As conversations around Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs) gather momentum, MFDs/advisors are focusing on simplifying the category for clients. The Cafemutual SIF Summit saw industry leaders talk about investor concerns, client conversations and the role SIFs could play in portfolios.
The panel featured Gajendra Kothari, MD and CEO, Etica Wealth, Komal Narang, Chief Client Officer, Jio BlackRock AMC and Vishranth Suresh, Co-founder & CEO, AssetPlus, with the session moderated by Prem Khatri, Founder & CEO, Cafemutual.
Have you started discussing SIFs with clients yet?
Responding to Prem Khatri’s question on whether Etica Wealth has started discussing SIFs with clients, Gajendra Kothari said the firm is still taking a measured approach towards the category.
“We strongly believe in skin in the game. First, we will invest our own money, understand the strategies deeply and then gradually take it to clients,” he said.
Kothari added that SIFs should not be positioned as products that can generate quick returns overnight and advisors need to first understand how these strategies perform across market conditions.
Are clients themselves asking about SIFs?
On the other hand, Vishranth Suresh said younger investors are already showing strong interest in SIFs, with many clients themselves initiating conversations around the category.
“A large part of my clients is in the 28-32 age group and they tend to be early adopters. Many clients themselves have brought up SIFs because they are aware of the product,” he said.
According to Suresh, younger investors are attracted by the idea of accessing advanced strategies and hedge fund-like structures through regulated investment products.
Where do SIFs fit in a client portfolio?
Speaking about portfolio positioning, Komal Narang said the starting point should always be identifying gaps in a client’s existing allocation.
“The first question should be what purpose the product serves in the portfolio. Over the last few years, portfolios have become heavily skewed towards long-only equity and SIFs can help provide uncorrelated strategies and diversification,” she said.
Narang added that SIFs can potentially provide access to areas such as REITs, InvITs, merger arbitrage and IPO-based strategies in a more tax-efficient structure.
“We see SIFs as complementary strategies rather than core portfolio replacements,” she said.
To watch the full session and hear how advisors are positioning SIFs for clients click on the link here: https://youtu.be/urEHntp6GWw?si=rOD3sqoIJvv4ViK3
Cafemutual is set to host the Bangalore edition of its flagship SIF event, the Cafemutual SIF Summit, on Thursday, June 24, 2026, at The Chancery Pavilion, Bangalore.
The summit will present a comprehensive view of SIFs, covering their structure, regulatory evolution, distribution frameworks, and long-term role in India’s financial landscape. It will bring together asset managers, distributors, wealth advisors, and regulators to discuss and shape the future of this new asset class.
Secure your seat today for the Cafemutual SIF Summit 2026, Bangalore, by clicking here: https://www.cafemutualevents.com/
Like what you are reading?
Login to get instant access to this article and many other such articles on business
development, success stories and industry updates.
Don’t worry … it’s FREE!