2026: Standing at the Threshold of Transformation

New Year, New Possibilities, New Purpose

There's something uniquely humbling about standing at the edge of a new year. It's that rare moment when you're allowed—almost expected—to pause, look back at the road traveled, and then turn your gaze forward to the horizon ahead. As 2025 draws to a close and 2026 beckons, I find myself doing exactly that.

And what a year 2025 has been.

Working at the Heart of Policy

If someone had told me a few years ago that I'd be working at DOMS—the policy think tank of the Central Board of Direct Taxes—collaborating closely with Board Members and the Chairman himself, I would have been both thrilled and terrified. The reality? It's been even more enriching than I imagined.

At Directorate of Income Tax (Organization and Management Services) (DOMS), CBDT, we don't just talk about policy; we live it, breathe it, and shape it. This year, I had the privilege of being part of several transformative initiatives that will impact millions of taxpayers and reshape how our tax administration functions.

We worked extensively on revising the Taxpayers' Charter—not as a cosmetic exercise, but as a genuine commitment to making tax administration more transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric. Every word mattered. Every commitment needed to be backed by implementable processes. It was policy work at its core, and it reminded me why I chose public service in the first place.

Then came Special Campaign 5.0, spearheaded by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). As the nodal authority for CBDT, we were right in the thick of it—streamlining processes, addressing pending matters, improving responsiveness. It's the kind of work that doesn't always make headlines but fundamentally changes how government functions.

And now? We're working on Guidance Notes for the new Income Tax Act, 2025. This is history in the making. A completely reimagined tax legislation going live on April 1, 2026. The responsibility is immense, but so is the opportunity to get it right.

Working this closely with leadership, seeing policy from conception to execution, has been one of the most defining experiences of my professional life. It's taught me that real change doesn't happen in grand pronouncements—it happens in the details, in the late-night drafts, in the stakeholder consultations, in the willingness to listen and iterate.

Asking the Big Question: Am I Still Relevant?

In October and November 2025, I stepped out of the policy corridors and into lecture halls—first at Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM) in Dwarka and then at Delhi Technological University (DTU) (former Delhi College of Engineering).

My opening slide at both sessions posed a question that I believe every professional must grapple with today: "Am I still relevant in a world where machines are becoming smarter every day?"

The students leaned forward. Because this isn't an abstract question anymore—it's personal, it's urgent, and it's real.

We dove deep into how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping finance—from risk management and fraud detection to software productivity and decision-making. Generative AI alone is estimated to add $2.6–$4.4 trillion in annual economic value globally, with financial services capturing a significant share. But beyond the numbers, we discussed the human dimension: How do we stay relevant? How do we adapt? How do we ensure AI augments rather than replaces us?

What struck me most wasn't just the curiosity in their questions, but the anxiety underlying them. These bright young minds are entering a job market where the rules are being rewritten in real-time. My message to them was simple: Don't fear AI. Understand it. Master it. Use it as a tool, not a threat. Use it as an amplifier.

Those sessions reminded me that sharing knowledge isn't just about transferring information—it's about empowering the next generation to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

2026: The Year of Transformation

As I look ahead to 2026, I'm filled with a sense of purpose and possibility that I haven't felt in years. Here's what's calling to me:

1. The Income Tax Act 2025 Implementation

April 1, 2026, isn't just another financial year beginning. It's the dawn of a new tax regime—simpler, clearer, more modern. Being part of the team creating Guidance Notes means I'm not just witnessing this transformation; I'm helping shape it.

The challenge? Making 536 sections and 16 schedules understandable and implementable for millions of taxpayers and thousands of tax officers. The opportunity? Getting it right could set the tone for India's tax administration for the next generation.

This is legacy work. And I want to give it everything I've got.

2. AI and Tax Administration

If there's one area where AI can make a transformative impact, it's tax administration. Imagine a system where:

• Taxpayers get instant, accurate answers to their queries
• Compliance becomes seamless, not burdensome
• Risk assessment is predictive, not reactive
• Litigation reduces because clarity increases

This isn't science fiction. The technology exists. What we need is vision, courage, and careful implementation. In 2026, I want to be part of initiatives that bring AI meaningfully into tax administration—not as a buzzword, but as a practical tool for better governance.

