Anjan Thakor is a distinguished executive, academic, and advisor with over 40 years of experience at the intersection of financial services, manufacturing, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and strategy formation. Renowned for his ability to blend rigorous research with practical business insight, Anjan has dedicated his career to guiding organizations through complex challenges and growth inflection points while contributing to thought leadership in both industry and academia.
Throughout his career, Anjan has developed a deep expertise in commercial banking, strategy formulation and implementation for manufacturing and financial service firms, performance metrics, M&A advisory, and corporate governance. His work has influenced the direction of major organizations, helping them refine their strategic plans, optimize capital structures, and enhance their competitive positioning in global markets. Anjan has also applied his extensive knowledge to culture assessments and organizational transformation initiatives, ensuring that companies align their internal dynamics with their external strategies for sustainable success.
Anjan’s academic accomplishments further underscore his credibility as a thought leader. He has authored numerous academic articles and books that have shaped the fields of corporate finance, banking, and strategy. His research is widely cited, and he is a sought-after keynote speaker at both academic and industry conferences worldwide. His ability to distill complex financial concepts into actionable insights has made him a trusted advisor to senior executives, boards, and policy makers.
Internationally, Anjan has engaged extensively with institutions and businesses across Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Europe, and South America. This global exposure has given him a nuanced understanding of cross-cultural dynamics in governance, strategy, and market execution. He has served on several influential boards and advisory groups, including the Washington University’s Wells Fargo Advisors Center for Finance and Accounting Research Board,, and the board of directors of a major academic research society. He also contributes to executive training initiatives in India through Wash U’s EMBA program there, further extending his global impact.
Anjan is passionate about mentoring founders and business leaders, especially those navigating the complexities of scaling and transitioning to the next phase of growth. He recognizes common governance pitfalls and helps companies avoid missteps that can derail progress. With vast expertise in strategy, finance, corporate culture and go-to-market strategies, he provides practical guidance that enables organizations to make the correct next moves at critical junctures.
In addition to his professional achievements, Anjan maintains a balanced life through passions such as tennis, travel, exercise, and fine dining, reflecting his appreciation for discipline, exploration, and quality. He is an active member of the American Economic Association and the global Financial Intermediation Research Society, underscoring his commitment to advancing the broader financial and economic discourse.
Today, Anjan is actively seeking additional board roles where he can make a meaningful contribution. With a proven track record of leadership, insight, and integrity, he stands ready to help organizations achieve sustainable growth, improve governance, and position themselves for long-term success.
Character: Anjan Thakor is known for his integrity, collaborative spirit, and commitment to helping organizations and leaders succeed through thoughtful guidance and principled decision-making.
Knowledge: He brings unparalleled expertise in financial services, corporate finance, M&A, governance, and strategy, supported by decades of academic research, publications, and global advisory experience.
Strategic: Anjan excels at identifying growth opportunities, solving complex organizational challenges, and guiding companies through critical transitions with practical, actionable strategies.
Communication: A respected keynote speaker and author, Anjan has the ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, persuasive insights that resonate with diverse stakeholders across industries and cultures.
