About
Driving inclusive growth through finance, policy & partnerships.
Neeraj Pokhariyal works at the intersection of development finance, public policy, digital transformation and rural enterprise promotion. Over the years, he has contributed to large-scale programmes supported by the Gates Foundation, World Bank, UNDP, IFAD, Sa-Dhan, MicroSave Consulting, GIZ, NABARD-linked systems, IDFC First Bank, HDFC Bank and Government of Uttarakhand advisory platforms.
His core focus has been on strengthening access to finance for underserved communities — especially women-led enterprises, SHGs, MSMEs, FPOs, rural entrepreneurs and community-based institutions.
With deep experience in both policy-level advisory and grassroots implementation, he helps organisations design programmes that are strategic, practical, measurable and community-relevant.
Professional Journey
A career across policy, finance and grassroots.
- 01
National Head — Financial Inclusion
Sa-Dhan (Gates Foundation programme)
Led enterprise financing initiatives for women-led microbusinesses under DAY-NRLM.
- 02
Advisor — Agroecology & Climate
IFAD-funded programmes
Supported climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable livelihoods in Uttarakhand.
- 03
Agri-Finance Strategy
World Bank
Strategy support for rural credit and farmer finance systems.
- 04
State Core Group Member
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Govt. of Uttarakhand
Programme governance and policy advisory.
- 05
Operations & Banking
IDFC First Bank · HDFC Bank · Utkarsh SFB · GIZ · NABARD Financial Services
Built foundational experience in rural banking, microfinance and digital payments.
Education & Certifications
A learner's discipline.
- ◆ PG Diploma in Rural Banking — BIRD, NABARD, Lucknow
- ◆ PG Diploma in Environment Law — NLSIU, Bangalore (pursuing)
- ◆ Public Policy — University of Virginia
- ◆ Macro-economic Policy — World Bank E-Institute
- ◆ Climate Risk & Sustainable Finance — IFC
- ◆ Banking & Finance — IIBF
Publications & Engagements
Knowledge work on SHG banking, women-led FPOs, financial inclusion and rural enterprise.
Has led and participated in important policy discussions, including a G-20 / Y-20 dialogue series on climate change and disaster management.
Community & Pro-Bono
Committed to Himalayan development.
Associated with Tryambak Foundation, The Green Pahadi Foundation, Centre for Photographic Art, Himalayan Geographic Uttarakhand Chapter, Supanya FPC, ROUTES Foundation — and other organisations working on natural resource management, community development and grassroots empowerment.