Indian Visionaries 2025: Bal Krishen, Chairman, The Century Group His personal leadership style revolves around empowerment—enabling individuals to excel, take ownership, and drive the company forward.
You're reading BIZ Experiences Middle East, an international franchise of BIZ Experiences Media.
This article is part of BIZ Experiences Middle East's special edition: 33 Indian Visionaries.
Some leaders build companies; others build legacies. Bal Krishen, the Chairman of The Century Group, has done both. From his modest beginnings as an industrial worker in the UAE to leading a multi-industry group, his journey is one of resilience, foresight, and unshakable belief in people and progress. Today, his leadership spans investment services, wealth management, banking, insurance, real estate, technology, and logistics, making Century Group a force to be reckoned with across global markets. Bal Krishen's ascent began with Century Financial, the UAE's premier investment services provider. Under his leadership, Century Financial evolved from a brokerage firm into a holistic financial powerhouse, providing cutting-edge trading solutions to retail and institutional investors alike. But he wasn't content with just redefining investment services—his vision extended further. With the launch of Century Private Wealth, a DIFC domicile and DFSA-regulated firm, he introduced bespoke asset and wealth management solutions for high-net- worth individuals, offering exclusive fund strategies to prioritize long-term capital growth and alpha generation.
Not stopping there, he spearheaded Century Bank Brokers, a strategic player in banking solutions, bridging the gap between financial institutions and clients. His expansion into insurance through Savington International Insurance Broker brought tailored insurance solutions to individuals and corporations. The story of The Century Group isn't just about business growth—it's about revolutionizing industries. "We don't just create opportunities; we create impact," Krishen asserts. "Success is not measured by profit alone but by the value we bring to people's lives." Krishen's leadership philosophy is anchored in three pillars: Sustainability, Simplicity, and Scalability. He believes in sustainable growth that withstands economic shifts, simplicity in execution to keep processes accessible, and scalability to build future-ready solutions. But beyond strategy, what truly differentiates him is his commitment to people. "We are not just a workforce; we are a force of change," he often says, emphasizing the importance of fostering a dynamic, motivated, and engaged team.
Century Financial March 2025 has been recognized as one of the best workplaces, an accolade that reflects the company's strong culture of trust, inclusivity, and innovation. His personal leadership style revolves around empowerment—enabling individuals to excel, take ownership, and drive the company forward. Whether mentoring young professionals or guiding seasoned executives, he believes leadership is about creating more leaders, not just followers. For Krishen, success is incomplete without giving back. A dedicated philanthropist, he actively supports initiatives that promote financial literacy, economic empowerment, and sustainability. His commitment extends to fostering education and skills development for underprivileged communities, ensuring that progress is inclusive and far- reaching.
What sets him apart from other industry leaders is his ability to foresee shifts in global markets and pivot strategically. His journey is proof that with vision, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in people, one can build not just a successful enterprise but an enduring legacy. As he continues to expand the Century Group's reach across new markets and industries, one thing is certain: this is not just a leader building businesses. This is a visionary shaping the future of global enterprise. As he says :"Leadership is not about being the strongest in the room—it's about making everyone else stronger."
