How did you get the idea of introducing ‘The Volatility Game’?
While financial awareness programs conducted by advisors are very informative, they tend to be number and jargon heavy. Research shows that when you learn information in an enjoyable atmosphere, you retain key leanings better. This gave me the idea to develop ‘The Volatility Game’, which explains financial concepts in a fun way through a game. Initially (in 2014), I used to run the program for my clients. However, in 2017, I realised that other advisors too could benefit from it. Today, 96 trained volatility coaches conduct these programs regularly for their existing and prospective clients. Our product bouquet too has expanded from a single game to 16 games covering topics like equity markets, mutual funds, debt markets, options and derivatives.
Can you briefly describe the game for our readers?
It is a board game, which can be played on video screen. A typical session has around 150 participants. These participants are divided into teams. On the screen, the participants see various signals such as Sensex PE. Based on these signals, the teams decide whether to invest in equity or debt. The screen displays the returns generated due to these decisions. In between the game, the advisor conducts a presentation on financial concepts.
Who should play this game?
The game is designed mainly for e investors to explain important investment concepts to them. The 90-minute version of the volatility game is in fact exclusively for investors. However, some games such as the debt market game and the full day Volatility Game are designed for advisors. The full day volatility game trains advisors on how to conduct the 90-minute game and also gives them client management tips.
Can you highlight key benefits of playing this game?
The participants assimilate investment concepts better as they learn through the medium of a game. It also helps investors understand asset allocation and portfolio rebalancing between debt and equity better as the participants see performance of different assets in different markets.
How should an advisor play this game? What are the subscription fees?
The advisor should attend our workshop to understand how to best use the game to spread financial literacy among clients. Currently, our registration fees is Rs. 32,000 for lifetime membership. A member can use any of the 16 games to engage with his clients. The members also get white labelled WhatsApp messages, videos and blogs, which they can share with their clients. In addition, we share other useful resources and organise master classes by experts help advisors grow their business.
You have been invited to Australia to share insights of this game. Can you share something about this?
Westpac, a leading Australian bank invited me to hold a session for their employees. All the attendees appreciated the session. We have created an Australian version of the game, which uses the Australian equity indices and investment indicators. I am now planning to present the Volatility Game at the American Finance Association (AFA) conference, which has over 5,000 advisors in attendance.
What would be the update on this game going forward?
Our aim is to introduce more addictive and interactive features. The UK and USA version of the game are also in the pipeline.
On a side note, in December we are planning to introduce 2-day certification courses covering financial planning, debt markets, derivatives; in short we plan to cover the entire universe of financial products and services. We will conduct these courses using volatility games.
