2025 Monitor NextGen Rohan Prabhu

For Rohan Prabhu, business is about more than transactions — it’s about trust. As an Executive Director and Territory Manager in J.P. Morgan’s Equipment Finance Group, Prabhu has spent the last eight years building relationships that fuel long-term success.

“My journey started 14 years ago as a branch banker,” he says. “Every step along the way taught me about people, listening and delivering value.”

That journey took him from retail banking to home lending to commercial processing before he found his stride in equipment finance. Today, he works with middle market businesses, helping them finance equipment they need.

Education, he says, is a gap — and opportunity — in the industry. “There’s a huge knowledge gap around equipment finance products,” Prabhu says. “Our opportunity is demonstrating the value of our solutions to help businesses achieve their goals.”

For the next generation, Prabhu advocates for early exposure, like introducing equipment finance courses in business school curricula.

He also sees AI’s role in the business. “AI is helping us by aggregating credit information and analyzing market data, so we can personalize solutions for our clients,” he says.

While he’s optimistic about technological innovation, Prabhu notes the equally important role of the human element. “Learning never stops. Every conversation is an opportunity.”

His approach is grounded in a belief that meaningful work starts with meaningful relationships. “I always remind my team: it’s a people business,” he says. “That mindset is foundation for partnerships, client and colleague alike.”

Asked what he’d change in the industry, Prabhu noted an integrated approach for originators, understanding corporate finance just as well as equipment finance. “This creates fulsome strategies, allowing us to evolve while still serving our clients.

“I firmly believe that people prefer to work and do business with those they like and trust, and I prioritize cultivating genuine connections.”