Finance/Insurance

The 10th-Grade Dropout Who Rewrote India’s Financial Playbook: The Unstoppable Rise of Nikhil Kamath

A professional composite image of Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, featuring a bold headline about his journey from a call center employee to a billionaire.

Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha, continues to defy traditional success metrics in 2026. After dropping out of school following the 10th grade, Kamath transitioned from a call center role to building India’s largest retail brokerage. With a net worth now exceeding $3.3 billion and a growing influence through his ‘WTF is’ podcast, his story represents a fundamental shift in the Indian entrepreneurial landscape.

New CEO of PayPal Appointed: Enrique Lores Steps In to Lead Digital Payments

new CEO of PayPal

PayPal has appointed Enrique Lores as the new CEO of PayPal, replacing Alex Chriss. The board made the move after reviewing company performance, noting that while progress was made in areas like Venmo monetization and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, the pace of change needed to be faster.

Lores has been on PayPal’s board for nearly five years and became Board Chair in July 2024. His experience leading major transformations at HP makes him the board’s choice to guide PayPal through a competitive digital payments market.

Why PayPal Needed a New CEO

PayPal’s financial performance has been under pressure. Over the past year:

  • Stock dropped 41.4%

  • Shares hit a 52-week low of $52.06

  • Missed revenue and slow growth raised investor concerns

Metric Status (Feb 2026)
Stock Trend -41.4% YoY
52-Week Low $52.06
Q4 Adjusted EPS $1.23 (Consensus: $1.29)
Q4 Revenue $8.68 Billion (Consensus: $8.79 Billion)

The new CEO of PayPal now faces the task of restoring investor confidence while keeping the company competitive.

Who is Enrique Lores?

new CEO of PayPal
Enrique Lores, the newly appointed CEO of PayPal

Enrique Lores brings over 30 years of experience in technology and business leadership. At HP, he:

  • Shifted the company from hardware to services and subscriptions

  • Led the HP/HPE separation

  • Introduced workplace and technology innovations

The board believes this experience is key as PayPal looks to grow in digital payments, Venmo integration, and BNPL services.

Lores said:
“We will strengthen innovation and deliver results more quickly, while focusing on both short-term and long-term goals.”

Interim Leadership and Board Changes

To ensure a smooth handover:

  • Jamie Miller, PayPal’s CFO and COO, will serve as Interim CEO until March 1, 2026

  • David W. Dorman has been appointed Independent Board Chair

This keeps operations steady while the new CEO of PayPal steps in.

Challenges Ahead

PayPal faces tough competition:

  • Traditional players like Visa and Mastercard are regaining market share

  • Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are growing quickly

  • Maintaining branded checkout dominance is critical for customer retention

Market Reaction

Analysts have reacted cautiously:

  • Rothschild Redburn: Sell, target $50

  • Morgan Stanley: Underweight, target $50

  • Cantor Fitzgerald: Neutral, target $60

  • Jefferies: Hold, target $60

The new CEO of PayPal will need to prove he can boost growth and reassure investors.

The Road Ahead for PayPal

Lores plans to focus on:

  • Expanding Venmo integration for online and in-store payments

  • Strengthening BNPL services

  • Using customer data for personalized shopping experiences

  • Moving beyond the checkout button to build a full commerce platform

These steps aim to make PayPal more competitive in the fast-changing digital payments world.

Read more

Unlock Your Benefits: 4 Labour Code Reforms Making Gratuity Eligibility Simple

gratuity eligibility

Gratuity Eligibility: Work in India is changing. The government has recently introduced a big update to the labour laws. Instead of 29 old and confusing laws, there are now four main Labour Codes. These changes aim to make rules simpler for businesses while protecting workers’ rights. The four new codes are: Code on Wages, 2019, … Read more

Rich Dad Poor Dad Author 5 Urgent Warnings Investors Must Act On Now

Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Robert Kiyosaki Holding His Iconic Book

Kiyosaki Predicts the “Biggest Crash in World History” and Urges Investors to Protect Their Wealth Robert Kiyosaki — the Rich Dad Poor Dad author and one of the world’s most outspoken financial educators — is sounding the alarm once again. With markets rattled by political tension and rising global debt, Kiyosaki has issued what he … Read more

