In the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and inclusive growth, CA Nidhi Makan stands out as a transformative leader driving measurable impact through strategic financial innovation. With over 22 years of experience across finance, impact creation, debt management, and credit underwriting, she has played a pivotal role in aligning capital with social and economic development goals in India.
Currently serving as General Manager – Impact Financing at the National Skill Development Corporation NSDC, CA Nidhi Makan leads some of the country’s most ambitious and high-impact financial initiatives. Among her landmark achievements is spearheading India’s first gender-focused Impact Bond exceeding AUD 25 million, a pioneering effort that integrates gender lens investing with outcome-based financing. This initiative has positioned India prominently on the global impact investment map.
At NSDC, she manages impact investment portfolios exceeding AUD 150 million, ensuring strong financial governance, risk mitigation, and sustainable returns while maintaining a sharp focus on social outcomes. Her expertise spans impact financing, portfolio management, debt structuring, and policy formulation, making her a key contributor to large-scale development finance programs.
A defining aspect of CA Nidhi Makan’s career is her proven success in stressed asset resolution and recovery, with recoveries of over AUD 45 million from complex portfolios. Her ability to balance financial discipline with long-term developmental objectives has earned her recognition as a trusted leader in high-stake financial decision-making.
Before joining NSDC, she built a strong foundation at ICICI Bank, where she gained deep exposure to corporate banking, credit appraisal, and risk management. This blend of commercial banking experience and development finance leadership enables her to bridge traditional finance with impact-driven models effectively.
Her professional credentials are further strengthened by certifications from the Indian School of Business ISB, Bombay Stock Exchange BSE, and CAIIB, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in finance and banking. She has also played a strategic role in CSR planning and implementation, aligning corporate responsibility initiatives with scalable and outcome-oriented impact.
Known for her strategic vision, innovation, and execution excellence, CA Nidhi Makan continues to influence India’s impact financing ecosystem by designing solutions that deliver both financial sustainability and meaningful social change. Her work exemplifies how finance can be a powerful tool for inclusive growth, gender equity, and long-term national development.