With a background in financial risk management and ESG investing, Niraj shares how his finance experience equips him to tackle sustainability challenges. Now at Athena Infonomics, he's driving impactful ESG solutions that bridge financial performance with long-term sustainability. Read on to hear his insights on helping businesses thrive in this evolving landscape.
Niraj (N): As a Product Manager, my focus has always been on solving business problems through technology, which I find highly rewarding. I've worked with a subsidiary of a leading Indian credit rating agency and a global consulting firm, mainly in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector. I thrived in roles where financial modelling and data analysis were central to my work.
My career took two major turns: first, when I transitioned from consulting to product management, and second, when SEBI introduced the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework. This shift sparked my interest in ESG and sustainability, as I saw the growing importance of non-financial disclosures in business.
To deepen my expertise, I earned the "Certificate in ESG Investing" from the CFA Institute, building on my background in finance and risk management. This, along with experience serving diverse customers, laid the foundation for my move into the ESG space. Joining Athena Infonomics felt like a natural next step, where I could merge my passion for sustainability with the company’s mission to drive meaningful impact.
N: ESG is one of the newest and most exciting verticals at Athena Infonomics, and the entire team is energized by the potential. While we’re focused on scaling this in India, we also see tremendous growth opportunities in other geographies such as North America and Europe. My background working with asset management companies, corporates, and banks gives me a unique perspective on the specific challenges these organizations face when integrating ESG into their operations and navigating various regulatory frameworks.
When we collaborate with clients to develop ESG strategies, I’m able to bridge the gap between financial and non-financial metrics, allowing us to create solutions that are both practical and impactful. At Athena, we rely on data, insights, and technology to drive decision-making, which aligns closely with my approach. ESG feels like a natural extension of the work we’re already doing, enabling us to provide comprehensive solutions that combine financial performance with sustainable, long-term outcomes. My experience in traditional finance, coupled with my knowledge of ESG, has been invaluable in designing customized, win-win solutions that address both regulatory requirements and business objectives.
N: As ESG and sustainability become central to corporate agendas, I see my role at Athena as both an enabler and innovator. My Product Management experience will be crucial in creating impactful solutions that help clients address challenges and meet regulatory demands. Athena’s focus on leveraging data, insights, and technology aligns perfectly with the growing needs in the sustainability space. My goal is to help businesses navigate ESG complexities while generating value. By developing products that integrate financial and non-financial metrics, we can promote sustainable business models without sacrificing profitability.
What excites me most is that sustainability is now a driver of innovation and competitive advantage. As more companies realize ESG goes beyond compliance and is key to future-proofing operations, I see huge opportunities for Athena to build a future where businesses are both profitable and purpose-driven.
N: If I could go back, my advice would be simple: Don’t view sustainability as a separate or "soft" consideration; see it as a critical part of risk management and long-term value creation. Just as we’ve traditionally managed financial risk, ESG factors are emerging as equally essential in understanding the full risk profile of a company. Ignoring them is like leaving blind spots in your strategy.
I would encourage professionals in traditional finance to expand their perspective. Climate risks, social governance issues, and corporate responsibility aren’t abstract challenges—they are directly impacting balance sheets, investment portfolios, and stakeholder expectations. Embracing sustainability early on not only prepares you for upcoming regulatory changes but also positions you as a forward-thinking leader. Finance professionals who understand the intersection of sustainability and business will be well-equipped to lead the next wave of transformation in their industries.
