Coming together of industry insight and academic excellence, The Times of India, in association with Bengal Institute of Business Studies, hosted a compelling edition of Times Conversations spotlighting India’s exponential rise in mutual fund investments. The session, aptly titled “Road Ahead – Mutual Fund”, brought together leading financial experts to deliberate on India’s evolving wealth landscape and the future of investing.
This high-impact discussion reaffirmed a powerful message: India’s wealth creation story is only just beginning.
Experts at the session highlighted the rapid pace of growth in India’s mutual fund ecosystem. Currently, mutual fund penetration in India stands at around 10% of GDP, significantly lower compared to developed economies. However, projections suggest that penetration could rise to nearly 25% in the next five years, indicating immense untapped potential.
Over the past two decades:
The discussion underscored that India’s economic fundamentals, rising disposable incomes, and expanding middle class are reshaping the country’s investment culture.
One of the strongest insights shared during the debate was the importance of aligning investment choices with time horizons and risk appetite.
“An investor should decide as the risk is commensurate to the time you invest it for. If investing for one year, given the turmoil and uncertainties, one can do liquid fund and fixed deposits.”
Panelists emphasized:
For young investors, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and equity mutual funds were identified as powerful long-term wealth creation tools. Staying invested during volatile phases was highlighted as a critical discipline.
Market volatility often tests investor confidence. However, experts stressed that asset allocation discipline is the key to sustained wealth creation.
“At times it is difficult to move away from the noise of the market but the key is asset allocation by sticking to discipline. The magic of compounding works when you stay invested in the tough times too.”
Earlier, market downturns triggered panic selling. Today, thanks to better awareness, structured investment products, and consistent investor engagement, more investors are using corrections as buying opportunities rather than exit signals.
A major takeaway from the debate was how underpenetrated India’s mutual fund industry still is when compared globally:
This gap represents opportunity. As financial literacy deepens and formal savings rise, the industry is poised for multi-fold expansion in the coming decade.
While automation and AI are transforming financial services, experts clarified that fund management cannot be entirely algorithm-driven. Technology aids analysis and pattern recognition, but investment decisions still require human judgment, interpretation, and strategic thinking.
This balance between technology and human expertise will define the next phase of wealth management in India.
Another key theme was global diversification. Investors were encouraged to explore international exposure rather than restricting portfolios to domestic markets alone. Global allocation can reduce risk concentration and unlock growth opportunities across sectors and geographies.
The evolving Indian investor is no longer confined to traditional products. They are exploring diversified strategies, sectoral funds, and global equities.
By hosting this insightful debate, BIBS reinforced its commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world industry conversations. The event witnessed strong participation from students, industry leaders, and financial professionals, creating a dynamic knowledge-sharing platform.
As a leading MBA college in Kolkata, BIBS continues to empower future business leaders by:
Collaborations with nationally respected platforms like The Times of India elevate the learning experience beyond textbooks - transforming classrooms into arenas of real economic dialogue.
India stands at a historic inflection point:
The message from the panel:
“Invest intelligently, stay disciplined, and think long term.”
The Road Ahead for mutual funds in India is not just promising - it is transformative.
The Times Conversations session was more than a debate - it was a roadmap for India’s financial future. Through meaningful dialogue and expert perspectives, the event inspired students and investors alike to approach wealth creation with clarity, patience, and strategic discipline.
With initiatives like these, BIBS continues to stand at the intersection of education and industry, nurturing informed investors and future business leaders who will shape India’s economic tomorrow.
The future of wealth begins with informed decisions. And the conversation has just begun.
Posted on Feb 19, 2026
Categories Finance Management
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