How One Visionary is Reshaping Global Trade Finance and Empowering Businesses Worldwide!
We often equate invention with the latest gadget or a shiny new app. However, true innovation exceeds mere novelty—it’s about tackling problems that genuinely matter. The heart of revolution lies not in creating something different for the sake of it, but in developing solutions that address real human needs and societal challenges.
Acknowledging this philosophy, Vikram Lodha runs 360tf, a fintech company transforming global trade finance. As Co-founder and CEO, he brings over 2 decades of banking expertise to his mission of making cross-border trade seamless, efficient, and inclusive.
Vikram’s journey from traditional banking to fintech innovation is a testament to his foresight and adaptability. With a post-graduate degree in Management and pivotal roles at Citibank and Kotak Mahindra Bank, he gained deep insights into the intricacies of trade finance and supply chain management. At Kotak, he led the Trade Product and Supply Chain Finance division, where he mastered product development, regulatory compliance, and technology integration. This experience laid the foundation for his visionary approach at 360tf.
360tf stands at the intersection of finance and technology, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to simplify trade finance processes. The platform’s core mission is to democratize access to global trade, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can participate without facing prohibitive barriers. By reimagining traditional processes, 360tf is not just digitizing trade finance; it’s transforming it.
Vikram’s influence extends beyond his role at 360tf. As co-chair of the SME Finance Forum Innovation Hub and a member of the FICCI Fintech Committee, he actively shapes industry policies and fosters collaboration. His insights are highly sought after, making him a regular speaker at international trade conferences where he advocates for a more inclusive financial ecosystem. The future he envisions is collaborative, where banks, businesses, and technology providers work in concert to drive growth and inclusivity. This vision is reflected in 360tf’s expanding global footprint and its commitment to creating opportunities, not just processing transactions.
Under Vikram’s leadership, 360tf is more than a company—it’s a movement towards a more connected, efficient, and equitable global trade landscape. As fintech continues to break down barriers and redefine possibilities, he stands at the forefront, guiding the way towards a future where every business, regardless of size, can thrive in the international marketplace.
Below are the interview highlights:
Could you give our readers an insight into your company and its inception story?
360tf was born out of Vikram Lodha’s profound desire to create a transformative impact in the trade finance sector, along with its co-founders. While leading the trade finance and supply chain division at Kotak, Vikram engaged extensively with fintech companies to understand their technology and systems.
These interactions were crucial in shaping the idea of 360tf. Through his engagement, Vikram observed how fintech companies developed their teams, technology, and raised funds. This comprehensive understanding of the fintech ecosystem sparked the idea of establishing a platform that could leverage these insights. The knowledge he gained during this period was instrumental in conceptualizing 360tf, with a vision to revolutionize trade finance through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
Today, 360tf is connected with over 100 financial institutions and 1500+ corporates, serving customers in more than 40 geographies and managing volumes worth over USD 12 billion. The company boasts over 75,000 LinkedIn followers and has trained over 400 young leaders through internships in the last three years. This journey underscores their unwavering commitment to innovation, growth, and nurturing future talent in the trade finance industry.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a business leader, and how have you overcome them?
One of the most significant challenges Vikram faced was navigating the intricate landscape of technology as a business leader with a non-technical background. Understanding its vast potential required extensive collaboration with experts and a deep dive into various solutions. Building a team from the ground up, starting with the first employee and growing to over 50 members, also posed a challenge. However, maintaining transparency and effectively communicating the vision helped attract individuals who shared Vikram’s passion.
Overcoming these hurdles demanded perseverance, transparency, and open communication. Staying true to his beliefs and vision, while actively involving the team in the larger mission, proved instrumental. Witnessing the end-to-end journey of developing tech platforms and adapting to evolving technologies further tested Vikram’s resilience. Despite these challenges, Vikram emerged stronger and more consolidated, driven by his commitment to innovation and excellence.
How do you prioritize and balance the needs of different stakeholders in your business?
Managing various stakeholders—including investors, internal teams, customers (both corporates and banks), and strategic partners—requires continuous attention and prioritization. While prioritizing based on necessity, all stakeholders are equally important at this stage. Sometimes, customers may take precedence, while at other times, it could be investors or the team. However, the focus remains on meeting the needs of all stakeholders effectively and ensuring a harmonious balance that drives the business forward.
360tf is dedicated to benefiting all its stakeholders, including investors, corporations, banks, alliances, and employees. For investors, 360tf offers higher returns on their investments, having provided upwards of 6x returns to their first-round investors after completing two funding rounds and closing their third. Corporations and banks benefit from innovative solutions, while employees enjoy numerous growth opportunities. This success highlights 360tf’s commitment to excellence, continuous growth, and Vikram’s drive to make a real difference.
