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AIFs are only for HNIs – Should small investors invest in AIFs? 

January 30, 2024

In our childhood, remember, there were few things that were only for our elder siblings? We used to play with small toys, such as lighter cricket bats made of plastic or even softballs, but we witnessed that our senior siblings used to play with hard balls, wooden bats, and some high-end games. And this was not only limited to sports but also to studies as well.

We used to have a less difficult syllabus to study, whereas our seniors used to study day in and day out as their subjects were hard. This fact is self-explanatory. We didn’t have the calibre, age, mindset, and talent to study and play at the senior level. But gradually, as we grew, we started participating in those events or learning the harder subjects.

This is somewhat true of Alternate Investment Funds in India. Experts advise small investors not to invest in AIFs. Investing in Alternative Investment Funds requires a sizable corpus; it might not be the best choice for small investors who wish to make regular small investments. As a result, AIFs are typically thought to be appropriate for large investors, such as HNIs (high-net-worth individuals), who are prepared to take on greater risk and have the capacity to invest a sizable sum of money at once.

Before we dive in and look at why HNIs invest in Alternative Investment Funds in India, let’s briefly understand what AIFs, or Alternative Investment Funds, are.

What is an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)?

AIF, or Alternative Investment Fund, is a private pooled investment vehicle that makes investments in alternative asset classes like derivatives, real estate, commodities, hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital. Since the investment amount in AIFs is significantly higher, HNIs (high-net-worth individuals) and institutions generally invest in them.

Why do HNIs invest in AIFs?

Investors who are looking for alternatives to traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds and diversification, as well as the possibility of higher returns, may find AIFs an appealing choice. Investors may want to think about making an AIF investment for the following reasons:

  1. Possibility of Higher Returns: Since AIFs are exposed to a wider range of assets and investment strategies than traditional investments, they may provide higher returns than the latter. But there’s a higher risk associated with this higher return.
  2. Diversification: Alternative investment funds (AIFs), which give investors access to hedge funds, real estate, and private equity among other asset classes, facilitate portfolio diversification. Know the role of AIFs in diversification here.
  3. Low Volatility: Compared to other investments like equity or mutual fund investments, AIFs are less volatile because they are not correlated with the stock market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, because AIFs are complex products, only experienced investors should consider them as a good option for diversification. Alternative investment funds enable them to access exclusive investing techniques and diversify their portfolios.

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In and Out of Wealth Management – How Much Money is Required for Wealth Management?

January 24, 2024

Buying an expensive car or a mere ₹1000/- earphones, we try to keep everything on a budget. Today, in a fast-paced era, it is essential to keep a check on your expenses and income, as you need to create a balance between them. You don’t want to find yourself in a place where you have spent more than you have earned or are likely to earn.

The tale of wealth management is not different from our budgeting. But what if we tell you that there is no hard and fast rule in terms of how much money you need to get wealth management services, as it solely depends on your portfolio, assets, your goal, and the organization you choose to manage your private wealth?

Before we discuss this in detail, let’s understand wealth management first, briefly.

What are wealth management services?

Wealth management is a comprehensive service that caters to individuals with significant assets, assisting them in expanding their wealth, mitigating liability risks, and developing plans for transferring their wealth to their chosen beneficiaries. Wealth management services provide a holistic approach to the financial situation of clients with higher net worth, as opposed to working with an advisor who only focuses on financial planning or investment management.

So now that you know about wealth management, let’s discuss how much money you need for a wealth management service.

To answer this question, there is no set rule of minimum and maximum access to wealth management services. This thoroughly depends on firms and individual wealth managers and how much they consider managing your assets, portfolio, wealth, etc. As mentioned, each organization has different minimum requirements.

What are the duties of a wealth manager?

Wealth management solutions are tailor-made and client-specific. So, the products and investment types are suggested based on your preferences. Your risk appetite, timeline, liabilities, assets, etc., are kept in mind before devising a plan of action. Wealth manager offers various services such as:

  1. Providing a range of financial services: A wealth manager’s duties extend beyond simple advice. Rather, they provide a range of financial services, including wealth management, wealth creation opportunities, and plan review at regular intervals.
  2. Tax management – Tax management, retirement planning (annuity plans), managing personal finances, and insurance planning are some of the responsibilities of a wealth manager.
  3. Professional knowledge – Wealth managers specialize in particular areas of finance. To manage wealth, they thus provide their professional knowledge in a variety of distinctive fields.

