The investment management industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by evolving investor behaviour, technological advancements, and global market trends. The global asset management sector is projected to reach $130 trillion in assets under management (AUM) by 2028, reflecting increasing investor participation and the growing demand for professional wealth management solutions. In India, this shift has been particularly pronounced, with the mutual fund industry expanding nearly fivefold over the past decade to ₹50.8 trillion ($610 billion) in 2024, according to the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).
A key figure contributing to this transformation is Yaseen Sahar, a seasoned investment management professional with nearly two decades of experience. His expertise in mutual fund distribution, wealth advisory, and financial literacy has played a crucial role in shaping India’s investment landscape. Sahar has been instrumental in driving record-breaking mobilizations, particularly in thematic funds, small and mid-cap strategies, which have gained traction among retail and institutional investors. His work has helped deepen retail participation in equity markets, with an increasing number of investors shifting from traditional savings to structured wealth-building strategies.
India’s Growing Mutual Fund Participation: A Shift in Investment Behaviour
Historically, Indian households have favoured fixed deposits, gold, and real estate over market-linked investments. In 2015, mutual fund penetration in India stood at just 7% of GDP, significantly lower than the 90% in the United States and 60% in the United Kingdom. By 2024, this figure had doubled to over 14%, signalling a transformation in investor awareness and financial planning.
Yaseen Sahar has been a key architect in expanding mutual fund participation by developing advisory strategies that simplify complex investment concepts for retail investors. His contributions in investor education and financial literacy initiatives have helped bridge the gap between sophisticated financial products and first-time investors. By leveraging innovative investment strategies and advisory models, Sahar has played a pivotal role in increasing retail participation, particularly in long-term equity investments.
Under his guidance, both ongoing mutual fund schemes and new fund offers (NFOs) have witnessed record-breaking inflows, significantly strengthening India’s capital markets. His leadership in thematic, small- and mid-cap fund strategies has enabled investors to gain exposure to high-growth sectors such as technology, automotive, and energy. His expertise in asset allocation and risk management has influenced investment decision-making, helping investors navigate volatility with confidence.
Expanding Investment Access Beyond Major Cities: The B30 Market Impact
A defining aspect of Sahar’s contributions has been his focus on expanding mutual fund penetration beyond the top 30 cities (T30) into smaller towns and semi-urban regions (B30). These regions have traditionally been underrepresented in equity markets due to limited financial awareness and accessibility. Through targeted financial literacy programs, distributor training, and regional seminars, Sahar has played a vital role in bringing financial education to investors in these emerging markets.
His initiatives have contributed to the rapid growth of B30 assets under management (AUM), which has surged at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% in the past five years, outpacing the growth seen in T30 cities. The increase in Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) registrations from smaller towns further highlights the impact of Sahar’s financial literacy campaigns, which emphasize long-term wealth creation through disciplined investing.
By simplifying investment principles and addressing concerns related to market risk, Sahar has helped first-time investors overcome traditional barriers to entry. His efforts in promoting digital investment platforms and strategic advisory services have led to a sustained increase in financial participation across diverse demographic groups.
Investment Psychology: Bridging the Gap Between Market Volatility and Investor Behaviour
One of the biggest challenges in investment management is investor psychology, the emotional responses triggered by market fluctuations. Research from Dalbar indicates that poorly timed investment decisions can reduce annual returns by up to 3%, as panic-driven exits during market downturns lead to significant wealth erosion.
Yaseen Sahar has focused extensively on educating investors about behavioural finance, asset allocation, and market cycles. His approach emphasizes structured investment strategies that help individuals stay committed to their financial goals despite short-term market movements. Through seminars, thought leadership articles, and expert panels, he has provided deep insights into how investors can maintain financial discipline and long-term wealth creation strategies.
His contributions to investor education extend beyond direct engagement. As a published author and investment thought leader, Sahar has written extensively on topics such as market dynamics, wealth-building strategies, and investment psychology in leading financial publications. His expert opinions have influenced both retail investors and industry professionals, shaping discourse on strategic investment planning and risk management.
Financial Literacy and Its Role in Sustainable Wealth Creation
Despite significant progress, financial literacy remains one of the biggest challenges in India’s investment landscape. According to S&P Global’s Financial Literacy Survey, only 24% of Indian adults are financially literate, compared to 57% in the United States and 67% in the United Kingdom.
Recognizing the need for widespread financial education, Sahar has been a strong advocate for investor literacy initiatives. His work in developing financial literacy programs, conducting wealth-building workshops, and designing strategic advisory models has helped thousands of investors transition from traditional savings to structured investment planning.
The Expanding Role of NRIs in Indian Markets
The increasing interest of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Indian mutual funds has been another major trend shaping the industry. Over the past year, NRI investments in Indian mutual funds have risen by 25%, totalling ₹1.6 trillion ($20 billion).
Sahar has been at the forefront of advising NRIs on investment opportunities in India, particularly in leveraging favourable currency dynamics and market inefficiencies. His expertise in cross-border taxation, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset allocation has helped international investors optimize their portfolios for higher risk-adjusted returns.
Sahar’s contributions to investment management, financial literacy, and wealth advisory have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Bharat Vibhushan Puraskar-2024 for his role in expanding financial education and market access. He has also been recognized as The Global Laureate in Finance (2024) for his influence on investment strategies and Investment Management Business Leader of the Year (2023) for his leadership in mutual fund mobilization.
While these awards acknowledge his professional excellence, the real impact of his work is reflected in the growing participation of retail investors, the expansion of B30 investments, and the increasing financial awareness across India. His thought leadership continues to shape the way investors approach wealth creation in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.
The Future of Investment Management
As India’s mutual fund industry is projected to surpass ₹100 trillion ($1.2 trillion) in AUM by 2030, the role of investment professionals, market strategists, and financial educators will be critical in guiding investors toward sustainable wealth creation. Sahar’s ongoing efforts in financial literacy, strategic investment advisory, and industry thought leadership continue to bridge the gap between sophisticated financial products and everyday investors, ensuring that India’s investment landscape remains resilient and inclusive.
