesses, especially when it came to accessing formal credit. It also gave him the idea that finance and technology could work together ...

  On January 2, 2025, the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Center became the venue for a unique evening dedicated to recognising individuals and organisations working towards building a better and more responsible world. Known as the Change Maker Awards 2024, this event celebrated those who have gone above and beyond to support environmental balance, responsible governance, and social improvements. The event was organised by the ESG Research Foundation and was supported by BNW Developments. What made this event special was its strong focus on genuine efforts rather than fame or popularity. Professionals, philanthropists, educators, and environmentalists gathered to celebrate those driving real change in their respective fields. Noteworthy Voices and Important Messages Several speakers addressed the audience during the evening, sharing their experiences and insights on why sustainability and social action need to be part of global discussions. Among the key speakers were Faris...