Deepak Bhatt is the National Legal Head and Chief Compliance Officer at Easy Home Finance Limited, a cutting-edge FinTech company pioneering the delivery of paperless mortgage solutions in India. With a legal career spanning over two decades, Deepak has garnered extensive experience in managing complex legal and compliance issues across various sectors, including finance and housing. His expertise in state-specific revenue laws and deep understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape have been instrumental in shaping the company’s compliance strategies. Deepak’s passion for leveraging technology to enhance transparency and customer satisfaction has positioned him as a key leader in the industry, committed to driving innovation while ensuring adherence to the highest legal standards.
Can you share your professional journey and how you reached your current position at Easy Home Finance Limited?
My professional journey began with a Bachelor of Science and a law degree from MS University of Baroda. I started my career as a Legal Officer at HDFC Limited in 2002, where I handled legal recoveries, drafting agreements, and regulatory compliance. After rising to the position of Legal Head for Gujarat, I joined AU Housing Finance (now Awas) as the National Legal Head. During my tenure, I played a key role in policy framing, lending, and revenue laws, particularly during the transition when AU became a bank. I then moved to India Shelter Finance Corporation, where I managed both legal and business operations. In 2021, I joined Easy Home Finance Limited, a pioneering FinTech company offering paperless mortgages. As the National Legal Head and Chief Compliance Officer, I oversee legal policies, compliance with RBI regulations, and the expansion of our operations, ensuring we meet all statutory requirements.
What role does technology play in your compliance and legal strategies?
At Easy Home Finance Limited, technology plays a crucial role in our compliance and legal strategy. We utilize advanced algorithms that integrate with credit sources, legal processes, and property valuation systems. Our systems are directly connected to various state revenue records, enabling us to verify the authenticity of property ownership and trace the entire ownership history. By leveraging government online records, we can efficiently ensure the legitimacy of ownership documents, streamline legal processes, and enhance the accuracy of our compliance measures. This integration allows us to maintain a robust and transparent legal framework while minimizing risks.
How has your previous experience as Head of Legal shaped your approach to legal issues in your current role?
My previous experience as Head of Legal has significantly shaped my approach to legal issues in my current role, particularly in the area of mortgages, which are governed by state-specific revenue laws. Since revenue is a state subject as per the Constitution of India, each state has its unique legal framework. My extensive experience dealing with various state revenue laws has been instrumental in building a strong, nationwide legal strategy. While working at HDFC Limited, I focused on Gujarat’s laws, but my role at Awas expanded my expertise to encompass the diverse legal requirements across India. This deep understanding of state-specific documentation and regulations has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of revenue laws at a pan-India level, ensuring compliance and strengthening our legal operations.
How do you approach continuous learning and professional development in your field?
In the legal field, staying continuously updated is crucial. I approach this through a rigorous habit of reading and keeping myself informed about the latest developments. I maintain a personal library at home, equipped with subscriptions to various law journals, revenue-related publications, and rulings from the Supreme Court and various High Courts. To stay current, I actively engage with these resources daily. The legal landscape evolves rapidly, with new judgments and interpretations emerging regularly. With everything available online, I can quickly access and study recent rulings and state-specific laws, ensuring I am always informed. Continuous learning in law is fundamentally about consistent reading and staying abreast of the latest developments.
What ignites your passion for the complexities of compliance and legal strategy? What keeps you motivated to navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape?
My passion for compliance and legal strategies is driven by the pro-customer approach that regulators are increasingly adopting. The evolving guidelines and policies are designed to enhance transparency and ultimately benefit the consumer. This shift towards greater clarity—whether in application forms, sanction letters, or fee disclosures—resonates with me deeply. What keeps me motivated is knowing that the work I do directly contributes to the well-being of a broad customer base. The satisfaction of ensuring that our practices are aligned with these consumer-focused regulations and seeing the positive impact on our customers gives me immense fulfilment. It energizes me to continue navigating the complexities of the regulatory landscape, knowing that our efforts are truly making a difference for the people we serve.
