Obituary: Pravin Banker, 82, Of Greenwich

Courtesy of Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home

Pravin Banker, of Greenwich, passed away January 21, 2024, at age 82.

He was born June 5, 1941, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Shantikumar & Kanta Banker. At the age of 17, he immigrated to the United States from Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka), to attend Columbia University, where he would earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degree within 5 years.

Pravin’s expertise in finance was cultivated over 50 years. In 1973, he oversaw and managed 43 of IBM World Trade Subsidiaries in Latin America, Asia and the Far East. He also directed treasury operations of these regions for IBM from 1979-1982, during which time, he navigated the complex Argentina and Mexican Peso crises. Pravin was one of the first participants in the emerging country debt markets.

From 1984 until as recently as 2022, he provided advice and counsel, along with effectuating transactions for numerous multinational corporations and banks including, Banco Nacional, Banco Itau, both in Brazil, Banamex and Vitro, of Mexico, Supreme Industries and Kothari Group of India, and in the US, Mellon Bank, Fleet Bank, Eli Lilly, Ralston and Kraft.

With his superior knowledge of the financial industry, Pravin began his own financial company, Global Financial Network, which he proudly operated and managed for 25 years. He has authored numerous articles on international and emerging country markets that have appeared in various publications, including The Harvard Business Review and in addition, he has lectured at many university forums.

He had been enjoying his retirement in his home in Greenwich where he also loved to read, explore nature and travel abroad.

Pravin is survived by his devoted wife, Huguette Banker; this coming March would have marked 48 years of marriage for the two. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Cedric Banker and Nathalie Banker Lencsak, along with grandchildren, Hunter, Hudson and Harlow Lencsak, and his siblings Kusum Sawla, Jitu Banker, and Rajni Banker.

Family and friends will gather in Pravin’s honor on Saturday, February 3 from 4pm to 6pm at The Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home located at 134 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich, 203-869-0315.