3. Expanding Thought Leadership

The DTU and LBSIM sessions opened my eyes to something important: there's a hunger for nuanced conversations about the future of work, finance, and technology. And I have something to contribute.

In 2026, I want to do more—more speaking engagements, more writing, more collaborations with academic institutions. Not to build a personal brand, but to contribute to the larger conversation. To mentor. To provoke thought. To challenge assumptions (including my own).

My blog, my talks, my interactions—they're all ways of thinking out loud. And I want to do more of that.

4. International Horizons

Having worked as a UN Adviser for the Afghanistan Mission and as a G20 Strategic Consultant for Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), I know the value of bringing global perspectives to domestic challenges—and vice versa. 

The world is interconnected. Tax policy doesn't happen in silos. Whether it's base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), digital taxation, or climate finance—these are global conversations India needs to be part of. And I want to contribute to that dialogue.

5. Mentoring the Next Generation

Every young professional I've spoken with this year has reminded me: we have a responsibility to those coming behind us. To share not just our successes, but our failures. To demystify careers in public service. To show that impact and integrity can coexist.

In 2026, I want to be more intentional about mentoring—through formal programs, informal conversations, and by being accessible. The students who asked me, "Am I still relevant?" deserve mentors who help them find their own answers.

A Personal Resolution

If I had to distill my aspirations for 2026 into one sentence, it would be this: I want to build bridges—between policy and practice, between technology and humanity, between where we are and where we could be.

The new year isn't just a calendar turning. It's an invitation to recommit, to reimagine, to renew. And I'm ready.

Let's make it count.

What are your resolutions for 2026? What transformation are you hoping to be part of? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

My Guest Talk at Delhi Technological University (DTU)

 “Am I still relevant in the market?”

That was the first question on the opening slide of my talk at Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi College of Engineering). And honestly, it’s the question that sits quietly in every finance professional’s mind today.

On October 31, 2025, I had the privilege of speaking to a packed hall of bright young management students at DTU about a topic that’s reshaping not just finance, but the future of work itself — Artificial Intelligence in Finance. My thanks to Dr. Arushi Jain for making the session possible and for the energy she brought to the conversation.

What’s happening?

AI is no longer a buzzword. It’s a boardroom strategy.
McKinsey estimates that Generative AI could add up to $4.4 trillion in annual economic value, with financial services at the heart of that growth. From banking to tax to consulting, algorithms are becoming colleagues — handling data analysis, automating compliance, and even drafting financial insights.

But here’s the twist: while AI is creating efficiency, it’s also creating a global divide. As countries race to power AI, new dependencies are emerging — reshaping geopolitics and economics alike.

Why should you care?

Because finance careers are being rewritten.
In tax administration alone, 60% of traditional skills could become obsolete within the decade, according to Thomson Reuters. Yet, those who upskill in AI, data analytics, and automation will be three times more valuable by 2030.

AI isn’t replacing finance professionals — it’s upgrading them. Imagine tax systems that predict non-compliance before it happens, or risk teams that proactively flag issues using AI-driven forecasts. This isn’t science fiction. It’s where the industry is heading — from reactive enforcement to predictive guidance.

What does this mean for students (and professionals)?

Your “arsenal” matters.
Tools like Claude, Agentic AI, and MCP are the new Excel sheets. The real differentiator won’t be who knows AI, but who knows how to use it smartly.

During the session, we explored how concepts like Vector Memory and Chain-of-Thought reasoning let AI mimic human judgment — not just fetch answers, but explain its reasoning like a seasoned analyst.

And when I asked, “How productive are you — really?”, I saw heads nodding. Because in an age of information overload, productivity isn’t about working harder. It’s about working intelligently.

As I wrapped up the talk, I shared a few career nuggets that hold true across industries:

• Learn AI — don’t fear it.

• Sharpen your math and logic.

• Communicate clearly — it’s your superpower in an AI-heavy world.

• Be the “Go-To Manager” — the one who gets things done.

The world of finance is transforming fast. But as I told the students that morning — your relevance isn’t under threat if your curiosity stays alive.

So, keep learning. Keep experimenting. And remember: the future belongs not to those who predict change, but to those who adapt to it.

