Aditya Puri isn’t just a name in banking circles; he’s a force that revolutionised India’s financial landscape. Over his 25-year journey at the helm of HDFC Bank, Puri didn’t just build a bank—he crafted a legacy. Starting in 1994, when the banking sector in India was still finding its feet, Puri had a vision to create a bank that would stand tall in both trust and technology. Under his leadership, HDFC Bank grew to become one of the most valuable financial institutions in the world, but what’s more inspiring is how he did it—with unwavering values, people-first leadership, and a relentless focus on the future.
As we dive into the leadership lessons from some of Asia’s best CFOs, there’s so much to learn from Puri’s journey—lessons that resonate far beyond the boardroom. So, whether you’re a budding CFO, a seasoned executive, or someone simply looking for leadership inspiration, Puri’s story is filled with insights that can shape the way we lead, work, and grow.
Table of Contents
Vision with Unwavering Integrity
Puri always had a clear vision for HDFC Bank—to build a financial institution that prioritised trust and long-term value over short-term wins. For him, it wasn’t just about becoming big, it was about becoming reliable. From the get-go, he focused on a solid foundation of risk management and ethical banking practices. In a world where shortcuts often seem tempting, Puri stayed firm in his values. His guiding principle was simple: success isn’t about rapid growth, but sustainable and ethical growth.
“We wanted to build a bank that people could trust—today, tomorrow, and 20 years down the line,” Puri once shared.
Lesson: True leadership is about adhering to your core values, especially when the pressure to compromise is high. Integrity creates lasting success.
People-First Leadership
Talk to anyone who’s worked with Puri, and they’ll tell you that he was as much about people as he was about profits. He genuinely believed that the secret to HDFC Bank’s success was the people who worked there. He led with openness, created an environment of collaboration, and made sure everyone felt valued. It wasn’t just about building a bank; it was about building a team that believed in the mission.
Lesson: Investing in your people will drive your organisation forward. A motivated, valued team is essential for long-term success.
Innovation with a Purpose
Puri wasn’t just about keeping up with the times—he was always a few steps ahead. At a time when many in the industry were sceptical about digital banking, Puri doubled down on technology. He recognised early on that technology would be the future of banking, and under his leadership, HDFC Bank became a pioneer in digital banking services in India. But here’s the thing—he didn’t innovate just for the sake of it. Every technological step was taken with the customer in mind.
Lesson: Leaders should focus on innovation that serves a clear purpose. Technology should improve the experience for customers and deliver real value.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
If there’s one thing that defines Puri’s leadership, it’s resilience. From economic crises to global meltdowns, he navigated HDFC Bank through some of the toughest storms in modern financial history. What stood out was his calm, strategic approach during times of uncertainty. He didn’t just react—he adapted, staying ahead of the curve while ensuring the bank’s stability.
Lesson: Challenges are inevitable, but resilience and strategic adaptation are what define a leader’s legacy. How you react in tough times makes all the difference.
Customer-Centricity: Always Putting People First
While many leaders talk about customer service, Puri lived and breathed it. Every strategy, every decision, and every technological advancement he pushed was aimed at improving the customer experience. He understood that a loyal customer base isn’t built overnight—it’s built on trust, consistency, and care.
Lesson: Successful leaders put their customers at the heart of their decisions. Long-term growth is driven by trust, consistency, and exceptional service.
A Leadership Playbook for the Future
If there’s one thing we can all take from Puri’s remarkable career, it’s this: leaders who prioritise values over everything else build institutions that last—and that’s the ultimate mark of success.
