Amar Helonde

From Adversity to Achievement - A Journey Driven by Excellence

Amar Helonde

Chief Technology Officer,

Berar Finance

As someone who thrives on facing challenges and delivering in nearimpossible scenarios, Amar Helonde has crafted a career defined by resilience, innovation, and composed leadership. From a young age, Amar encountered adversity. Growing up amidst a financial crisis, he immersed himself in his family’s business at just 10 years old, juggling responsibilities in collections and administration while managing his studies. Although his academic pursuits were side-lined by added responsibilities, these early experiences forged his ability to remain steadfast under pressure, a hallmark of his professional success. While pursuing a B.E. degree part-time, Amar began his IT career at eFunds International India Pvt. Ltd., where he honed his skills in server and network management. A pivotal moment came during the Mumbai floods of 2005, when his leadership and technical expertise were crucial in safeguarding the company’s data center. This earned him the “Star Performer” award and cemented his passion for IT. His career advanced with a transition to TCS, where he broadened his expertise across various domains, especially in BFSI. His accomplishments at TCS laid the foundation for his current role as Chief Technology Officer at Berar Finance Limited, a position he has held since March 2021. At Berar, Amar undertook the challenge of leading a comprehensive digital transformation, building the IT and HR departments from scratch, implementing cutting-edge solutions, advanced apps and establishing key processes that have driven the company’s growth. Amar shared insights about his journey and leadership in a conversation with TradeFlock.

What project has been a turning point in your career?

A pivotal moment in my career was managing the Saudi Telecom Company (STC) project while at TCS. I was the first recruit for this critical data warehouse project at Riyadh, tasked with transitioning knowledge from the NCR Pakistan team and building strong onsite and offshore teams. Successfully leading the ETL activities and collaborating with international SMEs during the migration to an advanced ETL tool was a transformative experience, allowing me to deliver exceptional results and gain invaluable global exposure.

As CTO, how do you ensure technology initiatives align with overall business strategies?

As CTO, I ensure our IT strategy is closely aligned with business goals by integrating technology into our overall business plan. I outline how IT will support company’s mission and objectives, aiming for optimal performance and growth. Our IT Steering Committee, which includes all C-level executives and vertical heads, along with the IT Strategy Committee of board directors, reviews and approves the IT strategy and key initiatives. I communicate clearly and transparently, using straightforward language to ensure understanding and avoid gaps. Open communication and accountability for any issues are essential to maintain alignment and trust.

How will blockchain and quantum computing impact finance, and how is Berar Finance preparing for it?

Blockchain and quantum computing are poised to revolutionise finance by enhancing security and efficiency. Blockchain can streamline payments and remittances, reducing settlement times and costs while ensuring security. Quantum computing promises significant advances in risk assessment, fraud detection, portfolio management, and machine learning. At Berar, we are planning to leverage advanced technologies by focussing on their potential in cybersecurity with next-gen cryptography and in Automated Decision Making (ADM) and HighFrequency Transactions, which require immense computing power for real-time processing. We’ve already integrated AI into our anti-money laundering (AML) solutions, setting the stage for future advancements with blockchain and quantum computing.

How do you handle problemsolving within strict SLAs and their challenges?

I’ve been managing production support for over a decade, focussing on optimising ITSM processes using the ITIL framework and advanced tools like ServiceNow. My approach includes continuous team training and upskilling to handle critical issues efficiently. We apply rigorous problem-solving techniques such as root cause analysis and Ishikawa diagrams and maintain a comprehensive knowledge database for rapid resolutions. Key challenges involve overcoming process silos, aligning IT with business goals, and ensuring seamless communication. Addressing these challenges is crucial for effective technology adoption and maintaining high service standards. By tackling these issues head-on, we ensure our solutions are both efficient and impactful while meeting stringent SLAs.

How do you integrate cloud solutions with legacy systems effectively?

To ensure seamless integration of cloud solutions with legacy systems while minimising downtime, I start by evaluating the existing systems to understand their metadata, key functionalities, dependencies, and risks. This assessment helps identify compatibility and the value delivered. I then determine which systems are suited for cloud migration, which need upgrading, and which can remain on-premises. I develop a project plan aligned with business goals, budget, and timeline, often opting for rehosting due to its speed and cost-effectiveness. For secure integration, I recommend a hybrid model combining cloud and on-premises resources. We establish secure network connections through SSLVPNs, SD-WAN and gateways using modern and advanced firewalls. A proof of concept and simulation in a test environment ensure smooth integration before full implementation.

How do you ensure ongoing growth, and what leadership skills are you currently developing?

To ensure continuous personal and professional growth, I manage work-life balance by structuring my routine, setting goals, and focussing on selfcare. For professional development, I pursue leadership and technology training, network at events, and join discussion forums. I am currently enhancing my communication skills, including understanding body language and choosing effective communication methods. Additionally, I am advancing my education with certifications in AI, CISM, and PMP and planning to pursue Six Sigma Green Belt and Master Black Belt to further develop my leadership abilities.