Just knowing about this is not enough if you do not know how to choose the right wealth manager. This blog discussed things you need to know before hiring a professional wealth manager.

Conclusion

The decision to take assistance from wealth management services or a wealth manager, this solely depends on your financial goals and situations. If you have clarity about your financial goals or firm’s objectives then this should be in line with wealth management solutions. Choose a strategy or wealth manager that helps you grow and protect your wealth.

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New Year Resolution? Avoid these 5 mutual fund investment mistakes in 2024

January 23, 2024

We are now into the new year 2024. With newer hopes and aspirations, everyone has celebrated the new year in their own way. But one thing that we all agree on is not repeating our mistakes from last year. Smart people always keep learning, as Da Vinci famously said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.”

As we are putting our steps into 2024, what mutual fund solution mistakes do you need to avoid? In this blog, we’ll discuss the same.

Avoid 5 mutual fund solutions mistakes while investing

Making mistakes is natural but learning from mistakes and not repeating them is wisdom. Knowing the following will make you wiser:

  1. Don’t chase the performance of a particular fund –  Leave the chase to the authorities or films. It is always tempting when you witness a fund giving you huge returns and you feel all your dreams are about to come true. But, unfortunately, it doesn’t happen with most funds because top-performing funds change every year.
  2. Don’t compare apples with oranges –  You cannot compare a movie with a sitcom. The same goes for mutual fund solutions. While you invest in mutual funds, you cannot compare a small-cap fund with a large-cap fund, as both funds have a different approach to the market. The comparison should be done based on the right peers, categories, and benchmarks.
  3. Don’t invest without a goal – You make new-year resolutions to achieve them. Similarly, you cannot invest in a mutual fund without a goal. You can look for mutual fund solutions to have clarity on how to achieve your financial goals this new year.
  4. Don’t invest without a financial advisor – While welcoming this new year, it is advisable to seek professional help while investing in mutual funds. Many reputed firms and financial advisors provide expertise in mutual fund solutions.
  5. Don’t set your expectations too high – Whether in life or mutual fund investments, you cannot set expectations that are beyond the realm of reality. You can achieve your financial goals, but they need to be realistic and well-planned.

Things you need to consider while investing in mutual fund solutions:

We have mentioned a few pointers that you need to avoid while investing. Here are a few things you can apply this year during the new year.

  • Financial goals – This new year, keep your financial goals in mind and stay focused while you invest.
  • Balance your portfolio – Things change with time. You need to review your portfolio and change it if necessary.
  • Investment horizon – Remember your investment horizon, don’t deviate from your goals.
  • Diversification – If you haven’t diversified your asset allocation in the past year or have created a diversified portfolio, then you need to view it and diversify accordingly.
  • Avoid behavioral investing – Emotions are good to have, but it will be great if you keep them out of your investment strategy. Try to avoid them while investing.

 If you are wondering what the traits of equity and debt funds are, you can read our blog by clicking here.

Conclusion

You have 366 opportunities in 2024, so take full advantage of them and avoid mistakes while investing in mutual fund solutions. 2023 is a story of the past; you need to look forward with a more positive frame of mind.

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Empowering Education Beyond Classrooms: KFintech’s CSR Activity at CSIR-IICT Hyderabad

January 19, 2024

Businesses have the power to lead and create impactful change, contributing to a world where they thrive and grow but also uplift communities.

In this spirit, KFintech’s recent CSR initiative brought together 83 students and 3 lecturers from Telangana Tribal Welfare Residential Degree College (TTWRDC) Women College Mahabubabad for an insightful visit to CSIR-IICT Hyderabad. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, with the opportunity to witness cutting-edge research and development.

Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. In India, it is one of the oldest National Laboratories and a reliable destination for chemical and biotech industries.

Exploring Bio-Hydrogen Reactors and Environmental Conservation

One of the key highlights of the visit was the exploration of bio-hydrogen reactors, where the students learned about their processes and their significance in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Pheromones and Innovative Pest Control Strategies

Dr. Kariyanna B, scientist in the Fluoro-Agrochemicals Division at IICT, explained to the students about pheromones and their application in monitoring target pests, shedding light on innovative approaches to pest control.

