Bandhan : The Making of a Bank by Tamal Bandyopadhyay [Paperback]

From Humble Beginnings to Banking Giant: The Story of Bandhan

Bandhan: The Making of a Bank by Tamal Bandyopadhyay chronicles the extraordinary rise of Bandhan, a microfinance institution (MFI) that transformed into India's biggest MFI and ultimately, a universal bank.

More Than Just Banking: A Grassroots Journey

This book transcends the typical banking narrative. It delves into the inspiring story of Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, the founder of Bandhan. Born into poverty, Ghosh's relentless ambition fueled his mission to empower the underbanked. The book details his struggles – from overcoming a harsh economic climate to battling hostile moneylenders.

From Rs. 2 Lakhs to Millions Served: Building a Banking Giant

Bandhan: The Making of a Bank unveils the strategies Ghosh employed to build Bandhan from the ground up. You'll discover how, with a mere Rs. 2 lakhs (around $2,700), Ghosh's vision transformed into an institution serving millions of small borrowers in eastern India – a region that hadn't witnessed a new bank since independence.

The MFI to Universal Bank Transformation: A Strategic Leap

The book doesn't stop at Bandhan's MFI success. It explores the crucial step of transforming into a universal bank, a move that broadened Bandhan's reach and financial services offered. This journey provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating growth and strategic pivots.

Understanding the Borrower, Cracking the Code: The "Alchemy" of Financial Inclusion

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the book is Ghosh's unique perspective on lending to the underbanked. Having grown up facing financial struggles himself, Ghosh possesses an innate understanding of the challenges faced by small borrowers. He sheds light on the "alchemy" of doing business with the poor profitably, a concept that can revolutionize financial inclusion efforts.

Bandhan: The Making of a Bank caters to a wide audience:

Entrepreneurs: Gain inspiration from Ghosh's rags-to-riches story and strategic insights.
Those in Finance: Learn about building a successful financial institution focused on social impact.

Anyone Interested in Development: Understand the challenges and triumphs of financial inclusion initiatives.

Written in English and falling under the category of Business, with a focus on Banking and Social Entrepreneurship, Bandhan: The Making of a Bank is a must-read for those seeking an inspiring tale of entrepreneurial grit and social impact.