Mumbai, January 2026 Saarathi Finance and Credit Private Limited, a newly licensed Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) focused on MSME lending in semi-urban and rural India, has been assigned an 'A- (Stable)' long-term credit rating by ICRA, along with an 'A2+' rating for its commercial paper programme.
Achieving an 'A-' rating within the first year of operations is a rare distinction in India's NBFC sector. The rating reflects Saarathi Finance's strong business model, healthy capitalisation, experienced leadership, and high-quality investor backing.

Founded in August 2024 by Vivek Bansal, Saarathi Finance received its NBFC license in April 2025 and commenced lending operations the same month. The company raised approximately ₹477 crore in its inaugural equity round from marquee investors including TVS Capital Funds, Lok Capital, Evolvence Equity Partners, and Paragon Partners. Founder Vivek Bansal holds a 49% stake, with institutional investors holding around 35.5%.

As of December 31, 2025, Saarathi Finance reported Assets Under Management (AUM) of approximately ₹280 crore, operating through 62 branches across six states — Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu with a team of over 630 employees.
ICRA's rating acknowledges the depth of Saarathi's leadership team, rapid operational build-out, and disciplined risk management frameworks. The portfolio is predominantly secured business loans backed by mortgage, with a calibrated unsecured lending approach over the medium term.
Vivek Bansal, Founder and CEO, said: "Securing an A- rating from ICRA in our very first year is a strong validation of Saarathi Finance's vision, governance and execution capabilities. It reflects the confidence that lenders, investors and stakeholders have in our strategy to build a high-quality, inclusive MSME lending franchise.

Saarathi Finance aims to maintain a secured-to-unsecured loan mix of 85:15 on a steady-state basis while scaling operations and expanding its branch network across India.
About Saarathi Finance and Credit Private Limited

Saarathi Finance is a Greenfield NBFC focused on providing accessible credit solutions to MSMEs across semi-urban and rural India. The company offers secured business loans (₹3–25 lakh) and unsecured business loans (₹0.5–3 lakh), targeting the self-employed MSME segment. It operates with the guiding principle: "Aap Akele Nahi Hai" You Are Not Alone