In a key leadership update, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Sonali Sen Gupta as its new Executive Director (ED) with effect from October 9, 2025. With over 30 years of experience at the central bank, Sen Gupta brings deep expertise in multiple policy and regulatory areas crucial to India’s financial system.
Background and Career
- Prior to her elevation, Sonali Sen Gupta served as the Regional Director for Karnataka at RBI’s Bengaluru office.
She has built an illustrious career spanning more than three decades in the RBI, contributing across major departments including,
- Financial Inclusion
- Banking Regulation
- Supervision
- Human Resource Management
Departments She Will Head
As Executive Director, Sen Gupta will now be responsible for three vital departments at the RBI,
- Consumer Education and Protection Department
- Financial Inclusion and Development Department
- Inspection Department
These roles place her at the heart of RBI’s mission to deepen financial inclusion, enhance consumer rights, and strengthen regulatory oversight across the banking system.
Qualifications and Global Contributions
Sonali Sen Gupta holds,
- A Postgraduate degree and an MBA in Banking and Finance
- Certification as a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF)
- She has also represented India and the RBI at various global financial platforms, including:
- G20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
- OECD’s International Network on Financial Education (INFE)
Additionally, she served as a Director on the board of the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) and has been a member of numerous internal and external RBI committees.
Other Key Responsibilities
- Sen Gupta is currently serving as the RBI’s Nominee Director on the Board of Indian Overseas Bank, adding to her influence in guiding public sector banking reforms and governance.
Static Facts for Revision
- Name: Sonali Sen Gupta
- Appointed As: Executive Director, RBI
- Date of Appointment: October 9, 2025
- Departments Under Her: Consumer Education, Financial Inclusion, Inspection
- Previous Role: Regional Director for Karnataka
- Experience: Over 30 years at RBI


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