Skilledge Digi Gurukul Academy, a training institute recently organised a webinar on the importance of constant learning. Its MD & CEO, Goutam Karmakar, CFP emphasised the significance of NISM Investment Adviser Certification for gaining deeper industry insights.
Goutam spoke about 12 MFDs who accomplished NISM Investment Adviser (Level 2) i.e. NISM Series X-B through a five-day plan, which was designed by Goutam himself.
Names of 12 commando MFDs who cleared NISM Series X-B in Sep 21:
- Anshuk Tiwary - Harda, Madhya Pradesh
- Anup Mukerjee - Delhi
- Arunmoy Sur - Kolkata, West Bengal
- Jyoti Pandya - Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Kushal Saowgi - Guwahati, Assam
- Narendar Kumar - Chennai, Tamilnadu
- Pankaj Kumar Gera - Delhi
- Rajshekharayya Hawaldar - Bangalore, Karnataka
- Ramkrishna Gokuldas Shenoy - Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Srirang Kirloskar - Sangli, Maharashtra
- Subir Basu - Hooghly, West Bengal
- Vipan Aggarwal - Hoshiarpur, Punjab
Notably, Anshuk, Pankaj, Rajshekharayya, Ramkrishna and Vipan completed both the levels of NISM Investment Adviser in the same month.
Key learnings from their journey:
Each MFD echoed the practical utility of the course. Listening to their inspiring stories, Cafemutual has compiled together some useful pointers that can help in continuous learning.
Experience must be backed by learning
Arunmoy, Subir and Srirang hold extensive experience of almost two decades or more. Understanding the need of complementing practical experience with upskilling, these MFDs appeared for NISM Series X-B.
Learning helps to impart financial literacy
After serving the Indian Army for a decade, Maj. Jyoti (Retd) embarked on the journey of spreading financial education and ensuring investor welfare. She believes that MFDs can become a financial mentor for clients only if they keep themselves updated with the latest trends and development in the industry.
Learning helps to add more value to clients’ life
Having an NISM certification to distribute mutual funds is not enough. MFDs can add value to their clients life by offering services like tax planning and estate planning by doing different certification courses, believe Ramkrishna and Pankaj.
Leverage technology to learn
Anshuk hails from a remote location and the non-availability of adequate resources often poses challenges. However, he leveraged digitalisation to procure additional certifications. Likewise, Vipan who also hails from a remote location, used technology to learn and study further.
Mathematics and language skills are important
Narendar polished his numeric skills by practising on MS Excel & financial calculators. Additionally, Anup also sharpened his language skills. Mathematics and language skills can help MFDs do complex calculation and improve soft skills, respectively
Brainstorming with peers is a useful exercise
From Rajshekharayya, we learn that meaningful discussions with peers help in understanding the nuances of being an investment advisor better
Learning is possible along with other professional commitments
Kushal currently works full-time with a fintech startup. Initially, he found it challenging to balance studies with work; however, peer motivation and a planned approach got him going. Today, he has started MF distribution on full time basis
For evaluating the efficiency of his five-day plan, Goutam, also appeared for NISM Series-XB along with his commandos. Goutam who is also the president of Independent Consultants & Advisor Association (ICAA), said, “The only way to survive and flourish in a competitive environment is through constant learning and skill development.”
The webinar also hosted Sarbani Roy, CFP, Corporate Trainer and Nishant Patnaik, CFP and Associate Editor, Cafemutual. Sarbani shared her views on NISM Investment Adviser Certification, while Nishant spoke about the future of the distribution business and the way forward post the completion of the certification.
