RBL Bank is likely to appoint Bhavin Lakhpatwala, a former senior executive at HDFC Bank, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), according to sources familiar with the development. If confirmed, the appointment would be one of the first significant senior management changes since Emirates NBD acquired a controlling stake in the private sector lender.

Lakhpatwala recently stepped down from HDFC Bank, where he last served as Senior Executive Vice President. Sources indicate that he was considered a potential successor within HDFC Bank's finance leadership structure. However, he is now expected to take up the CFO role at RBL Bank, subject to approval from the bank's board and the Reserve Bank of India.

The exact timeline for his appointment remains unclear, although an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks, according to people aware of the matter.

Lakhpatwala has been associated with HDFC Bank since 2011 and has held multiple leadership positions during his tenure. Prior to joining the bank, he worked with Deloitte and Ageas Federal Life Insurance.

The CFO position at RBL Bank has been held on an interim basis by Deepak Ruiya since December 2025. Ruiya assumed the role following the resignation of former CFO Buvanesh Tharashankar, who left the bank to pursue opportunities outside the organization. Ruiya had earlier served as Deputy CFO since March 2023.

RBL Bank has witnessed several leadership changes over the past year. Jaideep Iyer, formerly Head of Strategy, was appointed as an Additional Director and Executive Director for a three-year term beginning February 2026. Meanwhile, Pushpendra Sharma exited the bank's digital banking business, which has since been integrated into the broader technology function.

The bank also saw the retirement of Rajeev Ahuja, a long-serving executive who played a key role in transforming RBL Bank from its earlier identity as Ratnakar Bank into a modern private sector lender.

The leadership transition comes shortly after a landmark ownership change. In May 2026, the Reserve Bank of India granted final approval to Emirates NBD's acquisition of a 60 percent controlling stake in RBL Bank for approximately Rs 26,850 crore (around $3 billion). Following the transaction, RBL Bank was classified as a foreign bank subsidiary of the UAE-based banking group. As part of the deal, Emirates NBD also launched an open offer to acquire an additional 26 percent stake from public shareholders.