Invest a dime to make a dollar – the business of turning around stressed asset explained by Rishi Vaidya*

Business

The COVID-19 pandemic began as a health crisis, however soon transformed into an economic issue with unpleasant consequences. The full impact of which are still being experienced our business environment. Employees lay offs, cost cutting were only a tip of the iceberg, the true dangers lie in the wrath of debts and bankruptcies which followed.

With entities and enterprises facing financial instability; funds, reconstruction companies and advisories came to the rescue to navigate the labyrinth of financial chaos. One of these well known names is Rishi Vaidya, an expert in debt restructuring deals who has managed to turn around many big firms seamlessly. An alumnus of HR College in Mumbai, he attained Bachelor’s degree in Management Studies and pursued multiple degrees like a Master’s in Political PR, Commerce (Finance) and Law. 

However, his professional career has seen untraveled paths of working in bureaucratic corridors of Delhi. Rishi Vaidya worked in the office of a union minister for a couple of years, absorbing knowledge on policy formulation and interpretation. During this stint, he was able to work closely with top legal minds in the nation formulating the now enforced IBC code. However, finance was not the starting point of his corporate race. Working for a considerable time in PR, he gained experience in strategising and executing communication plans for leaders and businesses. Post his PR sojourn, he went on to work as a vice president for a telecom company. Moreover, his demonstrated work experience and knowledge saw Vaidya dive deep into the business of debt restructuring. 

Speaking about it, he revealed, “In the beginning I worked on smaller deals in stressed assets. As part of a conservative financial system stemming from a pre-liberalisation mindset, debt has negative connotation in Indian society. It always meant financial trouble and social stigma, however our economy and mindset is evolving. We have far more debt products and structures available now than we ever had.” 

Rishi’s expertise lies in identifying the right stressed asset; followed by application of financial jugglery and policy frame work which he uses aptly to optimise value for investors and promoters of the company. Having worked with clients from different industries like power, telecom, hospitality, cement and real estate, Vaidya has stood as a pillar for those facing a hard time on financial grounds. 

In addition, the young entrepreneur has special inclination towards finance for sustainable development. He is working closely with funds to identify opportunities in ESG compliant projects. “Going green is not a choice anymore, it’s the truth businesses world over will have to accept, adapt and implement.”