PIVOT founder Viraj Kulkarni designated as Cyprus’ Honorary Consul in Mumbai

Viraj Kulkarni, the Founder PIVOT, a leading consulting company in the securities services sector in Asia and the Middle East and a Director of PIVOT Consultants (Cyprus) Ltd, has been designated as the Republic of Cyprus’ Honorary Consul in Mumbai, for the Maharashtra Jurisdiction.

Commenting on his appointment, Kulkarni said, "India and the Republic of Cyprus have a deep connection which has strengthened in recent years. I feel privileged to have the opportunity of contributing to the same. Multiple opportunities hold out to the mutual benefit of India and Republic of Cyprus especially in Trade and Commerce, Capital Markets and Tourism."

In his new role, Kulkarni is anticipated to promote bilateral relations, economic and cultural ties, and educational ties between the two countries. He will also be in a position to advise companies on local business culture and cooperation partners.

As Honorary Consul, Kulkarni is also anticipated to facilitate trade and cultural exchanges and provide assistance and consular protection for citizens and institutions, especially in emergencies.

Kulkarni is a Fellow member of Institute of Company Secretaries of India; Certified Independent Director from Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (MCA, GOI).

He founded PIVOT(www.pivotmgmt.com ) in 2015. It is now the largest and globally acclaimed consulting company in the Securities Services sector in Asia and the Middle East.

PIVOT in 2023 was recognised globally as a “Rising Star” Consulting Firm of the year in the Market and Infrastructure segment by Regulation Asia. May 2024 it was recognized as,”The Innovative Consulting Company in Asia” by Global Custodian.

Kulkarni’s rich work experience spanned across three of the top five Global Custodians for over 12 years as Country Head of Securities Services with Citi Bank (India and Switzerland), JP Morgan Chase and BNP Paribas. He served on the ASPAC Management Board of BNP Paribas Securities Services. He has over 34 years of in-depth and diverse exposure to emerging and advanced capital markets including as operations head at Morgan Stanley Securities Services, India and Investor Services Division at Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Kulkarni’s contribution to the industry has earned him significant recognitions. In 2013, was recognized by Global Custodian for leadership in India, through APAC industry nomination. In May 2019, Global Custodian recognised him to be amongst the Global 30 Securities Services Experts. In May 2022, Kulkarni was inducted as a GC Legend in the GC Hall of Fame. He is the first India based Legend amongst the 351 worldwide, across 108 countries in the $281 Trillion Custody Industry.

Kulkarni is a Director of PIVOT Consultants (Cyprus) Ltd. (www.pivotcyprus.com), an independent Director at Motilal Oswal Trust Company, as well as on Bharat Forge Investments Limited. He was the CEO of TSSAG, UK (www.tssag.info),an expert on the NSE Knowledge Hub Panel. Kulkarni has been on Industry committees in India and Switzerland. He is a Member of the Steering Committee of "NSE Lecture Series on Securities Law and Practices"; Committee Member of the Private Equity, Venture Capital and Capital Markets of Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was on the IMC’s Alternative Funding (PE +Capital Market) committee. He is also a member of the Equity Markets working group of CII.He is on the Board of Studies(CM) at Guru Nanak College of Arts, Science & Commerce.

In 2022, Asian Development Bank appointed Kulkarni to mentor Entrepreneurs in India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand for its PROFITProject,

He has been featured or has participated in Global/Local Capital Markets events, Electronic Media and writes on Ease of doing business. He hosts the globally acknowledged William's event in India, the Custody Industry’s annual gathering.