New Delhi: Staying relevant is often as important as staying profitable. Few people understand this better than Ankit Chadha, Managing Director of TRC Consulting. With almost two decades of experience across industries ranging from IT and hospitality to automobiles, manufacturing, e-commerce, retail, and BFSI, he has witnessed how companies evolve, adapt, and reinvent themselves to survive and thrive. Having started his career at Ernst & Young, co-founded a boutique investment bank, and then taken charge of TRC Consulting for more than 15 years, Ankit has built the firm into a global brand with over 300 professionals across ten geographies. His expertise in governance, risk management, and strategic advisory has helped shape TRC into a trusted partner for businesses navigating complex times.
When asked about rebranding, Ankit is quick to point out that it is far more than just a cosmetic change. A new logo or tagline alone does not transform a business; what matters is the story behind it. For him, rebranding is a way for companies to carve out a niche in a crowded marketplace and show the direction in which they want to grow. It is about aligning values with the expectations of society and telling a narrative that resonates with customers. That requires an understanding of changing trends, identifying ideal customer profiles, and fine-tuning the message to match. Sometimes, it also means hiring new talent to bring in fresh thinking and ideas.
Over time, service offerings of companies also go through their own journey. Ankit explains this as a natural growth curve where innovation, customer feedback, and adaptability play key roles. Businesses usually begin by solving one core problem, and then they start adding new services to expand their reach. Eventually, they move towards vertical integration and standardization to scale effectively. It is an evolution that mirrors the way markets themselves change and open new opportunities.
Talking about digital transformation, he believes the conversation is incomplete without a serious focus on data privacy and cybersecurity. In India, this has become even more important after the implementation of the DPDP Act 2023, which places restrictions on cross-border sharing of personal data. For businesses, this means constant vigilance over who has access to data, and regular checks through what are known as User Access Reviews. Growth today is not just about adopting new technologies but about weaving risk management into the process of transformation.
The same integrated thinking applies to governance, risk, and compliance. Rather than treating them as separate silos, organizations today are encouraged to adopt frameworks like COSO or ISO 31000, which provide a structured approach to auditing, financial reporting, and risk assessment. These frameworks add a much-needed layer of accountability, while new technologies such as data analytics and low-code ERP platforms help companies make faster and more informed decisions.
Business advisory itself has expanded in scope. It is no longer limited to financial consulting but includes legal, people, and compliance advisory, all of which together build stronger organizations. Ankit notes that smooth operations and resilience come from combining financial wisdom with operational control and strategic clarity. Helping leaders make informed decisions while holding them accountable is what makes advisory such an important part of growth and profitability today.
Of course, the IT consulting industry is one of the most competitive spaces right now. To stay ahead, Ankit believes firms must offer genuine value and measurable returns to clients. Solutions like ERP implementation, automation, migration, and reconciliation frameworks are not just technical projects; they are growth enablers that help companies realize value faster while remaining compliant with regulations. Accountability, responsibility, and timely delivery remain the differentiators.
Startups and SMEs in India are another area where advisory firms play a critical role. With frequent policy changes and complex systems like GST, young businesses often find compliance overwhelming. But as Ankit points out, compliance is not a hurdle; it is a safeguard. It allows businesses to operate without interruption and helps them manage risk in a volatile environment where regulators like FSSAI, RBI, and SEBI are constantly active.
Looking ahead, sustainability and ESG are becoming unavoidable parts of business strategy. Investors are no longer satisfied with financial metrics alone; they also want to see transparency on environmental and social impact. Disclosure norms such as BRSR, CSRD, and SEC climate rules are setting new benchmarks. Companies that adopt them not only build investor trust but also create systems that support long-term resilience. For Ankit, ESG is not just about ticking boxes for CSR, it is about seeing sustainability as a driver of growth and scalability.
Through all these perspectives, one common thread runs through Ankit Chadha’s outlook: growth must be built on trust, accountability, and adaptability. As businesses in India and across the world face increasing competition, tougher regulations, and rising customer expectations, the role of consulting firms like TRC is becoming more vital. In a sense, they are not just advisors anymore, they are partners helping organizations write their own future with clarity and confidence.
