In a world where success is often measured by personal gain, Deepak Raj stands apart as a beacon of purposeful leadership. An iconic figure in global finance, a respected philanthropist, and a passionate advocate for education and equity, Raj has woven together a career that inspires generations to think beyond wealth and towards meaningful impact.
Born with brilliance and raised by ambition, Deepak Raj’s journey began in India, where he earned his Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, one of the most prestigious institutes in the world. Not one to rest on academic laurels, he traveled to the United States to pursue his MBA from Northeastern University, setting the stage for an extraordinary career in finance and leadership.
Deepak Raj: A Trailblazer in Global Finance
Over the span of 24 years at Merrill Lynch, Deepak Raj carved a niche as a leader with vision and foresight. Starting as a senior equity analyst, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional analytical acumen and strategic mindset. His expertise earned him a coveted spot on the Institutional Investor All-America Research Team—an accolade reserved for the industry’s best.
As head of the Global Consumer Products Investment Banking Practice and later as Senior Vice President and a member of the executive management committee, Raj left an indelible mark. His most impactful role came as Director of Global Equity Research, where he managed a team of approximately 700 investment professionals worldwide—a staggering testament to his leadership and global reach.
Today, he channels this deep well of financial expertise into his role as Founder and Managing Director of Raj Associates, a private investment firm based in New Jersey. The firm holds a diversified portfolio across real estate, public markets, and private equity, reflecting Raj’s nuanced understanding of risk, reward, and long-term growth.
A Heart Devoted to Philanthropy
While many pursue wealth, Deepak Raj chose to pursue significance. His philanthropic endeavors are not side projects—they are core to his identity.
Deepak Raj serves as Chairman of Pratham USA, one of the most successful non-governmental organizations working to improve education in India. Under his leadership, Pratham has impacted the lives of millions of underprivileged children, equipping them with foundational literacy and skills that transform communities.
In addition, Deepak Raj chairs the Indian Philanthropy Alliance, a coalition uniting leading philanthropic organizations to amplify their collective impact. Through this role, he advocates for collaboration, transparency, and systemic change within Indian and diaspora philanthropy.
Alongside his wife Neera Raj, he co-founded the Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies at Columbia University, a premier research hub driving thought leadership on India’s evolving economy. Their vision? To bridge the gap between policy and practice, and to empower scholars, leaders, and changemakers with actionable insights.
Champion of the Indian-American Community
Deepak’s contributions extend into civic leadership as well. In 2019, he was appointed Chairman of the New Jersey State Investment Council, overseeing policy for the management of the $80 billion NJ Pension Fund. His role on the investment committee of Spring Mountain Capital and as co-founder of Indian American IMPACT further demonstrates his commitment to amplifying Indian-American voices in leadership, politics, and public service.
Leadership Rooted in Purpose
What truly sets Deepak Raj apart is his unwavering dedication to a values-driven life. As a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), he holds himself to the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and responsibility. Yet beyond his professional credentials lies a man deeply committed to creating change.
From Princeton, New Jersey—where he resides with Neera, his partner in life and philanthropy—Raj continues to mentor, invest, and inspire. Together, they’ve raised two remarkable children and cultivated a family legacy defined not by wealth, but by wisdom, compassion, and integrity.
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