In a significant development, Atanu Chakraborty has resigned as Part-time Chairman and Independent Director of HDFC Bank, effective March 18, 2026. His resignation has drawn attention due to the concerns he cited regarding certain practices within the bank that he felt did not align with his personal values and ethics.
Chakraborty, who joined the Board of HDFC Bank in May 2021, noted in his resignation letter that “certain happenings and practices within the bank, that I have observed over the last two years, are not in congruence with my personal Values and Ethics.” He confirmed that there were no other material reasons for his resignation other than those stated in his letter.
The bank has appointed Keki Mistry as interim Part-time Chairman for a period of three months starting March 19, 2026. This transition comes at a time when HDFC Bank is navigating the complexities of its recent merger with HDFC Ltd., which has positioned it as the second largest bank in India.
Chakraborty’s tenure included overseeing this merger, which he described as a momentous development, stating, “This strategic initiative made HDFC Bank the second largest Bank in the country. Though, the benefits of the merger are yet to fully fructify.” His remarks have raised questions about the bank’s governance standards.
The Reserve Bank of India has approved Mistry’s appointment, but the nature of Chakraborty’s resignation has sparked scrutiny regarding internal practices at HDFC Bank. Investors and analysts are now closely monitoring the situation, awaiting further clarity from the bank or regulators regarding the concerns he flagged.
Chakraborty is a retired IAS officer with over three decades of experience in public policy and financial administration, including serving as Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. His insights into the bank’s operations and governance will likely be missed during this transitional phase.
The implications of his resignation and the subsequent appointment of Mistry could have far-reaching effects on HDFC Bank’s reputation and operational integrity. Stakeholders are keen to understand how the bank will address the governance issues highlighted by Chakraborty.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific practices that led to Chakraborty’s decision, but the situation underscores the importance of ethical governance in financial institutions. As the banking sector continues to evolve, the focus on internal practices and governance standards will remain paramount.