Few moments shared by DTU:

CAG-Connect

 

Audits in India are about to look very different. Until now, they meant piles of files, long travel for auditors, and months of delays. But starting November 2025, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) will move everything to a new online system called CAG-Connect. This is like moving from typewriters to cloud apps overnight. Instead of chasing paperwork, auditors will log in to a single dashboard that pulls data from India’s digital systems—things like state financial accounts, e-procurement records, and even geospatial maps. The real game-changer is AI. 

CAG is building its own large language model, CAG-LLM, that works like a specialized chatbot for government accounts. With Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), it can pull information from different sources, link it together, and explain patterns in plain language. So instead of auditors digging through spreadsheets line by line, the system highlights unusual trends - say, a sudden spike in spending on a project or duplicate contracts across states. It’s like giving auditors x-ray vision over millions of records. For businesses, this means audits will be faster, sharper, and harder to dodge. The old trick of hiding in paperwork won’t work when AI can cross-check everything instantly. But if your books are clean, this is good news - queries will be quicker, compliance rules clearer, and competition fairer. For citizens, it means more accountability. Your tax money will be tracked in real time, and problems that might have slipped under the radar will surface sooner. Think of it as financial sunlight, and sunlight makes it harder for corruption to grow. In short, India’s audits are moving from clipboard to cloud, powered by AI. For businesses, that’s a signal to clean up records and go digital. For citizens, it’s a promise of more transparency. 

And for the government, it’s a leap into a future where accountability isn’t a slow chase, but a constant, live process.

How People Are Actually Using ChatGPT

So, when ChatGPT first made headlines, a lot of people thought: “Cool, students now have a machine to do their essays.” But here’s the twist it’s not just students. Everyone from lawyers to travel junkies to tired parents planning dinner are sneaking ChatGPT into their daily routines. Think of it less like a robot doing your homework and more like a Swiss Army knife for thinking, writing, and problem-solving. Let’s break it down.

What’s Happening?

People are using ChatGPT in five big ways: work, learning, life hacks, creativity, and just plain fun. At work, employees are asking it to draft emails, summarize reports, or explain complex data without the jargon. Programmers? They’re debugging code or asking ChatGPT to write quick scripts. It’s like having an unpaid intern minus the coffee runs. In learning, students and lifelong learners treat it like a 24/7 tutor. Whether it’s explaining calculus in plain English or practicing Spanish, ChatGPT makes complex stuff feel way less scary. For life hacks, stuck with three random groceries in the fridge? ChatGPT suggests recipes. Planning a trip? It drafts itineraries. It’s the “friend who knows everything” but without the know-it-all attitude. In creativity, writers brainstorm plot twists, marketers generate campaign ideas, musicians get help with lyrics, and artists use it to create prompts for AI art tools. Basically, it’s the creative partner who never says “that’s dumb.” And just for fun, some people chat with it like a buddy, others use it for trivia, role-playing games, or just a laugh when they’re bored.

Why Should You Care?

Because whether you’re in business, school, or just trying to make life smoother, the way people are using ChatGPT shows how AI is quietly sneaking into everyday life. It’s not replacing people it’s replacing friction. The boring, confusing, or repetitive tasks that eat up your time? ChatGPT makes them faster, simpler, or even enjoyable.

Real-World Snapshots

A financial analyst uses ChatGPT to translate dense economic reports into plain-language summaries for clients. A teacher builds lesson plans faster, leaving more energy for actual teaching. A startup founder brainstorms product names without staring at a blank page for hours. A college student practices French conversation before studying abroad no awkward silences, no judgment. A parent finally figures out what to cook with “half a zucchini, three eggs, and mystery leftovers.”

What This Means for You

You don’t have to be a tech genius to use AI. In fact, that’s the point—ChatGPT feels approachable because it works in plain language. So next time you’re staring at a blank document, dreading an email, or stuck with a problem that feels too big (or too boring), remember: you’ve got an AI co-pilot sitting right there. The real question isn’t “what can ChatGPT do?” it’s “what do you want it to take off your plate?” The input decides the output. Yes you got it right. I am talking about the Prompts. Will cover it in another post. 

