One of the most dynamic personalities of our community, Yazdi Tantra is known for donning multiple hats which add to his multifarious achievements as a Tech-genius, Banker, Educator, Entrepreneur Developer, Trainer and Systems Integrator. A Chartered Accountant by training, some of Yazdi Tantra’s more prominent capacities include being the Chairman of Zoroastrian Co-operative Bank Ltd. (ZCBL); the Global Vice President and Technical Chair of WZCC (World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce); and the Founder of a medium-sized Computer Company ON-LYNE for nearly three decades. He is also a columnist with MoneyLife, Bombay Chartered Accountants Journal, PASCHEEM – a Magazine by CII Western Region and Parsi Times, where he pens regular columns on how being tech-savvy can increase efficiency at the workplace.

He was recently felicitated with the ‘Best Chairman of the Year’ award, across Multi-state Scheduled Urban Cooperative Banks nationwide, at the prestigious Bharat Cooperative Banking Summit 2024, in Mumbai, for his visionary leadership and dedication. Under his trailblazing leadership, ZCBL was also honored with the ‘Best CBS Implementation’ Award and the ‘Best NPA Management’ Award, showcasing the bank’s prudent financial practices and robust management strategies. Yazdi Tantra has indeed contributed greatly towards raising the status, standard and brand of ZCBL. Parsi Times catches up with Yazdi Tantra…

PT: How would you sum up your journey with ZCBL, thus far?

Yazdi Tantra: Our journey with ZCBL has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Each day brings its own set of exhilarating challenges, but also immense satisfaction. We began this term during the COVID-induced downturn, but we’ve been relentless in our efforts to enhance the quality and diversity of our advances portfolio. In a business where margins are thin, our growth hinges on improving efficiency and expanding our reach.

 PT: You’re known for your technological genius – what are the tech-friendly services that you were instrumental in introducing at ZCBL?

Yazdi Tantra: Technology is pivotal to success in the financial services sector. From the outset, we’ve prioritized cutting-edge technology to serve our customers efficiently. Our commitment to providing best-in-class services (without any additional cost to the client) sets us apart. Notably, our customers enjoy top-tier Mobile Banking and Internet Banking Services, widely accepted Debit Cards, and seamless recurring utility payments through BillPay. Behind the scenes, we’ve implemented the renowned FINACLE for our Core Banking System (CBS) and are working on a robust Loan Origination System and Customer Relationship Management platform.

PT: What are the latest services that ZCBL today boasts of, under your leadership?

Yazdi Tantra: These would include:

• Best-in-class Mobile Banking and Internet Banking Services
• UPI implemented for a variety of Services across the country
• Widely accepted Debit Cards
• Seamless recurring payments for utilities through BillPay
• Implementation of FINACLE for CBS
• Our website now has an AI powered ChatBot which gives instant answers to various queries
• Ongoing work on Loan Origination System and Customer Relationship Management

 PT: Tell us about the milestones and the progress made by ZCBL over the decades.

Yazdi Tantra: ZCBL has, over the decades, indeed made immense progress that we are very proud of. Some of the milestones covered include Zero Divergence, Zero Net NPA, our Transformation towards a more retail-oriented product mix and also a solid, strong Capital Adequacy Ratio. Add to this our renewed Customer-centric approach! We are surely approaching our 100th year with renewed energy and confidence!

 PT: What are your plans for the short-term and long-term future for ZCBL?

Yazdi Tantra: On a short-term level, we plan to:

• Introduce Customer-centric processes and products and enhance customer engagement through improved service levels;
• Prepare staff to tackle new-age challenges (both technical and behavioural);
• Invest in people and technology to drive growth;
• Encourage Green Projects by giving concessional rates; and
• Undertake CSR initiatives for the benefit of the community, at large.

On a long-term level, we look to expand into a Small Finance Bank, reaching the entire country and beyond.

 PT: What message would you like to share with our readers?

Yazdi Tantra: As we approach our centenary milestone, we want to express our unwavering commitment to excellence, customer-centricity, and growth. We’re thankful for the trust you’ve placed in us over the past 97 years. Your support fuels our determination to make a positive impact on the financial landscape. I am also grateful to our Board of Directors, our MD / CEO, Mr. Daljit Dogra and Staff at all levels for their constant support to grow our Institution to new heights.

On the innovation front, our new initiatives reflect our dedication to innovation and digital transformation – we are constantly evolving to meet our customer’s needs. Our rates are competitive and on par with the best in the industry. We aim to attract new customers, retain existing ones, and expand our market share by offering value-added services. More than ever, we invite feedback and suggestions from our valued customers and shareholders as your insights help us improve and excel. Once again, I thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’ll continue to empower financial inclusion and serve you better, every day!