Anshula Kant Becomes World Bank’s First Woman CFO and MD

Anshula Kant, Managing Director of the State Bank Of India (SBI), was appointed as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the World Bank, its president David Malpass announced on Friday, 12 July.

“I am very pleased to appoint Anshula Kant as World Bank Group Managing Director and CFO. Anshula brings more than 35 years of expertise in finance, banking, and innovative use of technology through her work as CFO of the State Bank of India.”

David Malpass, World Bank President

Kant to Be Responsible for World Bank’s Financial, Risk Management

As MD and CFO, Kant will be responsible for financial and risk management of the World Bank Group, reporting to the president.

Among other key management duties, her work will include oversight of financial reporting, risk management, and working closely with the World Bank CEO on mobilisation of International Development Association (IDA).

Malpass further said, "She has excelled at a diverse array of leadership challenges including risk, treasury, funding, regulatory compliance and operations. I look forward to welcoming her to our management team as we work to increase our effectiveness in supporting good development outcomes.”

“As CFO of the SBI, Kant managed USD 38 billion of revenues and total assets of USD 500 billion. Stewarding the organisation, she greatly improved the capital base and focused on the long-term sustainability of SBI within her mandate. She has been a Managing Director and member of the Board since September 2018,” said the World Bank.

The bank’s statement added that with direct responsibility for the SBI's Risk, Compliance, and Stressed Asset Portfolio, Kant led the creation of investment opportunities while empowering risk management throughout the bank.

“She has held several positions across the organisation and helped navigate a diverse array of leadership challenges,” said the World Bank.

Kant’s Journey

In 1983, Kant joined SBI as a probationary officer. She later became MD, The Indian Express reported.

She has also served as Chief General Manager of Mumbai SBI and was Deputy MD of Operations for National Banking Group. Since September 2018, Kant has been a Managing Director and member of the Board and the date of her superannuation was September 2020.

Kant is a graduate in Economic Honours from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and a Post-Graduate in Economics from Delhi School of Economics.