Event Name: Artha – ISB Flagship Finance Event

Objective: The event was to make sure that students get the opportunity to meet industry leaders across different companies, meet different minds and form a good networking connection which will help them in their personal and professional development

Outcome: All the students had an insightful day as they were given the opportunity to learn new things, meet new people and understand their point of view.

Report

The Mint Club – Finance Club of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management - Hyderabad, organized a visit to ISB to attend the flagship event called as “Artha – Flagship Finance Event” for the students of MBA Batch 2022-2024 and 2023-2025 on 27 th August 2023. The visit aimed to provide students with insights into the basic concepts of finance. The event served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, insights, and discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the finance industry.

Speaker: Vikas Goel (MD & CEO of PNB Gilts)

Vikas Goel, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PNB Gilts, delivered an insightful presentation on the dynamics of the government bond market and its connection to interest rates. His talk also included an overview of the company's quarterly Profit After Tax (PAT) results. Mr. Goel began by elucidating the fundamental relationship between government bonds and interest rates. He explained that government bonds play a pivotal role in the broader financial ecosystem as they are considered one of the safest investment options available. The interest rates on these bonds, often referred to as "risk-free rates," have a profound impact on the overall interest rate structure in the economy. He highlighted how changes in government bond yields can influence interest rates across the financial sector. When government bond yields rise, it generally leads to an increase in borrowing costs for banks, corporations, and individuals. Conversely, a decline in bond yields tends to lower borrowing costs, thereby stimulating economic activity. This intricate interplay between government bonds and interest rates underscores the importance of monitoring government debt securities in financial decision- making. Mr. Goel proceeded to share the quarterly Profit After Tax (PAT) results of PNB Gilts. He emphasized the company's commitment to transparency and its dedication to delivering value to shareholders. The PAT results serve as a crucial metric for assessing the financial health and performance of the organization.

During his presentation, Mr. Goel provided an overview of the company's financial performance, including revenue figures, expenses, and net profit. This information would be of particular interest to investors, analysts, and stakeholders in assessing PNB Gilts' growth and profitability over the specified quarter.

Vikas Goel's presentation shed light on the intricate relationship between government bonds and interest rates, emphasizing their significance in the financial landscape. He also demonstrated PNB Gilts' dedication to transparency and provided insights into the company's quarterly financial performance. This information is valuable for investors and industry observers seeking to understand the dynamics of government bonds and the performance of PNB Gilts in the market.

Overall, Mr. Goel's presentation offered valuable insights into the financial sector and PNB Gilts' role within it, making it a noteworthy event for anyone interested in finance and investments.

Speaker: Mr. Sushant Bhansali (CEO of Ambet Asset Management)

Mr. Sushant Bhansali, the Chief Executive Officer of Ambet Asset Management, delivered an engaging and informative presentation on various aspects of financial literacy and investment strategies. His talk encompassed topics ranging from the fundamentals of investing in the equity market to stock selection, returns, diversification, and the importance of tailoring investment portfolios to individual risk profiles. Mr. Bhansali commenced his presentation by emphasizing the critical role of financial literacy in personal finance and investment decisions. He highlighted that being financially literate empowers individuals to make informed choices, manage their money effectively, and secure their financial future. He then delved into the intricacies of investing in the equity market. He discussed the benefits of equity investments, such as the potential for high returns over the long term. Mr. Bhansali likely covered key concepts like risk tolerance, investment horizon, and the importance of setting clear investment goals. Mr. Bhansali provided valuable insights into the process of selecting stocks for investment. He discussed fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and other methodologies for evaluating stocks. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research before investing in any company. Understanding how to pick stocks and the expected returns from these investments were key takeaways from his presentation. Diversification, a cornerstone of investment strategy, was another critical topic discussed. Mr. Bhansali emphasized that spreading investments across a range of stocks can help mitigate risk and improve the potential for stable returns. He illustrated this concept with real-life examples and strategies for building diversified portfolios. One of the notable points from Mr. Bhansali's presentation was his focus on customizing investment portfolios based on an individual's unique risk profile. He explained that not all investors have the same risk tolerance, financial goals, or time horizons. Crafting a portfolio that aligns with an individual's specific circumstances is crucial for long-term success. Mr. Sushant Bhansali's presentation on financial literacy, equity market investing, stock selection, diversification, and risk profile analysis provided attendees with valuable insights into the world of finance and investments. His comprehensive approach to empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions and tailor their investment strategies to their needs and risk profiles was both educational and enlightening. This presentation is a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their financial knowledge and investment acumen.

Speaker: Mr. V Vaidyanathan (MD & CEO of IDFC First Bank)

Mr. V Vaidyanathan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IDFC First Bank, delivered an enlightening and insightful presentation. He shared key insights into the journey of IDFC First Bank, its core values, and strategies to enhance customer relationships. Additionally, he discussed the bank's commitment to ethical practices and its efforts to simplify banking for customers. Mr. Vaidyanathan began his presentation by sharing the remarkable journey of IDFC First Bank from a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) to a full-fledged bank. He explained the challenges and regulatory processes involved in obtaining a banking license through a merger with IDFC Bank. This transformation likely demonstrated the bank's commitment to providing a wider range of financial services to its customers. One of the central themes of Mr. Vaidyanathan's presentation was the importance of core values, with ethics being a cornerstone. He stressed that maintaining ethical standards is fundamental to the bank's operations. This commitment to ethical practices not only builds trust with customers but also fosters a strong organizational culture. Mr. Vaidyanathan inspired the audience by highlighting the bank's philosophy of prioritizing people above all else. He emphasized that employees, customers, and stakeholders are at the heart of the bank's operations. Building strong customer relationships was a key focus, and he shared strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experience and satisfaction. The speaker discussed the bank's efforts to make banking easier and more accessible for its customers. He highlighted specific steps and innovations, such as user-friendly digital platforms, streamlined processes, and reduced fees, aimed at simplifying the banking experience. Mr. Vaidyanathan addressed the issue of fees charged by other banks and how IDFC First Bank distinguishes itself in this regard. He pointed out that the bank is committed to transparency in its fee structure, and certain charges that are levied by other banks are offered to customers free of cost by IDFC First Bank.

Overall, through its engaging activities, and networking opportunities, the event contributed to the exchange of ideas and the exploration of emerging trends in the finance industry. It benefitted students and left with enhanced insights and a deeper understanding of the dynamic landscape of finance, ready to navigate its challenges and its opportunities.