Ram Sundaram completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Madras in 1988, an institution known for producing problem-solvers with exceptional analytical depth. While his academic roots lay in engineering, his intellectual curiosity soon drew him toward finance—a field where structured thinking meets real-world complexity.
He pursued an MBA in Finance at the Simon Business School, University of Rochester, graduating in 1991. This transition marked the beginning of a three-decade career that would redefine proprietary investing and structured finance on Wall Street.
Early Wall Street Years of Ram Sundaram: Learning the Markets from the Inside
After earning his MBA, Ram began his professional career at Morgan Stanley, where he spent six formative years mastering the mechanics of global capital markets. He later moved to Merrill Lynch, further refining his understanding of risk, liquidity, and large-scale financing.
These early experiences shaped his core philosophy: markets reward clarity of thought, disciplined risk management, and the courage to act decisively when others hesitate.
Goldman Sachs: Building Businesses, Not Just Trades
In 2001, Ram Sundaram joined Goldman Sachs as a Vice President. What followed was a remarkable ascent driven not by visibility, but by value creation.
By 2005, he was named Managing Director, and in 2008, he became a Partner—an achievement reserved for leaders who fundamentally shape the firm’s future.
At Goldman Sachs, Ram Sundaram built and led multiple proprietary investing platforms, including:
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Founder and Global Head of Principal Funding & Investments (PFI)
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Head of Global Structured Credit
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Global Head of Currencies and Emerging Markets
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Leader of Global Commodities Trading
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Co-Chair of the Global Markets Investment Committee
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Member of the Firmwide Investment Policy Committee
Rather than chasing short-term gains, he focused on building durable businesses—platforms that combined innovation with rigorous risk control.
Ram Sundaram: The 2008 Financial Crisis – Calm Leadership in Chaos
Perhaps the defining chapter of the Ram Sundaram legacy came during the global financial crisis of 2008.
While markets unraveled and institutions faltered, the PFI group under his leadership navigated volatility with extraordinary precision. His ten-member team generated over $4 billion in profits between 2007 and 2009, largely by identifying structural weaknesses in credit markets and purchasing protection against large-scale defaults.
This period cemented his reputation as a “trading whale”—not because of reckless bets, but because of deep conviction backed by disciplined analysis.
Landmark Deals That Redefined Modern Finance
Ram Sundaram’s influence extended well beyond crisis management. He played a pivotal role in some of the most innovative financial structures of the modern era.
United Airlines Financing (2020)
During one of aviation’s darkest moments, he helped structure a $6.8 billion financing for United Airlines, using the airline’s frequent-flyer program as collateral—a groundbreaking solution that preserved liquidity and confidence.
Global Structured Transactions
His teams were credited with designing early bond transactions for Malaysia’s 1MDB fund, showcasing technical brilliance in structuring, even as he remained entirely uninvolved in later controversies.
Across decades, his work consistently reflected one theme: finance, when used responsibly, can be a stabilizing force.
Leadership Beyond Titles: Mentorship and Legacy
Despite holding some of the most senior roles at Goldman Sachs, Ram Sundaram remained deeply committed to mentorship. He is widely credited with guiding and shaping a generation of leaders, particularly professionals of Indian origin navigating global finance.
His leadership style emphasized:
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Thoughtful risk-taking
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Intellectual honesty
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Long-term accountability
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Empowering teams rather than controlling them
These values became embedded in the businesses he built and the people he mentored.
Life After Goldman Sachs: Investor, Advisor, Builder
After retiring from Goldman Sachs in early 2021, Ram Sundaram transitioned seamlessly into his next chapter.
Today, he:
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Serves as a Senior Advisor at Alastar
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Operates as a private investor across public and private markets
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Advises on complex financing, structured lending, and capital allocation
His work continues to influence markets—quietly, thoughtfully, and with the same discipline that defined his Wall Street career.
Philanthropy: Purpose Beyond Profit
Beyond finance, Ram Sundaram’s impact is deeply human.
He serves as the Chair of the Board of the Child Mind Institute in New York, supporting mental health research and care for children globally. He is also:
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A Board Member of the Child Mind Institute
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A member of the Dean’s Council at NYU Tisch School of the Arts
His philanthropic contributions span:
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Polio eradication programs in India
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Need-based scholarships at IIT Madras, NYU, and the University of Rochester
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Support for schools serving students with special needs
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Travel grants for students and scholars at IIT Madras
For him, success finds its highest meaning when it uplifts others.
Ram Sundaram: Recognition and Enduring Influence
In recognition of his achievements, Ram Sundaram received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from both IIT Madras and the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester.