In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of speaking with Biswanath Patnaik, Chairman & Founder of BNP Finnest Group, a visionary leader who has made a remarkable impact in the fields of trade finance, investment banking, and sustainable development. With over 15 years of experience spanning global markets, including London, Warsaw, Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai, Mr. Patnaik has led BNP Finnest Group to new heights, shaping industries such as fintech, real estate, renewable energy, and healthcare.
His journey is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to social responsibility, reflected in his philanthropic initiatives and recognition through prestigious awards. In this conversation, Mr. Patnaik shares insights into his leadership philosophy, the inspiration behind BNP Finnest Group, and his vision for the future of sustainable investments and disruptive technologies. Join us as we explore the principles that have guided his success and the transformative impact of his work.
Can you share your journey to becoming a leader in your industry? What pivotal moments or decisions shaped your career?
My journey to becoming a leader in the industry has been shaped by a combination of vision, persistence, and a commitment to learning. Starting with my academic foundation, I earned a degree in Economics followed by an MBA, and continued to expand my knowledge with a law degree and advanced executive education from top institutions like IIM Kozhikode and the London School of Economics. I believe that my thirst for learning, even as I took on leadership roles, has been a pivotal factor in my success.
One of the defining moments in my career was my decision to enter the trade finance and investment banking sectors. Over the last 15 years, I built a strong presence in these industries, focusing on not only India but also international markets like London, Warsaw, Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai. I diversified my portfolio across sectors including healthcare, fintech, real estate, renewable energy, and more, which has given me a broad platform to lead and innovate. This diversity has allowed me to strategically oversee expansion in regions such as Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Philanthropy has also been a crucial part of my leadership journey. I’ve always believed that true success lies not only in business achievements but also in giving back to society. My involvement with organizations such as UNESCO, UNHCR, and contributions to education and healthcare have been deeply rewarding. These efforts have been recognized globally, with awards like the “Nelson Mandela Leadership Award” and being named one of the “Top 10 Unstoppable Business Leaders” in 2022.
The key decisions that shaped my career were my choice to diversify across multiple industries, invest in both emerging and developed markets, and integrate social responsibility into my business ethos. These elements have defined my path as a leader and continue to drive my vision for the future
What was the inspiration behind starting or leading your current company/business?
The inspiration behind leading BNP Investments and the BNP Group came from my desire to create something that makes a real difference across different industries. My education and work experience gave me the skills to focus on areas like trade finance, private equity, and investment banking, but I wanted to do more than just build a successful business. I wanted to help solve important problems in areas like healthcare, renewable energy, and technology.
My grandfather, a freedom fighter and visionary, has been a big inspiration in my life. His dedication and hard work made me want to create something that not only grows financially but also positively impacts society. I believe that entrepreneurship has the power to bring change, and I wanted to be part of that change by investing in businesses that contribute to making the world better.
In the end, my goal is to build a business that not only succeeds but also helps people, supports innovation, and makes a lasting difference in the world.
What values or principles have guided you throughout your career as a business leader?
Throughout my career as a business leader, I have been guided by several core values. First and foremost is integrity; I believe in being honest and transparent in all my dealings because trust is essential for successful relationships. I also value innovation and the importance of new ideas.
Perseverance has helped me get through challenges and stay on track with my long-term goals. I also believe in social responsibility; it’s important to give back to the community, which is why I support education and healthcare.
Finally, I am committed to continuous learning; I think it’s important to always seek knowledge, whether through formal education or real-world experiences. These values have shaped my journey and the direction of BNP Group, ensuring that we build a business that is ethical and innovative.
Who are your biggest influences, and how have they impacted your leadership style or vision?
I’m very proud to share that this year, BNP FINNEST GROUP has filed the confirmation of our audited balance sheet with the UK government, show casing a strong balance sheet of $1 billion. This milestone reflects our unwavering vision from the very beginning. BNP FINNEST GROUP was founded as a sustainable fund with a focus on renewable energy, disruptive technologies like electric vehicles and solar panel manufacturing, and innovative healthcare apps.
We are also deeply invested in space technology. Also, our strategic growth has been driven by close collaboration with 12 councils in the United Kingdom and strong support from the UK government, including leadership from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. I recently had the honor of meeting Chancellor Hunt, who expressed great satisfaction with our contributions to the UK’s investment landscape.
The inspiration behind BNP FINNEST GROUP was my realization that while I had numerous ventures in various sectors through BNP Venture Capital, there was a significant gap in sustainable energy investment. This motivated me to create a dedicated fund for green energy initiatives, including biodegradable products. Today, our efforts extend globally, working with governments in the UK, Poland, Dubai, India, and Saudi Arabia.
In what ways do you think your leadership or your company is disrupting the industry in 2024?
In 2024, leadership and companies like BNP FINNEST GROUP are disrupting their respective industries by focusing on sustainability and innovative technologies. One key way they are doing this is by prioritizing investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and disruptive technologies that promise a more sustainable future. This shift not only addresses pressing environmental concerns but also meets the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions.
