Arise Investments and Capital Pvt. Ltd.

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) have become the backbone of India’s small business ecosystem, filling the gap left by traditional banks. With their innovative financial products, customer-centric approach, and technological advancements, NBFCs are playing a crucial role in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Among these, Arise Investments and Capital Pvt Ltd stands out as a pioneer in inclusive microfinance.
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Ms. Daisy Aadhav Arjuna, the visionary leader behind Arise Investments, to understand how the company is revolutionizing financial access for small businesses across India.

Prime Insights: What is the vision and mission of Arise Investments in supporting small businesses?

Daisy: Our vision is to uplift underprivileged communities by providing them with secure and accessible financial support, fostering economic and social development. Our mission is to offer responsible financial products and services to the underprivileged and underserved, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed to become thriving entrepreneurs.

Prime Insights: What inspired Arise Investments to focus on microfinance and small business empowerment?

Daisy:

• Our journey started with a strong commitment to financial inclusion.We identified that traditional banks often overlook small businesses, especially those run by women and first-time entrepreneurs.By bridging this gap, we offer fair and timely financing to support individuals in transforming their lives and businesses.
• Today, we proudly serve over 3.5 lakh customers across 150 branches in Tamil Nadu.
• Our efforts make a tangible impact on improving financial accessibility.

Prime Insights: What financial products and services does Arise Investments offer to small businesses?

Daisy: We offer a diverse range of financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of micro-entrepreneurs and MSMEs. These include:

• Income Generation Loans: Supporting entrepreneurs in setting up and expanding their businesses.
• SME Loans: Tailored for small business expansion and working capital needs.
• 5G Loans: A group-based lending model ensuring financial security for small entrepreneurs.
• Individual Loans: Flexible financing options for urgent business requirements.

Prime Insights: How do you customize credit solutions to cater to MSMEs’ diverse needs?

Daisy: We understand that each MSME operates in a unique financial landscape. Our approach involves personalized credit assessments, flexible repayment structures, and tailored loan products such as working capital loans, machinery loans, and expansion funding. This ensures that small businesses receive adequate financial support at different growth stages.

Prime Insights: How does Arise Investments leverage technology to simplify loan disbursements?

Daisy: We have embraced digital transformation to streamline the lending process.

• Our Arise Shakthi mobile app enables borrowers to apply for loans and track their applications in real time.
• Our automated credit assessments facilitate faster loan approvals, often within 24 hours, minimizing bureaucratic delays.
• We proudly received the “Best IT Implementation of the Year 2023” award from the NBFC Fintech Conclave for our in-house OD collection application.

Prime Insights: Have AI, blockchain, or data analytics played a role in your risk assessment processes?

Daisy: Yes, we utilize AI-driven algorithms and data analytics to enhance credit risk evaluation. By analyzing financial history, social reputation, and transaction records, we make informed lending decisions. While blockchain integration is still in exploration, we see immense potential in using it for secure financial transactions in the future.

Prime Insights: Can you share a success story where Arise Investments transformed a small business?

Daisy: One inspiring story is that of Ms. Kasthuri S., a micro-entrepreneur from Mayiladuthurai. She initially took a small loan to manage daily expenses but later aspired to establish a dairy business. Over multiple loan cycles, we supported her with financial aid, ultimately helping her secure a business loan of `1,00,000. Today, she runs a thriving dairy enterprise, proving how access to credit can create lasting financial independence.

Prime Insights: What percentage of your loan portfolio is dedicated to small businesses?

Daisy: Over 50% of our loan portfolio is dedicated to MSMEs. From 2023 to 2025, 662 entrepreneurs benefited from our SME loan program, while 1,122 individuals availed of our individual loan offerings. This steady growth underscores our commitment to fueling small business success.

Prime Insights: How does Arise Investments ensure accessibility to financial services in rural and semi-urban areas?

Daisy: With 150 branches across Tamil Nadu, we have established a strong presence in rural and semi-urban regions. Our field officers conduct financial literacy programs, offer doorstep services, and facilitate digital loan applications, ensuring that even the most remote businesses can access funding.

Prime Insights: What initiatives has Arise Investments undertaken to support women entrepreneurs?

Daisy: We actively promote financial independence among women, with over 350,000 female customers benefiting from our services. We provide business training, confidence-building support, and guidance on financial planning, enabling them to become successful entrepreneurs.

Prime Insights: How does Arise Investments navigate the evolving regulatory landscape?

Daisy:

• We strictly adhere to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations and regularly update our compliance framework.
• Our legal and compliance teams ensure responsible lending, transparency, and consumer protection.
• In recognition of our commitment, we received the Top Taxpayer Trophy on GST Day 2024 from the Coimbatore Principal Commissioner of GST and Central Excise.

Prime Insights: What challenges do NBFCs face in financing small businesses, and how does Arise Investments overcome them?

Daisy: The main challenges include limited credit history, lack of collateral, and fluctuating cash flows. We tackle these by offering collateral-free loans, leveraging alternative credit assessment models, and designing flexible repayment plans that align with business revenue cycles.

Prime Insights: What strategies do you employ to enhance customer experience?

Daisy: We prioritize customer engagement through dedicated relationship managers, a seamless digital interface, and proactive customer support. Regular feedback mechanisms help us refine our services, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of MSMEs.

Prime Insights: How does Arise Investments balance risk management with easy credit access?

Daisy:

• We utilize advanced credit scoring, real-time monitoring, and borrower performance tracking to mitigate risks.
• We provide death insurance coverage for every loan, protecting families from financial burdens in unforeseen events.
• This responsible approach enhances both borrower security and financial stability.

Prime Insights: What are your future expansion plans?

Daisy: We aim to expand our operations beyond Tamil Nadu, reaching underserved regions in Karnataka and West Bengal. We also plan to introduce instant credit lines and AI-driven loan products, further simplifying the borrowing experience for MSMEs.

Prime Insights: What advice would you give to small business owners seeking financial support?

Daisy:

• Understand your financial needs and plan accordingly.
• Maintain transparent financial records to ensure credibility.
• Build a strong credit history for better loan eligibility.
• Choose an NBFC that provides customized support and flexible loan options.
• Ensure your funding aligns with your business growth objectives.

NBFCs like Arise Investments are revolutionizing India’s small business ecosystem through innovation, trust, and technology-driven financial inclusion. By providing accessible credit solutions, they continue to fuel entrepreneurial dreams and economic growth, making a significant impact on the nation’s MSME sector.

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