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Saveshen Pillay: A Leading SME Management Consulting Expert
Saveshen Pillay is an international management consulting expert and the founder of CRA Global Development (Previously Credit Rating Analytics- a leading management consulting firm). He has led many high level projects within Emerging Markets and has completed work for the likes of the World Bank Group, The United Nations (various divisions), and the African Union. He also is a non-executive Independent Director at Care Ratings South Africa, its parent company (the Care Edge Group) is a listed company in India and one of the largest credit rating agency outside the big three (S&P, Moody's and Fitch). Saveshen also specializes in linking SMEs with financial markets.
About Saveshen Pillay
Saveshen Pillay is a renowned financial expert and the founder of CRA Global Development (previously Credit Rating Analytics), one of the leading specialist SME consulting firms in Emerging Markets. With over a decade of experience in banking and finance, Saveshen has established himself as a leading authority in SME development, credit rating/ grading systems, and innovative financing solutions. His work spans across government bodies, multilateral organizations, and private sector stakeholders, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and growth of SMEs through cutting-edge consulting, technological systems, and strategic research initiatives.
Expertise
SME Financing, Credit Rating Systems, Management Consulting, sovereign ratings.
Experience
Founder of CRA Global Development, Former Roles at Standard Bank and Rand Merchant Bank
Education
Master's in International Banking & Finance (Cum Laude), B.Com in Economics and completed level 2 of the CFA Program.
PUBLISHED BOOKS- The Next Frontier In SME Ratings
The book is based on a project that Saveshen Headed up for the World Bank Group related to access to funding within the SME space.
Comprehensive Guide
This book delves into the future of SME funding and provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the evolving landscape.
Purchase The Book
The book can purchased via the following channels, Springer direct (see link below), Amazon, Takealot, and major book stores.
Published Research
Saveshen Pillay has authored and co-authored important research within the financial industry, establishing himself as a thought leader in the field. His publications offer comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of SME funding and the critical role of credit ratings in facilitating access to capital.
A Credit Rating Solution For The World's Poorest Countries
Saveshen co-authored this paper together with leading academic institutions in Europe. His role was designing the core methodology which formed the basis of the overall solution.
SME Grading Systems in Africa
The paper was co-authored by Prof Sikochi from Harvard Business School.
The Credit Rating Industry In Africa
The paper was co-authored by Prof Sikochi from Harvard Business School and is published in the American Accounting Association Journal.
Key Strengths: Innovative SME Grading Systems
At the forefront of Saveshen's contributions to the SME sector is his development of sophisticated grading systems. These tools provide governments and financial institutions with reliable frameworks for assessing SME performance, evaluating growth potential, and making strategic decisions. The systems incorporate cutting-edge methodologies, including ESG factors, to promote sustainable and green outcomes in the SME space.

1

System Design
I head up the team that develops SME grading systems for governments, creating some of the largest systems in the world. This includes SME ESG grading systems which are geared to promoting green and sustainable outcomes.

2

Performance Assessment
These grading systems provide a reliable framework for assessing the performance of SMEs across various metrics. I headed up the design for the following system (the largest SME access to funding system in Africa)

3

Potential Evaluation
The systems also evaluates the growth potential of SMEs, aiding in strategic decision-making for stakeholders. See below for a sample SME grading report which captures how the system measures SMEs.

4

Continuous Improvement
I regularly oversee the update and refinement of our grading systems to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Please for an overview of the methodologies, I personally worked on and finalized many of these.
Key Skills and Roles
Saveshen Pillay's expertise spans a wide range of areas within SME development and finance. His multifaceted experience allows him to provide comprehensive solutions to complex challenges in the SME sector.
Management Consulting
Leading strategic advisory services for SMEs and organizations supporting SME development.
Credit Rating Systems
Developing innovative SME grading systems for governments and financial institutions.
SME Sector Research
Conducting comprehensive studies on SME challenges and opportunities across various markets.
Policy Formulation
Advising on SME-focused policies for governments and international organizations.
In-Depth SME Sector Research
Saveshen's research initiatives provide invaluable insights into the SME sector, informing policy decisions and strategic planning for organizations working with small businesses. His research methodology combines extensive data collection with rigorous analysis to produce actionable findings.
1
Data Collection
Employing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to gather comprehensive data from SMEs across diverse geographic locations and sectors.
2
Analysis
Utilizing advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the collected data.
3
Insights Generation
Translating complex data analysis into clear, actionable insights that address key challenges and opportunities in the SME sector.
4
Recommendations
Formulating strategic recommendations based on research findings to guide policy-making, program design, and resource allocation for SME support initiatives.
Key Strength: SME Online Learning And Capacity Building
Saveshen headed up the team that designed an online learning platform for small businesses in Nigeria, the platform will complement the largest grading system in emerging markets.
Accessible Platforms
We create online learning and capacity-building portals that are designed to be accessible and user-friendly for SMEs.
Tailored Content
Our platforms offer content tailored to the specific needs and challenges of SMEs
in various sectors.
Skill Development
The online learning resources focus on empowering SMEs with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in competitive markets.
Continuous Learning
We regularly update our platforms to ensure SMEs have access to the latest industry insights and best practices.
Advisory Services to Multilateral Organizations
Saveshen's expertise is highly sought after by leading multilateral organizations focused on economic development and SME growth. His advisory services provide these organizations with strategic guidance on program design, policy formulation, and implementation strategies for SME development initiatives.

1

Needs Assessment
Conducting comprehensive analyses of SME ecosystems in target regions to identify key challenges and opportunities.

2

Strategy Development
Collaborating with multilateral teams to design targeted intervention strategies and programs for SME support.

3

Implementation Support
Providing guidance on program rollout, including stakeholder engagement and capacity building for local partners.

4

Monitoring and Evaluation
Designing frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of SME development initiatives.
Client Testimonials and References
Saveshen's expertise and impact are widely recognized by leading international organizations and government agencies. His work has consistently delivered tangible results, earning him strong endorsements from clients across various sectors.
World Bank Group
A reference for Saveshen's work can be provided by the World Bank Group who he has worked closely with over the years. The following individuals can be contacted: Mr Laurent Gonnet (Lead Financial Sector Specialist)- World Bank Group; Mr Collen Masunda ( Credit Reporting Specialist- the IFC)
United Nations
"During my interactions with Credit Rating Analytics (Pty) Ltd, I found the team to be highly professional in their approach at all stages of the project and effectively presented the findings to various high-ranking stakeholders.." - Habiba Ben Barka, Chief of Africa Section, UNCTAD
SMEDAN (Nigeria)
"The SME grading system and online capacity-building platform developed under Mr. Pillay's guidance have revolutionized our approach to supporting small businesses in Nigeria." - Regina Bamaiyi, Chief Enterprise Officer, SMEDAN
Contact Saveshen
Email
Reach out to me via email at ​ saveshen.pillay@creditratinganalytics.co.za ​for inquiries and information.
Phone
Contact me by phone at 002774 589 7689 or 0027 10 003 7858 to speak directly.
Website
Visit Credit Rating Analytics website at www.creditratinganalytics.co.za for more information about my company's services and expertise.