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Kunal Mistry

Vice President, Information Technology (Head of Trade Finance IT) at IDFC FIRST Bank

Trade Finance ITDigital TransformationAgile MethodologiesProgram ManagementStakeholder ManagementDevOps

About

I am Kunal Mistry, currently serving as the Vice President of Information Technology and Head of Trade Finance IT at IDFC FIRST Bank. My career has been defined by a deep focus on banking technology, spanning from my early days as a software engineer to leading complex digital transformation programs. I am passionate about leveraging data-driven decision-making and AI to modernize trade finance and back-office operations. Throughout my journey, I have focused on building high-performing, cross-functional teams and implementing Agile methodologies to significantly improve delivery velocity and system stability. I offer extensive experience in stabilizing platform operations and navigating the complexities of enterprise-level IT architecture. I am always interested in connecting with fellow professionals in the financial services sector to discuss the future of banking technology and explore mutual opportunities for innovation.

Networking

What I can offer

  • Expertise in scaling IT teams
  • Stabilizing platform operations
  • Driving digital transformation in financial services
  • Strategic stakeholder management

Looking for

  • expanding my professional network
  • exploring mutual opportunities in banking and financial services

Best fit for

Executive-level stakeholdersBanking IT professionalsFinTech leaders

Current Interests

FinTechAI in Trade FinanceAgile/DevOps transformationEnterprise-level IT architecture

Background

Career

Started as Assistant Systems Engineer at TCS, moved to BNP Paribas as Developer, progressed through Team Lead and Project Manager roles, and currently serves as VP of IT at IDFC FIRST Bank.

Education

B.E. in Electronics and Telecommunications, Mahatma Gandhi Mission's College of Engineering and Technology, Navi Mumbai (2000 – 2004)

Achievements

  • Accelerated delivery velocity by 5X through Agile implementation
  • Successfully closed all legacy audit findings and mitigated vulnerabilities
  • Led the revamp of middle-office platforms and modernized document management systems

Opinions

  • Advocates for data-driven decision-making
  • Believes in the integration of AI to enhance back-office and trade finance operations