Invest Intelligently in Your Future Wealth: Times Conversations at Birla Academy

In the latest edition of Times Conversations, organised by The Times of India in association with Bengal Institute of Business Studies, industry leaders projected a strong growth trajectory for India’s mutual fund sector over the coming decade. The event was held at the iconic Birla Academy of Art and Culture and centered around the theme “Road Ahead – Mutual Funds.”

The discussion brought together senior leaders from leading asset management companies and fintech platforms, who shared practical insights on disciplined investing, portfolio strategy, and the increasing role of technology in shaping investor behaviour.

An Esteemed Panel of Industry Experts

The panel featured prominent names from India’s financial services ecosystem:

• Ajit Srivastava – Asst. VP & Regional Head (WB & JH), DSP Mutual Fund

• Kapil Mallick – Zonal Head – East, SBI Mutual Fund

• Nitin Goel – Deputy Zonal Head – Kolkata, Nippon AMC

• Soumyajit Ghosh – Founder, WealthApp

• Vidur Kapoor – Chairman, BIBS

Their collective expertise provided attendees with both macroeconomic perspectives and actionable investment strategies relevant to today’s volatile markets.

Key Insights from the Discussion

1. Risk Must Match the Investment Horizon

One of the strongest messages that emerged from the session was the importance of aligning risk appetite with time horizon. Panelists noted that short-term investments demand safer instruments such as debt funds or fixed-income options, while long-term goals allow investors to benefit from equity exposure.

As highlighted during the discussion, reacting emotionally to short-term market movements can disrupt long-term wealth creation.

2. Asset Allocation Over Market Timing

The experts unanimously agreed that consistent asset allocation and disciplined portfolio management outperform attempts to time the market.

Rather than chasing short-term gains or exiting during corrections, investors should focus on structured allocation strategies and periodic rebalancing. Staying invested through cycles, they emphasized, often proves more rewarding than frequent entry and exit.

3. Diversification is Essential

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, diversification remains fundamental.

From domestic equities to global exposure and sectoral diversification, spreading risk across asset classes reduces volatility impact. The panel stressed that concentration risk can significantly erode returns during uncertain times.

4. Technology & Analytics Are Reshaping Investing

The mutual fund industry is undergoing rapid digital transformation.

With the integration of AI-driven analytics, data-backed insights, and user-friendly digital platforms, investors today have greater transparency and access than ever before. Technology is enabling informed decision-making and improving investor confidence, particularly among younger demographics entering the market.

5. India’s Mutual Fund Growth Story

The session also highlighted India’s expanding mutual fund penetration. While global MF penetration levels are significantly higher, India is witnessing steady growth driven by:

• Rising financial literacy

• Increased retail participation

• Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) culture

• Digital onboarding processes

Industry leaders projected substantial long-term growth as more households move from traditional savings instruments to market-linked investment avenues.

Investing Through Market Volatility

A recurring theme throughout the conversation was the importance of long-term commitment.

Panelists observed that earlier, investors often panicked during market corrections. However, with increased awareness, investor education initiatives, and consistent engagement from fund houses, behaviour is gradually shifting toward disciplined investing.

The message was clear: Stay invested, stay disciplined, and trust the process.

BIBS: Bridging Academia and Industry

By hosting this edition of Times Conversations, BIBS once again demonstrated its commitment to industry-integrated education.

Students had the opportunity to directly interact with top financial leaders, understand real-world portfolio strategies, and gain insights into emerging investment trends. Such exposure goes beyond textbook learning — preparing future managers to navigate dynamic financial markets with analytical clarity and strategic thinking.

Through initiatives like these, BIBS continues to strengthen its position as a forward-looking institution focused on nurturing industry-ready, technology-driven management professionals capable of leading in India’s evolving financial landscape.