Atmospheric Water Generator: A Solution to Water Scarcity

The demonstration of an atmospheric water generator added a practical dimension to the visit. In a world with water scarcity, students witnessed firsthand a technology designed to extract water from the atmosphere.

Biogas Production from Organic Waste

The students also learned about the process of generating biogas (CH4) using rotten vegetables and fruits, helping them understand waste management and renewable energy sources.

Gratitude & Testimonials from TTWRDC Women’s College Mahabubabad

The gratitude expressed by the students and staff of TTWRDC Women’s College Mahabubabad echoed the success of this initiative. Testimonials highlighted the invaluable knowledge gained during the visit.

T Hampi (BSc, 2nd Year ) – “We were happy to see the KFintech team as sponsors and I think we are the luckiest people. I never expected such a wonderful opportunity. We are blessed. When I was on my way to the visit I did not know anything, but on my return, I gained a lot of knowledge. I shared my experience with my friends and family members.”

T Prayusha (Food and Nutrition Course, 2nd Year) – “The trainer explained all concepts very well. Thanks to KFintech for providing us with food and cold drinks along with this wonderful opportunity.”

B Divya (MPC Student, 3rd Year) – “Experiments shown to us were very interesting. The concept of ‘Gobar Gas’ was very interesting. We enjoyed the trip a lot and thanks to KFintech for sponsoring such a wonderful trip.”

Conclusion

The visit to CSIR-IICT Hyderabad not only provided an understanding of scientific principles but also transformed the way education is perceived among the students of TTWRDC Women’s College Mahabubabad. The collaborative efforts of CSIR-IICT, KFintech CSR volunteers, and the participating students exemplify the power of such initiatives in shaping the future of education and student development.

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Things You Need to Consider to Choose a Wealth Manager

January 2, 2024

Are you interested in any kind of sports? Let’s assume you like Cricket then you must have heard the term ‘Player of the Series”. How a team of experts chooses a player out of 22 to give him/her the best player of the matches. There must be some criteria, the past performance, current performance, decision-making ability, and performance all through the tournament.

Now, if you are being asked how to select a fund manager for your wealth management, how do you identify the best of the best? If this question bothers you then don’t worry, in this blog, you will get to know about the qualities of a wealth manager to give almost perfect wealth management solutions.

Before we delve into the qualities of a fund manager, let’s put light on wealth management services.

What are Wealth Management Services?

Wealth management refers to the process of managing your wealth, sometimes with the help of a wealth manager. It includes, but is not limited to, investing, tax and estate planning, and other financial activities. The aim of private wealth management is for you to be financially secure and to grow and safeguard your wealth. A wealth manager is a licensed professional who offers financial services and advice to clients who require wealth management.

Now, let’s have a look at the factors you need to consider before you finalize a manager for private wealth management.

  1. Experience and Qualifications: If a wealth manager has the right educational and professional background in the field of finance then it will be beneficial for your private wealth management. It is always fruitful to check the necessary standards of a wealth manager before you finalize him/her for private wealth management.
  2. Portfolio Reviews: Wealth management is not a commodity that you buy and sell. It needs the expertise of a wealth manager to review the performance of your portfolio. Do discuss the frequency of portfolio reviews with your wealth manager.
  3. Clients: Ensure that the advisor has experience working with clients under similar circumstances to yours. Private wealth management requires intensive research with a clear and balanced approach to achieve goals. It is important that there is a similarity between your expectations and his/her clients’ objectives.
  4. Investment Approach and Philosophy: The advisor will recommend or select strategies for your investment portfolio, so it is important that they share the same approach. Wealth management is a task for professionals whose philosophy should be in line with their goals. 
  5. Fees and Expenses: Do look for advisory fees before you finalize a wealth manager. Wealth management solutions do have some fees. It is important to understand the fee structure.

Conclusion

Choosing a wealth manager is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your private wealth management. Not only will they act as an asset for your wealth management but their guidance and expertise can help you during tough times. So, it is advisable to choose your wealth manager wisely.