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What are the key investor trends that you noticed in 2024?
There was a shift in investor behavior, with a growing number of investors looking at PMS. Investors have become more open to using technology be it doing online KYC or execution of transactions.
Investors are more educated today as they now understand how volatility works, with many now recognizing it as an opportunity to invest during market corrections. Despite this, considering the high returns of the year two years, some investors may have unrealistic expectations.
What skills will be essential for MFDs in 2025?
MFDs should keep educating their clients to deal with their behavioral biases. Also, MFDs should focus on building a client servicing team along with brand building to grow business in 2025.
The last few years have been good for the distribution community largely because of markets. How can distributors sustain this growth and ensure that this momentum remains intact?
MFDs should promote SIPs and STPs to help investors build long-term investment habits, regardless of market conditions.
They should also improve existing client relationships through strategic use of AI and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to deliver personalized solutions.
Direct plan platforms have gained a lot of traction in recent times. In fact, direct plan platforms have opened 40% of SIP accounts in the last one year. What are you doing to remain relevant for investors?
An MFD offers services that direct plans can’t replicate. MFDs add value by offering investment process, detailed research, transparency and deal with investors biases.
MFDs should offer regular reviews to help clients stay on track to meet their goals. This will prove to clients that we are a vital partner in their investment journey.
Adding women investors is one of the top priorities of the industry. How are you going about acquiring women clients?
Empowering women investors is a top priority for me. I am planning to host exclusive sessions with inspirational speakers like Radhika Gupta and Monika Halan, focusing on the importance of saving and investing for financial independence. These sessions will help spread awareness to women investors on the importance of saving and investing.
I've already begun conducting regular financial literacy sessions with women teachers at local schools.
What investor segment do you think is underserved and offers potential for growth?
The rural population and low-income groups in India remain underserved but hold significant growth potential. These groups need support to navigate financial complexities. While I’ve reached out to them through media columns, there’s still much work to be done. We need to find innovative ways to engage with these communities to bring them the financial knowledge and resources they need to succeed.
What technology do you plan on implementing in the coming year?
In the coming year, I’m excited to use AI to better analyze data, gain insight and enhance decision-making.
For MFDs, AI has the potential to revolutionize both client servicing and investment process and enable MFDs to provide more personalized and effective solutions to investors. In this changing industry, embracing this technology will help MFDs bring value to our clients.
