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Dasrul Chaniago
Director
The financial services industry in Indonesia plays a pivotal role in the nation's economy, characterized by its dynamic growth and increasing global integration. As the largest Southeast Asian economy, Indonesia's financial sector encompasses banking, insurance, investment, and capital markets, attracting both local and international investors. With a young and tech-savvy population, the industry has seen a surge in digital banking and fintech startups, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in the region. Key players in the sector continue to focus on enhancing financial inclusion, leveraging digital solutions, and expanding access to services across the country. Today, Indonesia’s financial services sector is led by individuals with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience, who have contributed significantly to its growth. A seasoned professional who has built a remarkable career over the years is Dasrul Chaniago.
Born in West Sumatra, one of Indonesia's largest islands, Dasrul spent his schooling years in three different cities, providing him with a broad perspective on the country. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Syiah Kuala, followed by an MBA from Jena University in Germany. Dasrul began his career as an auditor at Deloitte, where he gained invaluable experience over the course of a year. Over the next 20 years, he assumed key finance leadership roles in prominent multinational companies, including Philip Morris, Internews, GlaxoSmithKline, and General Electric. His work took him across multiple countries, such as the U.S., Thailand, the Philippines, East Timor, and Indonesia, where he demonstrated expertise in financial management and leadership.
In 2015, after an extensive career in the corporate world, Dasrul decided to pursue his entrepreneurial passion and transitioned into fund management. He co-founded Majoris Asset Management, where he has spent the last 10 years building his own business. His wealth of experience and commitment to financial growth have positioned him as a leader in Indonesia's asset management industry.
CEO Insights Asia engaged in a one on one interaction with Dasrul Chaniago. Let’s hear from him.
With over two decades of experience across finance and consultancy, how would you describe your journey to success? What principles have driven your achievements?
My approach to success has always been centered around three key principles, namely hard work, continuous learning, and humility. To consistently deliver high-quality work and services, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve. A deep understanding of the business, along with comprehensive acumen, is crucial. In any work environment, it's impossible to avoid interaction, and you must constantly challenge the status quo to keep your business ahead of the competition, both in terms of products and services. To succeed in this, it’s vital to know exactly what you're doing and possess the soft skills necessary to effectively communicate and convince others of your ideas.
I believe that having a clear vision and mission is essential when leading a business
What are the biggest challenges you're currently working to address?
One of the biggest challenges I’m focusing on right now is unlocking the potential of great talent. There’s so much untapped potential in Indonesia, with many talented individuals who are like hidden gems waiting to be discovered and developed. In Eastern cultures, people tend to be more reserved and are not always accustomed to speaking up or showcasing their capabilities. I see this as an opportunity to help these individuals grow into confident leaders. By playing the role of a mentor and offering constant encouragement, I believe I can help boost their confidence, enabling them to step up and take on leadership roles. This not only helps them personally but also benefits the business and the wider community. Developing such talent creates a positive cycle of growth, where people become empowered, the organization thrives, and the broader environment improves. Helping people realize their full potential is something I’m passionate about, as I believe strong leaders are the key to building a better, more sustainable future for everyone.
What are the emerging demands you’re encountering in the industry today? How are you enhancing your company’s expertise to meet these emerging demands?
One of the biggest demands I’m seeing today is the need to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. The speed at which things are evolving now is incredible, and if you don’t stay updated, you’ll quickly fall behind. To remain relevant, you need to put in extra effort to stay on top of things and maintain balance in your life. This includes managing your health through proper food, exercise, and social interactions alongside your work commitments. It’s all about being in peak condition, both mentally and physically, to keep up with the fast-paced environment. Another important aspect is the constant need to nurture young talent. Having fresh, innovative minds within your team is essential to staying competitive and adapting to the changing landscape. They bring new perspectives, and with the right guidance and mentorship, they can become key drivers of success in the future. It’s crucial to create an environment where this talent is encouraged and developed to help your organization stay ahead in the market.
We’re focusing on several key areas to sharpen our company’s expertise. First, we’re investing in technology to ensure we stay ahead of the curve. Innovation is crucial, so we’re continuously looking for ways to improve and expand the products and services we offer. We’re also investing in young talent, recognizing their potential to bring fresh ideas and drive progress within the company. Additionally, staying alert to market trends and closely monitoring the actions of our competitors allows us to adapt and remain competitive. This proactive approach ensures that we are always in tune with industry changes and can respond quickly to new opportunities.
How would you describe your leadership style and the principles you follow?
I believe that having a clear vision and mission is essential when leading a business. It’s not just about setting goals but also ensuring the team understands the philosophy and reasoning behind those goals. By communicating this clearly, I help my team grasp the thought process and use it as a guide in their roles. Leading by example is also a big part of my approach. I strive to embody the values and behaviors I expect from my team, knowing that leadership is about showing, not just telling. Being a role model helps create a strong sense of trust and respect, which drives everyone toward shared success. It’s about creating an environment where the team feels aligned with the vision and motivated to bring it to life.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in the coming years?
Looking ahead, I envision myself primarily taking on advisory roles for business leaders within my portfolio. This could involve acting as a chairman, where I can share my knowledge and experiences with future leaders of the country. I also plan to continue my mentoring work with top startups, which I’ve been doing for the past nine years. Helping nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs is something I’m deeply passionate about. Additionally, I see myself becoming more active in sharing insights at universities, contributing to the growth of young talent and encouraging them to pursue their own leadership paths. In the coming years, I hope to focus on these roles, guiding others while continuing to learn and grow alongside them.
Given your extensive experience, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in this industry?
My advice to budding leaders is simple, ‘never stop learning’. Read as many books as you can to continuously expand your knowledge. Be innovative and stay active in social circles and networking, connecting with others is key to growth. Strive to be the best at what you do, but also understand the leaders who are dominating the market. Study their business models and dive into their success stories to gain valuable insights. Once you understand what made them successful, your goal should be to find ways to do it even better. Always be curious, proactive, and willing to push your limits, and this is how you’ll truly excel in this industry.