Ajay Seth
Ajay Seth
Ajay Seth is a distinguished Indian bureaucrat and a retired officer of the 1987 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the Karnataka cadre. Born on June 30, 1965, Seth has held several pivotal roles in the Government of India, showcasing a career marked by significant contributions to India's economic and financial sectors.
Career Trajectory
Ajay Seth's career in the Indian bureaucratic landscape is marked by various high-profile roles. Notably, in April 2021, he was appointed as the Economic Affairs Secretary of India, a role that signaled his return to the central government after a 13-year hiatus. In this capacity, Seth played a crucial role in shaping India's economic policies, including engaging with novel financial instruments like the Sovereign Gold Bond and navigating the government’s stance on cryptocurrencies.
Following this, in March 2025, he ascended to the position of Finance Secretary of India, succeeding Tuhin Kanta Pandey. As Finance Secretary, Seth was instrumental in overseeing the nation's financial administration and policy formulation during a period of significant economic challenges and transformations.
Chairmanship of Insurance Regulatory Authority
Later, Ajay Seth took on the role of Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India starting September 1, 2025. This position further underlined his expertise and leadership in financial regulation and economic governance. Under his chairmanship, the authority continued to play a pivotal role in regulating and promoting the insurance market in India, ensuring its stability and growth.
Contributions and Recognition
Throughout his career, Ajay Seth has been recognized for his adept handling of economic policies and his strategic vision in financial governance. His leadership has been marked by a focus on sustainable economic policies and adaptation to evolving global financial landscapes.