How do you stay ahead of market trends and innovate continuously in such a competitive business landscape?
To stay ahead of market trends and keep innovating in a competitive business world, companies need to take a few important steps. Investing in the latest technology can improve how things work and lead to new products. Being flexible and able to change quickly in response to market shifts is crucial. Finally, partnering with other businesses can provide new insights and resources. By using these strategies, companies can not only keep up with the market but also lead in innovation
What is your approach to risk management, and how do you make decisions in uncertain times?
My approach to risk management is centered around early identification, data-driven insights, and flexibility. I focus on identifying potential risks by analyzing market trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements that could impact our business. This allows us to stay proactive rather than reactive. I also emphasize collaborative decision-making, involving my team to ensure that we consider diverse perspectives and come up with well-rounded solutions during uncertain times. Being agile is key, as it enables us to pivot quickly when circumstances change. In addition, I ensure that we have contingency plans in place, such as financial reserves and alternative strategies, to mitigate any potential risks. This combination of strategic foresight and adaptability helps us stay resilient and turn challenges into opportunities
What qualities do you think define a great business leader today, and how do you strive to embody them?
A great business leader today is characterized by qualities such as vision, adaptability, emotional intelligence, decisiveness, and integrity. Vision enables leaders to set clear goals and guide their teams toward innovation and success. Adaptability helps them adjust to changing market conditions, ensuring continued growth and competitiveness. Emotional intelligence is important for building strong relationships and creating a positive work environment. Decisiveness allows leaders to make informed decisions quickly, even in uncertain situations. Integrity is crucial for earning trust and maintaining credibility. I strive to embody these qualities by staying focused on long-term goals, being flexible, fostering open communication, and upholding ethical standards
How do you see your company or personal leadership influencing the industry over the next five years?
Our future roadmap is ambitious and exciting. We are now gearing up to enter the real estate development sector, expanding our portfolio to include projects in the UK, UAE, and India. This venture will span the next three to five years and is expected to yield moderate to high returns.
By investing substantial capital into this new venture, we anticipate adding at least $7 to $8 billion to our current AUM, aiming to collectively surpass $20 billion. This strategic move aligns with our growth objectives and leverages our expertise to create significant value in the real estate market.
What advice would you give to aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs looking to make waves in their own fields?
For aspiring business leaders and future entrepreneurs would be to start with a strong vision of what they are trying to accomplish that will drive them throughout the way. The world of business is constantly changing, and there are new ideas popping up every day. Create a good network of mentors who can guide you and support you, else the learnings made may be of no use as they are not implemented. There are some tough days ahead, failure is part of success. Never let go of a positive work culture and always put the customers ahead. This is how those steps will allow you to succeed and have an impact in your field.
Can you share some of your most significant achievements or milestones in your business career?
Throughout my career as an investment banker and private equity funder, I’ve navigated numerous milestones that have shaped my professional journey and imparted invaluable lessons. In 2009, while working at ICICI Prudential, I decided to break away from the monotony and embark on an entrepreneurial path. With my savings, I acquired a small stake in a listed software development company and an RBI-licensed Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC). This leap into investment banking taught me the importance of resilience, especially in India’s borrower-dominant market, where I faced significant challenges in loan recovery.
Realizing the need to adapt, I moved to the UK in 2014 and joined Lloyds Bank’s investment banking arm, eventually founding BNP Venture Capital. Our focus on trade finance monetization saw initial struggles, but by 2017, we achieved notable success. This period underscored the value of perseverance and strategic pivoting in business.
One of my proudest moments was earning the FCA license, affirming my credentials in the UK market. This milestone, coupled with my first $10 million transaction, marked the turning point in my career. Expanding into the UAE’s real estate sector further diversified my portfolio and highlighted the benefits of investing in emerging markets.
Today, I manage substantial credit lines with prime banks like JP Morgan, supporting ventures in sustainable energy, healthcare, space, and sports. Each milestone, achieved with a dedicated team, reinforced the significance of adapt ability, continuous learning, and teamwork in reaching new heights.
What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced in 2024, and how did you overcome it?
Most significant Challenge 2024 has been sustaining the geopolitical roller coaster which affected businesses word wide in terms of managing the working capital to run the businees,Which we proactively managed well because of our highly effective cost management strategies.
How do you balance the pressure of achieving business goals with maintaining a positive work environment?
By always keeping real-time updates to make strategic decisions. This helps me maintain a balanced, proactive work environment and ensures effective processes.
How do you inspire and motivate your team, especially during challenging times or significant transitions?
I have always led from the front and set an example for my team by becoming more disciplined and meticulous in running the day-to-day business.
What steps do you take to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture within your company?
Our company team has been a part of sustainable change, where I have emphasized equality as the most important virtue, especially in respecting diverse work styles.
