Anu T Cheriyan doesn’t fit the typical image of a financial leader. He avoids the spotlight, speaks plainly, and builds with intent. His strength lies in clarity—of purpose, values, and direction. And it is this clarity that now guides the Ettutharayil Group, a financial institution that puts people before portfolios.
Where finance often feels distant, Anu has made it human and reachable. He never chased domination or scale for its own sake. Instead, he built a system rooted in accountability, resilience, and trust.
Born in Kayamkulam to Ettutharayil Cheriyan Thomas and Annamma Cheriyan, Anu was clear about his path early on. After schooling in Sullia, Mangalore, he ventured into business in 2001 with just a KML licence, strong ideas, and the will to create impact. That first step evolved into what is now the Ettutharayil Group—an ecosystem of financial services built on integrity and trust.
Today, Anu is managing director of the Ettutharayil Group, which includes Ettutharayil Finance, Ettutharayil Nidhi Ltd., and Ettutharayil Chits Pvt. Ltd. He also sits on the boards of SI Capital (a listed NBFC) and Sharewealth Securities. In 2021, the Group made a pivotal move by acquiring BKP Commercial India Pvt. Ltd., an RBI-approved NBFC—a move Anu describes as a step towards becoming a “financial supermarket.”
When Anu entered the financial space in 2001, Kerala was still developing its financial infrastructure. Services were limited, and financial literacy was low. He saw this as a chance not just to build a business, but to offer stability and empowerment.
In memory of his father, Anu founded the Ettutharayil Foundation to support education, healthcare, housing, and food security. His guiding belief was simple: real success must serve society. The Foundation ensures business growth remains anchored to social upliftment.
“Trust has a name” became more than a slogan—it became the Group’s operational philosophy. Anu consistently chose depth over rapid expansion, and principles over shortcuts, laying the moral and structural foundation for long-term success.
Under Anu’s leadership, Ettutharayil Group redefined how financial services meet everyday needs. Now operating over 26 branches across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Group covers loans, chit funds, equity market services, and wealth management.
Its tagline—“We make sense of your money”—speaks volumes about the Group’s mission to simplify finance. Anu’s message on the company website reinforces this ethos: “To us, every customer is a valued asset and a member of our extended family.”
The Group integrates traditional knowledge with modern systems, offering inclusive and transparent services designed for a wide range of clients.
The 2021 acquisition of BKP Commercial India Pvt. Ltd. was not just a business expansion—it was a declaration of intent. Ettutharayil was ready for the national stage.
This period also saw the launch of Samrudhi, a comprehensive financial planning tool aimed at wealth creation, risk management, and contingency planning. More than serving markets, Samrudhi is about educating them—especially the global Malayalee community.
Anu’s journey is shared with Priya Anu, co-managing director, whose operational insights and collaborative leadership have been vital to the Group’s success. Together, they bring a leadership style that blends vision with execution, ambition with ethics. Their children, Neha and Neil, embody the same forward-thinking mindset—Neha is pursuing an MSc in Business Analytics, while Neil continues his schooling.
To Anu, family is a reminder of long-term thinking—businesses too must invest in the future.
A committed core team supports Anu’s mission: Jiz Paul Kottukappally and Tom Jacob (directors), Benny Paul (CEO), and Hari Namboodiri (global ambassador). Their collective vision and expertise form the backbone of the organisation’s growth.
Through the Ettutharayil Foundation, the Group has supported NGOs and nonprofits across Kerala, focusing on essentials like food, shelter, education, and healthcare. Especially in times of crisis, it has provided a lifeline. “Profit is the destination in business, but purpose is its core,” Anu says—and he lives by it.
His efforts have earned several accolades, including the World Malayalee Council Business Excellence Award, the Global Indian Award, and the Vijayee Bhava Alumni Summit Award. But to Anu, awards are milestones, not the finish line.
By 2030, Anu envisions the Ettutharayil Group operating 1,000 branches across South India, managing assets worth ₹6,000 crore. His strategy is grounded in innovation, ethics, and customer-first thinking. He sees the Group as a national force that bridges the financial gap in both cities and villages.
But the goal isn’t just growth—it’s relevance. “To lead, we must keep unlearning,” he says, emphasising that adaptability is a responsibility, not a luxury.
In an industry obsessed with numbers, Anu continues to be guided by meaning. And that, above all, defines his journey—and the legacy he’s building.