Final Thoughts

ChatGPT isn’t a magic wand, but it is a cheat code for productivity, creativity, and learning. And the people who are leaning into it? They’re not just working faster they’re freeing up brainpower for the stuff that actually matters. So yeah, students are using it. But so are CEOs, parents, travelers, and probably your neighbor who suddenly seems way more organized. And that’s the fun part: everyone’s finding their own way to use it. The question is - what’s yours?

Digital Governance: A Global Shift

Imagine standing in a long queue at a government office, holding stacks of documents, only to be told to return the next day. Now contrast this with filing taxes, applying for subsidies, or renewing licenses—all from your smartphone. That’s the promise of E-Governance, a rapidly growing market projected to touch USD 50.4 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 11.7%. The transformation is not merely technological; it’s a shift in how states engage with citizens.

The Rise of E-Governance

At its core, E-Governance (electronic governance) refers to the use of digital platforms by governments to deliver services, increase transparency, and engage with citizens. It blends technology with administration—like replacing an outdated manual ledger with a smart dashboard accessible in real time. Growth is driven by multiple factors: governments pushing digital transformation to cut costs, smartphone and internet penetration (India already has over 750 million users), advanced technologies like AI, blockchain and IoT being embedded into systems, and international commitments like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals encouraging inclusion and transparency.

Case Study: India’s Digital India Mission

India is one of the strongest illustrations of e-governance adoption. Launched in 2015, Digital India aimed at transforming the country into a digitally empowered society. Aadhaar-based identity has enabled direct benefit transfers, reducing ghost beneficiaries. The GST Network (GSTN) improved tax compliance and transparency. The UMANG app consolidated over a thousand government services into one platform. Together, these initiatives have simplified citizen engagement, enhanced efficiency, and curbed leakages in welfare delivery.

Global Success Stories

Estonia is regarded as the world’s most digitally advanced government, where citizens can vote online, access medical prescriptions, and register businesses within minutes. The United States and Canada have leaned on cloud-based platforms for efficiency and cybersecurity in public services. Meanwhile, China’s ambitious smart city projects showcase how IoT and big data can help governments manage urban planning and civic resources effectively. These diverse cases show that whether in Europe, North America or Asia, e-governance has become a universal necessity.

Opportunities Ahead

The future of e-governance presents immense opportunities. Smart city projects will increasingly depend on digital governance for managing traffic, utilities, and public services. Regions like the European Union are already experimenting with cross-border governance systems through digital single markets. Further, the use of big data and AI in policymaking will allow governments to anticipate and address citizen needs more proactively rather than merely reacting.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite its promise, digital governance faces key hurdles. Cybersecurity risks loom large as citizen data becomes a lucrative target for hackers. The digital divide persists in rural and underserved areas, risking exclusion for millions. Resistance from bureaucratic structures and lack of digital literacy can slow down reforms. For low-income nations, the high cost of infrastructure remains a substantial barrier.

Financial Implications

For finance professionals, the rise of e-governance has direct implications. Governments benefit from cost savings through reduced paperwork and fewer intermediaries. IT and consulting firms such as Infosys, TCS, and Accenture see new opportunities as implementation partners. Investors, too, should note the projected 11.7% CAGR growth, making e-governance solution providers a significant investment theme in the coming decade.

Conclusion

E-Governance is no longer an option—it is an imperative. As the market surges towards USD 50.4 billion by 2032, governments must balance innovation with inclusivity and security. India’s Digital India journey, Estonia’s digital-first model, and global smart city initiatives show that paperless, data-driven governance is not just desirable but achievable. The future of governance is transparent, contactless, and citizen-centric. The real question is not if nations will adopt it, but how fast.

Agentic AI in Banking

Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly, and its newest frontier, known as Agentic AI, is beginning to reshape how the banking industry operates. Unlike earlier AI models that merely responded to prompts, agentic systems are designed to act with autonomy. They can initiate actions, complete multi-step processes, and make decisions without constant human oversight. This shift promises enormous efficiency gains for banks but also raises significant concerns around security, ethics, and governance.

The appeal of agentic AI lies in its ability to transform routine operations. Already, around 41% of organisations in Australia report using some form of agentic AI and that's a huge number, and by 2029 it is projected that nearly 80% of customer service issues could be handled autonomously (Banker's jobs??). For banks, this translates into faster response times, reduced costs, and an enhanced customer experience. Compliance monitoring is also evolving, with solutions such as Proofpoint’s Human Communications Intelligence claiming to interpret human conversations including slang, shorthand, emojis, and tone in real time. By moving away from keyword-based monitoring and towards contextual understanding, such tools claim up to a 90% reduction in false positives, which is a significant leap in operational accuracy.

