For over two decades, Ashwinder R. Singh has played a defining role in shaping the evolution of Indian real estate — from institutional reform and professionalization to mentoring the next generation of leaders. Today, he serves as Chairman, CII Real Estate Committee (North) and Member, CII National Taskforce on Ease of Doing Business, where he leads industry dialogues that connect policymakers, developers, and financiers to a shared goal — building trust and transparency in Indian real estate.
Singh steps into the role after serving as Co-Chair for two years and leading CII’s real estate delegations to the UAE in 2024 and Singapore in 2025, where he played an instrumental role in advancing cross-border industry collaboration. “I entered real estate not by inheritance, but by design — transitioning from a senior banking career into an industry historically shaped by entrenched power networks. In a business where influence often outweighed ability, I realized early that the only way forward was through clarity, execution, and unwavering focus on outcomes,” says Ashwinder R. Singh.
From Legacy to Leadership
Ashwinder R. Singh’s life is a story of resilience and determination. Growing up, he was inspired by his father, Colonel Sirinder Raj Singh, a hero in the historic 1971 surrender of the Pakistani army. His father’s legacy of bravery and discipline had a profound impact on him. But after the untimely loss of his father before he turned 18, Ashwinder was faced with a huge challenge. Rather than succumbing to this loss, he used it as fuel to move forward and create his own legacy. As someone who often says, “The nation comes first — everything else follows,” Singh’s philosophy draws from a personal legacy of service and sacrifice.
His late father, Colonel Sirinder Raj Singh, was a decorated hero of the 1971 India–Pakistan War and later laid down his life in a UN peacekeeping mission in Cambodia — a lineage that continues to shape Ashwinder’s quiet, purpose-led leadership and belief that business, at its best, is a form of national duty. Ashwinder R. Singh believes leadership is not about managing tasks — it is about setting a clear vision. “Remove every inefficiency. Build an environment where action becomes instinct. The best teams do not need to be pushed; they move with conviction because they know what they are building is larger than themselves,” he said.
From Banking to CEO
Rather than allowing the hardship to hold him back, Ashwinder turned it into motivation. Drawing strength from his mother, he focused on pursuing excellence in everything he did. After completing an MBA from Delhi, he began his career with major firms like Citibank and Deutsche Bank, where he developed his business skills. He built a strong foundation in banking through leadership roles at Citibank, Deutsche Bank, ICICI Bank, Fullerton Singapore, and Bajaj Housing Finance, where he led home loans and construction finance for developers and gained a deep understanding of capital markets and structured finance.
“Life’s challenges and setbacks are inevitable but don’t define us. Instead, they can fuel our growth and push us to achieve greater things.”
After leading some of India’s most respected real estate institutions — as CEO of Bhartiya Urban, CEO of JLL Residential, and Co-founder & First CEO of ANAROCK where he played a defining role in formalizing and scaling residential real estate advisory in India — Singh transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. Today, he is a full-time entrepreneur, building BCD Royale. BCD Group is a leading name in India’s construction industry. In his first year, BCD Royale launched BCD City, a 70-acre integrated township in Bengaluru, and is expanding into new growth corridors with a clear focus on transparency, execution, and governance.
Furthermore, in his association with CII Real Estate Committee, Singh now focuses on enabling policy clarity and expanding access to capital, driving sustainability and digital adoption, strengthening public-private collaboration as also improving housing affordability and regional planning “Real estate in India is entering a defining phase. As Chairperson of the CII Real Estate Committee (NR), I hope to strengthen the alignment between policy, capital and innovation to help the sector grow more efficiently,” said Singh.
A Multifaceted Personality
His journey doesn’t end in the boardroom. Singh is also widely recognized for his authorship of the Real Estate Trilogy — Master Residential Real Estate, Master Commercial Real Estate, and A–Z of Residential Real Estate — now considered essential reading across developer networks, universities, and broker ecosystems. One of these books was featured on Shark Tank India, while another was named Business Book of the Year in the Money category.
Together, they have positioned Singh as one of the few Indian leaders translating real estate into a structured knowledge discipline. Additionally, Singh shares his knowledge and insights through his newsletter, The Open House, and his podcast, Irrelevant with Ashwinder. His creativity and desire to inspire others extend far beyond his professional success. Singh remains actively involved with the sector through industry forums, mentoring startups, and building institutional frameworks for long-term urban growth. He states, “Facts, market realities, and instinct shaped by experience are my compass.”
Advisor and Mentor
Ashwinder R Singh has been a steady voice in the Indian real estate industry for over a decade—widely respected for his focus on building institutions through technology, processes, and systems. His ability to excel in diverse fields and inspire others has made him a role model for aspiring professionals and creative minds alike. Beyond the boardroom, Singh serves as Advisor to NAR-India, the apex body of channel partners, where his focus is on governance, ethics, and the professionalization of brokerage networks.
He also mentors, startup founders at IIT Bombay and India Accelerator, guiding early-stage entrepreneurs in PropTech, FinTech, and AI-enabled real estate ventures. Additionally, he is the Chief Advisor to the Board of Bitsave, one of India’s emerging crypto-fintech firms, ensuring integrity and compliance remain at the heart of innovation. Ashwinder R Singh concludes by saying, “I have spent my life building more than projects - what I have really built are trust, dignity, and neighborhoods that last. Real estate has been my canvas, but people have always been my purpose.”
“By staying committed, continuously learning, and following our passions, we can turn even the toughest moments into meaningful achievements.”