Who is Kavin Bharti Mittal? The Entrepreneur Behind Hike’s Rise and Fall

Kavin Bharti Mittal’s startup journey

When people ask, “Who is Kavin Bharti Mittal?” The first thing that comes to mind is his connection with Hike Messenger, a once-celebrated Indian startup that aimed to rival WhatsApp. Known as the son of Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of Bharti Airtel, Kavin Bharti Mittal has carved out his own space in India’s tech ecosystem. … Read more

Who is Nikhil Kamath? India’s Youngest Billionaire and Zerodha Co-Founder

who is nikhil kamath

The Question arises now a days that, Who is Nikhil Kamath, He is co-founder of Zerodha and True Beacon, has become one of the most influential names in India’s startup and investment ecosystem. As of March 2025, Forbes values his net worth at $2.6 billion, cementing his place among India’s 100 Richest individuals alongside his brother, Nithin Kamath.

But behind the numbers lies a remarkable story — from a school dropout in Karnataka to a self-made billionaire shaping India’s financial future.

Who is Nikhil Kamath & His School Dropout to Billionaire Entrepreneur

Born on September 5, 1986, in Shimoga, Karnataka, Nikhil Kamath’s early life was far from conventional. He dropped out of school after class 10, choosing practical experience over formal education. His career began in a call center with a salary of ₹8,000 per month, but his passion for equity trading quickly reshaped his destiny.

In 2006, he and his brother launched Kamath & Associates, a portfolio management firm for high-net-worth individuals. This venture laid the foundation for what would soon disrupt India’s stock market.

Zerodha: The Disruptor in Indian Stock Trading

who is nikhil kamath, Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, India’s youngest billionaire
Nikhil Kamath at a public event discussing financial growth

In 2010, the Kamath brothers co-founded Zerodha, introducing a discount brokerage model that eliminated high commissions charged by traditional firms. With zero brokerage fees on investments and a flat ₹20 fee on intraday and derivatives, Zerodha democratized stock trading in India, making it accessible to millions.

Today, Zerodha is one of the largest brokerage firms in India, driven by technology, transparency, and customer-first policies.

Beyond Zerodha: Expanding Ventures

Nikhil Kamath has gone far beyond stockbroking:

  • True Beacon (2020): An asset management company for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, offering transparent and cost-effective investment models.

  • Gruhas (2021): Co-founded with Abhijeet Pai, Gruhas invests in climate tech, consumer brands, sustainability, and proptech. Its funds include Gruhas Collective Consumer Fund (GCCF) and the Earth Fund with Brigade Group.

  • Strategic Investments: Kamath has invested in Ather Energy, Licious, Nourish You, Pee Safe, and GreenLine Mobility. He also holds a 5% stake in D’yavol Spirits, co-founded by Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan.

Nikhil Kamath: Public Figure and Philanthropist

In 2024, Kamath launched his podcast, “WTF is,” featuring global names like Bill Gates, Bryan Johnson, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In 2023, he signed The Giving Pledge, becoming the youngest Indian to commit 50% of his wealth to causes like climate change, education, and healthcare. Through the Rainmatter Foundation, he has already pledged over $100 million toward sustainability initiatives.

Controversies and Criticism

Success hasn’t come without controversy.

  • 2021 Chess Scandal: Kamath admitted to using unfair means in a charity chess game against Viswanathan Anand, which led to a temporary ban on Chess.com. He later apologized, and Anand forgave him.

  • 2024 House Purchase Backlash: Known for promoting renting over owning, Kamath’s decision to buy a house was labeled a “U-turn.” He defended his choice, citing stability as the key reason.

The Legacy of Nikhil Kamath

Despite setbacks, Who is Nikhil Kamath & Nikhil Kamath’s journey — from a school dropout to India’s youngest billionaire — reflects innovation, resilience, and philanthropy. His rise proves that non-traditional paths can still lead to extraordinary success, inspiring millions of entrepreneurs and investors.

Read more

Is It Legal to Store Gold at Home in India? Your Essential Guide

is it legal to keep gold at home in india

Is it legal to keep gold at home in India Many Indian families cherish gold, seeing it not just as wealth but as a symbol of tradition, security, and cherished memories. But with this practice comes important questions about legality and tax rules. Let’s clear up the common doubts about keeping gold at home in … Read more

How Can I Help You?