LIC HFL Names New CISO, Extends CRO Tenure to Strengthen Oversight

LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL) has appointed Jimit Narendra Shah as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), effective April 10, 2026. The company also extended the tenure of Chief Risk Officer (CRO) J. Sangameswar until April 30, 2028, with the new term commencing May 9, 2026. The Board of Directors approved these leadership appointments.

These strategic personnel moves signal LIC HFL's proactive approach to managing critical areas of cybersecurity and financial risk. In today's environment, robust cyber defenses are essential for protecting customer data and digital infrastructure, while strong risk management ensures stability. Such roles are increasingly emphasized by regulators like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).

The RBI mandates that NBFCs with significant asset sizes appoint a CRO for independent risk oversight and promotes strong IT governance. The extension of Mr. Sangameswar's tenure highlights the value placed on experienced leadership in navigating lending operations' inherent complexities. Mr. Shah's appointment as CISO underscores the company's focus on enhancing its cybersecurity posture.

LIC Housing Finance, a prominent housing finance institution since 1989, consistently emphasizes corporate governance. The integration of Mr. Shah's cybersecurity expertise and the continuity provided by Mr. Sangameswar are expected to reinforce the company's governance structures and operational resilience. This strategic strengthening is vital for maintaining investor confidence in a dynamic financial landscape.

These appointments align with industry trends, as peers like PNB Housing Finance and Can Fin Homes also bolster their risk and cybersecurity functions. Moving forward, LIC HFL will focus on integrating new leadership strategies, ensuring continued vigilance against evolving risks, and maintaining robust regulatory compliance.