Distance is not a barrier to grow, proves Ramesh Bhat who has brought IFAs across the country together as a collective voice of industry through an association called IFA Galaxy.
The association was started by a group of 20 people in August 2009 in Chennai with the goal of sharing information and knowledge with IFAs across India. The association attracted 1000 IFAs within 8 months of formation due to persistent efforts of Ramesh. Now, the association has 10,500 IFAs.
Ramesh observed that many IFAs found it difficult to reach out to AMCs and SEBI with their grievances. He then decided, through his association,to resolve their grievances by approaching AMCs and put forth their demands before the market regulator. “Initially, the association’s objective was to share knowledge but now we are focusing on taking demands and grievances of IFA community to SEBI and fund houses,” said Ramesh.
Born in a middle class family, Ramesh completed his intermediate exam in 1984 and became a sub-broker with Bajaj Capital to fund his graduation. In 1987, after he graduated, he joined a company as an audit accountant where he was also involved in the sales of financial products. Very soon, he developed a keen interest in financial markets. A few years later, he and his wife Anita pursued CFP and floated their own firm. Today, they have 1800 clients and have asset under advisory of Rs 115 crore.
Ramesh believes in empowering IFAs with knowledge and skills through his association. He aims to connect all the IFAs across the country and create a national level association for IFAs so that they can effectively put forth the demands of entire IFA community before the regulator.
His passion for MF industry makes him travel across the country. He can be easily spotted in any major event in the mutual fund industry. He loves to spend time with his peers and help them by taking up their problems with the right authorities. MFRT felicitated him with the Samman award for his dedication to the cause of the IFA community.
