From a young, ambitious Chartered Accountant to becoming a veteran leader in the financial sector, Dr. D.K. Aggarwal, Chairman & Managing Director of SMC Capitals Limited, boasts an inspiring journey.
As a visionary guiding SMC, Dr. Aggarwal has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology and embraced new trends to stay ahead of the curve. Under his visionary leadership, SMC group has evolved into a forward-thinking organization that continues to shape the future of finance and reach greater heights—making him one of the Most Iconic Personalities To Watch In 2025.
A Life Devoted to Finance
A seasoned Chartered Accountant, Dr. D.K. Aggarwal began his journey in 1985. After building a thriving practice, he acquired the membership of Delhi stock exchange in 1992. This was the pivotal moment that helped him transition from his professional career to the business world with SMC.
Starting from humble beginnings with a small office and limited resources, SMC group has experienced remarkable growth. Today, it stands tall with a network of 2,500 offices, a workforce of over 4,500 employees, a clientele of over 2.2 million investors and listed in both exchanges NSE & BSE. As a member of prominent Indian and global exchanges, SMC offers a wide range of financial services, including brokerage, investment banking, NBFC operations, wealth management, portfolio management, insurance broking, Real-estate advisory etc.
Trust as the Cornerstone
Dr. D.K. Aggarwal emphasizes that trust is the crucial element for success in the financial services industry. The most valuable lesson he has learned in his career is the importance of maintaining credibility, integrity, transparency, and honesty. These virtues help build trust among investors and guarantee long-term success and growth. For SMC group, adhering to a robust value system has been instrumental to the company’s achievements and highlights the significant role of ethical business practices for any entrepreneur aspiring to succeed in this industry.
Leadership Philosophy
Dr. Aggarwal’s leadership style reflects his confidence, passion, and clear vision. He believes a leader’s determination inspires the team and sets the pace for success. His approach focuses on delegating authority, trusting employees, and building a motivated, talented workforce. By recruiting skilled individuals and rewarding performance, he drives organizational growth. Through empowerment and trust, Dr. Aggarwal fosters an environment where employees excel and contribute to the collective success at SMC group.
Driving Innovation in Financial Services
With the technological evolution in the financial services sector, leveraging tech to stay ahead of the curve has become vital. Early on, SMC embraced key advancements such as computerized trading, dematerialization of shares, and algo trading. The firm was among the pioneers in launching CTCL trading and adopting automated systems across exchanges. Dr. Aggarwal highlights SMC’s transformation into a fintech powerhouse, backed by a 100+ member IT team dedicated to developing cutting-edge Trading platforms, high-frequency trading, and quant trading. This continuous focus on innovation and technology adoption has ensured SMC’s leadership position in the industry.
Adapting to Disruption
Dr. D.K. Aggarwal attributes SMC’s ability to navigate disruption to its robust IT infrastructure, supported by over 100 skilled professionals who ensure continuous technological advancements. While acknowledging the challenges posed by discount brokerages, Dr. Aggarwal underscores SMC’s proactive response by launching its own competitive platform for discount brokerage.
SMC’s commitment to staying abreast of the latest fintech trends, coupled with in-house software development, positions the company to remain innovative and catch up with early adopters in the market—preparing well for future industry shifts.
Challenges and Opportunities
The financial services industry faces frequent regulatory changes, with stringent compliance requirements that can temporarily impact business operations. However, these regulations enhance market credibility and attract foreign investments, positioning India as a strong contender in the global market. Another challenge comes from fintech disruption and startups, necessitating continuous technological upgrades.
Despite the challenges, there are also significant opportunities. With equity becoming a favored asset class, India’s growing economy presents immense potential. Expanding areas like NBFCs, wealth management, investment banking, and fund management offer significant growth prospects, driven by the country’s upward trajectory.
Aspirations for the Future
Under the leadership of Dr. D.K. Aggarwal, SMC aims to become a most admired and aspirational leader in the financial services sector. The main focus of the company remains on securing top 10 to 20 positions across various verticals—including broking, wealth management, and NBFC services. Over the next decade, SMC group plans to consolidate existing businesses, strengthen their profitability, and explore expansion opportunities.
“The ultimate goal is to foster strong, profitable ventures in all areas and expand into new, promising markets.”
Striking the Work-Life Balance
For Dr. Aggarwal, the day starts with a yoga routine six days a week to maintain physical and mental well-being. After that, it’s straight into office tasks. Amid a busy schedule, Dr. Aggarwal reserves one hour daily for introspection and planning—for better clarity and a chance to reflect on future strategies.
Beyond his professional life, Dr. Aggarwal plays sports like table tennis, lawn tennis, and badminton to stay active and achieve a balanced lifestyle. Playing these sports allows for relaxation and family bonding, says Dr. Aggarwal.
“Prioritizing work-life balance extends not only personally but also for employees, ensuring a healthy, productive environment.”
Serving the Business Community
Passionate about serving the business community, Dr. D.K. Aggarwal has served as the National President of PHD Chamber of Commerce—advocating for businesses during the pandemic by bridging gaps with the government. Moreover, Dr. Aggarwal’s efforts have helped shape impactful policies and financial relief packages.
About the Leader

Dr. Aggarwal and SMC: Driving Positive Change

1. Investor Empowerment
- Education and Transparency: Fostering a culture of informed investment through regular webinars and seminars.
- Building Trust: Promoting ethical practices and transparency to build strong investor relationships.
2. Economic Growth
- Equity Culture: Encouraging investments in equity to fuel corporate growth and economic development.
- Savings Culture: Promoting a savings-oriented mindset to secure financial futures.
3. Social Impact
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Actively contributing to community welfare and social service initiatives.
A Word of Wisdom from Dr. Aggarwal for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

- Embrace Calculated Risks: Entrepreneurship is about taking chances.
- Visionary Leadership: A clear vision and well-defined goals are essential.
- Dream Big, Achieve More: Setting ambitious targets fuels growth.
- Break It Down: Smaller, achievable goals make the journey manageable.