We believe cloud works best for recent data, but older data should move back on-prem to control costs: Vivek Dhavale, Equitas Small Finance Bank

Vivek Dhavale, CTO, Equitas Small Finance Bank, has nearly three decades of experience in the IT industry within the banking domain. Over the years, he has witnessed the dramatic transformation of banking technology, from early digitisation efforts to today’s automation and AI-driven innovations. In this interview, Dhavale shares insights on how the roles of CTOs have evolved, the challenges of modernising legacy systems, and the increasing integration of IT with business strategy. He also discusses the practical use of AI in banking processes, cybersecurity investments, cloud versus on-premises storage strategies, and how technology is driving financial inclusion for underserved customers. Finally, he outlines his core focus areas for the year ahead, emphasising automation and security.

You have been in the industry for nearly two decades, you have witnessed the evolution of technology—from digitisation to automation. How do you see the role of CTOs evolving over ...