The Reserve Bank of India approved the appointment of Debasish Panda as part-time chairman of Bandhan Bank for a period of three years from the date of taking charge. As per The Economic Times, the RBI granted its prior approval in a letter dated April 22, 2026, responding to Bandhan Bank's application. The bank stated that the proposal for Panda's appointment will be placed before its Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) and the Board for consideration and approval in due course. This approval ensures continuity in the bank's leadership structure.
The current non-executive chairman Anup Kumar Sinha's term is scheduled to end on July 4, 2026. According to The Economic Times, Panda will replace the current incumbent Anup Kumar Sinha, who held this position since the bank's inception in August 2015. This transition ensures continuity in the bank's leadership structure, with the bank board considering the appointment date in due course.
Debasish Panda is a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre who previously served as chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) between 2022 and 2025. As reported by The Economic Times, he has also held key roles, including Secretary, Department of Financial Services, where he was involved in banking consolidation and financial inclusion initiatives. His extensive experience includes serving on the boards of the RBI, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Life Insurance Corporation of India.
This strategic move follows Panda's extensive experience in the financial sector, including his previous role as chairman of IRDAI. The appointment represents a significant addition to the bank's leadership team, bringing in expertise from India's financial regulatory framework and banking consolidation initiatives. As per The Economic Times, the move demonstrates the bank's commitment to maintaining strong regulatory compliance and institutional knowledge during this leadership transition.
