Shyam Maheshwari: From Bihar to Singapore’s Global Finance Circle

Early Life in Bihar

Shyam Maheshwari is an Indian entrepreneur and finance professional known for his work in global investment management. His career reflects a journey shaped by strong academic foundations, international exposure, and years of experience in financial markets.

Investor Shyam Maheshwari during his career in global investment management.

Born in Katihar, a town in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, he grew up in an environment that valued education and discipline. These early influences helped build the determination that later guided his professional life.

Education and Financial Training

Maheshwari’s academic journey played a crucial role in preparing him for the complex world of finance.

He completed his Bachelor of Commerce from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai between 1994 and 1997. Alongside his academic degree, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, strengthening his understanding of financial systems and accounting principles.

To further expand his expertise, he pursued an MBA in Finance from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore from 1997 to 1999. During this period, he also gained international exposure through an exchange program at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Germany.

This combination of Indian and global education helped him develop a broader perspective on international markets.

Beginning a Global Career at Lehman Brothers

In 1999, Maheshwari joined Lehman Brothers, marking the start of his professional journey in global finance.

Working across major financial centers such as Tokyo and Hong Kong, he became part of the bank’s Special Situations division, a field focused on complex investment opportunities and distressed assets.

Over the years, he rose to the position of Senior Vice President, managing challenging investment strategies and credit-related opportunities. His tenure at Lehman Brothers coincided with a major moment in financial history the 2008 Lehman Brothers collapse — which reshaped the global financial industry.

Building SSG Capital Management

Following the financial crisis, Maheshwari co-founded SSG Capital Management in 2009 in Hong Kong.

The firm focused on special situations, private credit, and distressed investment opportunities across Asia. Over time, it developed a reputation for navigating complex financial markets and identifying strategic investment opportunities.

Within the firm, Maheshwari held several leadership roles and contributed to expanding its regional presence. The name Shyam Maheshwari SSG became associated with the development of private credit investment strategies in Asia.

Expansion Through Ares SSG

In 2020, SSG Capital Management integrated with Ares Management, forming Ares SSG.

Maheshwari served as a partner during this phase, focusing on strengthening capital markets activities and supporting investment initiatives across the region. His experience in cross-border finance and credit markets played an important role during the transition period.

Launch of Nextinfinity Management

In 2022, he started a new venture, Nextinfinity Management, based in Singapore.

The firm reflects his long experience in global finance and aims to focus on modern investment strategies, including private credit and alternative assets.

Through this platform, Maheshwari continues to apply decades of expertise to emerging investment opportunities.

Areas of Professional Expertise

Throughout his career, Maheshwari has developed strong expertise in several areas of finance:

• Special situations investing

• Private credit markets

• Distressed asset management

• Cross-border investment strategies

• Alternative asset management

His work across major financial institutions and investment firms has positioned him as a recognized professional in Asian private credit markets.

Conclusion

The journey of Shyam Maheshwari SSG reflects the path of a finance professional who rose from a small town in India to work across some of the world’s leading financial centers.

From his early education to roles at Lehman Brothers, SSG Capital Management, and now Nextinfinity Management, his career illustrates the importance of adaptability, global perspective, and long-term strategic thinking in the evolving world of investment management.