Can you share an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision as a leader, and what factors influenced your decision-making process?
One challenging decision Vikram faced was during the development of their platform architecture. Advised to prioritize the needs of banks as the main revenue source, Vikram firmly believed their success relied on addressing the genuine challenges faced by their corporate clients.
Factors influencing his decision included their mission to bridge the gap between corporations and banks, their commitment to providing equal value to all users, and the simplicity and accessibility of the platform. Ultimately, he chose to design the platform architecture to serve the needs of both SMEs from frontier markets and sophisticated bankers from global business centers.
This decision was not easy, especially considering the potential impact on revenue streams. However, prioritizing the core problem faced by their corporate clients over short-term gains was important for the long-term success and sustainability of the venture.
How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and incorporate them into your business strategy?
Vikram stays ahead in the dynamic landscape of trade finance through extensive reading from diverse global sources, ensuring he remains abreast of key market trends, economic indicators, and geopolitical scenarios. Regular engagement with corporations and banks enriches his understanding of market realities, while insights from his internal sales team provide invaluable perspectives.
Vikram’s strategic approach is both meticulous and inspired. He collaborates closely with advisors, valuing their insights and expertise. As information flows to him, he absorbs and analyzes it, transforming it into actionable strategies that propel the business forward.
His ability to synthesize complex data into clear, effective strategies showcases his visionary leadership. With an unwavering focus on innovation and growth, Vikram’s deep industry connections and relentless pursuit of excellence drive the success of 360tf.
Can you discuss a time when you had to pivot your business strategy and how you navigated that change?
Recognizing the importance of regulatory compliance in global banking, Vikram strategically shifted the business focus. This transition involved securing regulatory approvals and implementing stringent compliance measures.
Additionally, they pivoted towards deploying their own balance sheet, distinguishing themselves as the premier provider of financing across diverse structures and mitigating both corporate and bank risks. Effective communication with his team and stakeholders was imperative during this transformation.
It facilitated an understanding of the pivot’s rationale and its potential benefits. Ultimately, this pivot not only fortified their credibility but also cemented their position as an industry leader poised to meet evolving market demands.
How do you foster a positive and productive company culture, and what role do you play in that?
Fostering a positive and productive company culture is a top priority for Vikram. He actively contributes by celebrating every team’s success, regardless of its size, instilling a sense of unity, and motivating everyone to strive for excellence. Regular opportunities for team members to come together encourage open communication and idea-sharing.
Promoting cross-functional interaction enhances understanding of roles and responsibilities, boosting collaboration and productivity. Ensuring a two-way communication channel allows for the free exchange of ideas and thoughts. Through these efforts, Vikram plays a crucial role in nurturing a culture of mutual respect and appreciation, where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Can you share an example of a time when you had to lead your team through a challenging situation and how you supported them through it?
Supporting new team members, especially those entering trade finance for the first time, has been crucial in today’s challenging corporate sales environment. Vikram encourages and supports all team members, participating in joint customer calls to help them secure initial successes. This hands-on approach boosts their confidence and reveals the potential within their roles. The principles of “seeing is believing” and “nothing succeeds like success” guide Vikram. Once team members experience success, it becomes a matter of building on that momentum to achieve even more.
How do you measure success in your business, and what metrics do you use to track progress?
For Vikram, success in business is multifaceted. He measures it through key achievements such as customer onboarding, customer satisfaction, the closure of transactions, building the lending business, and receiving high ratings and positive feedback from employees on Glassdoor.
Team success is particularly gratifying, as it reflects the collective efforts and growth of the entire organization. By tracking these metrics, Vikram ensures that both the business and its employees are thriving and progressing towards their goals.
What advice would you give to aspiring business leaders, and what qualities do you believe are essential for success in leadership roles?
Vikram advises aspiring business leaders to pass on positive experiences and knowledge gained from mentors to their own teams. Creating a supportive and enriching environment is paramount. If you have benefited from a good work culture and valuable experiences, ensure you provide the same to those you mentor or manage.
Two essential qualities for success in leadership are a high Emotional Quotient (EQ) and a strong Adversity Quotient (AQ). Emotional intelligence helps you understand and manage your own emotions and those of others, fostering strong relationships and team cohesion. The Adversity Quotient measures how well you handle challenges and crises.
Future leaders are defined by their ability to thrive under pressure and lead their teams through difficult times. Focus on building these qualities, and always strive to create a positive and growth-oriented environment for your team. This will not only help you succeed but also ensure that your team thrives and grows with you.