Yet the same technologies that empower banks can also empower adversaries. Cybercriminals are increasingly turning to AI to sharpen their attacks, with as many as 80% of ransomware campaigns now incorporating AI-driven elements such as advanced phishing, social engineering, and deepfakes. The banking sector finds itself in the middle of an arms race: as institutions use AI to safeguard systems, attackers use the same technology to evade detection. At the same time, the rise of real-time monitoring of employee and customer communications introduces new ethical and regulatory dilemmas. Constant surveillance can conflict with privacy laws, employee rights, and expectations of confidentiality. Moreover, AI systems often struggle with cultural nuance, sarcasm, or intent, raising the possibility of misclassifications that could result in compliance errors or reputational damage.

There are also risks inherent to the AI systems themselves. If compromised, these tools could be manipulated to miss threats, conceal fraudulent activity, or even leak sensitive communications. This makes the integrity and security of the AI a crucial issue in its own right. As banks adopt these technologies, they must not only consider how AI can be used to detect misconduct but also how to protect the AI from becoming a new point of vulnerability.

The adoption of agentic AI therefore cannot be viewed purely as a technological upgrade. It must be accompanied by robust oversight and governance. Human-in-the-loop systems will remain necessary for sensitive or ambiguous cases, and transparency will be vital so that regulators and customers alike can understand how AI-driven conclusions are reached. Regulatory frameworks will need to evolve to demand clearer auditing, accountability, and disclosure around AI use. For global institutions, harmonising standards across jurisdictions will be essential to avoid compliance conflicts.

Agentic AI is poised to redefine the future of banking security. If managed wisely, it offers the potential to enhance efficiency, protect assets, and build stronger customer trust. But if deployed recklessly, it could amplify the very risks it seeks to mitigate, fueling fraud, misinterpretation, and data misuse. 

The challenge for banks, regulators, and technologists is not whether to adopt agentic AI, but how to govern it responsibly. Efficiency and security must grow together, or the sector may find itself solving one problem only to create another.

Role of AI in Finance: Insights from My Lecture at LBSIM

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept — it is here, actively shaping how decisions are made, risks are managed, and careers are evolving. Yesterday, I had the privilege of addressing students at Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), Dwarka, New Delhi, on the fascinating intersection of AI and finance. The session was an engaging exchange of ideas, where we explored not just how AI is transforming industries today, but also how aspiring professionals can prepare themselves for tomorrow.

The discussion began with a critical question: Am I still relevant in a world where machines are becoming smarter every day? This is a question every finance professional must ask. From there, we examined real-world applications — how AI is driving efficiency in banking, consulting, and taxation. Generative AI, for instance, is estimated to add $2.6–$4.4 trillion in annual economic value globally, with financial services accounting for a major share through risk analysis, fraud detection, and software productivity. We also looked at the flipside — how AI is creating global divides, influencing geopolitics, and challenging existing regulatory frameworks.

One of the key themes we discussed was skills obsolescence. Research indicates that by 2030, over 60% of traditional tax administration skills could become outdated, replaced by expertise in data management, automation, and predictive analytics. This doesn’t spell doom — it signals opportunity. Students were encouraged to think of upskilling in AI, data science, and communication as essential to their career journeys. In fact, the most exciting part of the session was exploring how finance careers in an AI-first world won’t just survive — they will thrive, provided professionals learn to blend human judgment with machine intelligence.

What stood out for me was the energy and curiosity in the room. The students didn’t just listen; they questioned, debated, and connected the concepts with their own aspirations. For me, this reinforced a simple truth: AI may be the tool, but it is people who will determine how transformative it truly becomes.

I want to extend my gratitude to LBSIM for inviting me and for the thoughtful participation of its students. The experience reminded me once again that education isn’t about delivering content — it’s about igniting curiosity. And if yesterday’s lecture was any indication, the next generation of finance leaders is ready to embrace that curiosity and drive meaningful change in an AI-powered world. 

Sharing few moments: