CafeAlt Conference 2024: Unlocking the Potential of Alternative Investments
The CafeAlt Conference 2024 brought together industry experts to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in alternative investments, including real estate, private equity, and debt funds.
Real Estate:The CafeAlt Conference 2024 was a resounding success, with 15 sessions and 30 speakers sharing their insights on the latest trends and opportunities in alternative investments. The conference highlighted the growing importance of alternative investments in India, with experts discussing the potential of real estate, private equity, and debt funds.
Economy and Markets Outlook
Prashant Jain, Founder of 3P Investment Strategies, set the tone for the conference with his keynote address on the economy and markets outlook. He highlighted India's promising growth prospects, driven by favorable geopolitics and the expansion of sectors like manufacturing and CAPEX. However, he also cautioned that small caps, manufacturing, and defense sectors have high valuations, making the risk-reward lower in these areas.
Understanding the Potential of GIFT City
A panel discussion on GIFT City, moderated by Pavan Shah, General Manager of IFSCA, highlighted the city's potential as a hub for alternative investments. The panelists discussed the regulatory approach of RBI, SEBI, and PFRDA, which has contributed to the growth of IFSCA. They also highlighted the increasing understanding of GIFT City among distributors and the success of the bond market.
Alternative Funds Looking Beyond Listed Equities
Anunaya Kumar, President of Sales and Distribution at 360 ONE Asset, discussed the growth of alternative funds, driven by yield-seeking investors, taxation law changes, and decreasing NPA. He highlighted India's GDP growth, digital public infrastructure, political stability, and China's decline as key drivers of private equity growth.
Success Stories in AIF and PMS
A panel discussion on success stories in AIF and PMS, moderated by Nishant Patnaik, Associate Editor of Cafemutual, highlighted the importance of track record, investment strategy, and uniqueness in selecting AIFs and PMS schemes. The panelists also discussed the need for distributors to educate clients about the risks and benefits of alternative investments.
Alternates The Big Picture
Vikaas M Sachdeva, MD of Sundaram Alternates, provided an overview of the alternative investment landscape in India. He highlighted the growing awareness of investors and their desire for nuanced products, moving away from cash and pension funds. He also discussed the growth of the Indian AIF industry, which has grown 10X in the last decade.
Understanding the Taxation Maze
A panel discussion on taxation, moderated by Kunal Shah, Partner at PWC, highlighted the complexities of taxation in alternative investments. The panelists discussed the need for tax incentives to attract global private equity funds to India.
Emerging Sectors and Trends in Equity Investment
A panel discussion on emerging sectors and trends in equity investment, moderated by Munish Ramdev, Founder and CEO of Cervin Family Office, highlighted the growth of manufacturing, defense, and energy sectors. The panelists also discussed the importance of corporate balance sheets and the promising narrative about Indian markets.
Investment Strategies and Risk Management in Private Debt
A panel discussion on investment strategies and risk management in private debt, moderated by Maneesh Dangi, MD and CEO of Mosaic Asset Management, highlighted the need for risk assessment and diversification in private debt investments.
Opportunities in Real Estate
Amit Bhagat, CEO and MD of Ask Property Fund, discussed the opportunities in real estate, highlighting the growth of the sector and the increasing market share of top 10 listed developers.
Succeeding in the Indian Markets
Rashi Talwar Bhatia, CEO and CIO of Ashmore, discussed the importance of understanding the sector and company, and planning remedial measures in the event of a loss. She highlighted the need for a high conviction portfolio and a focus on alpha generation.
Deciphering the Diversity in PMS
A panel discussion on deciphering the diversity in PMS, moderated by Prem Khatri, Founder and CEO of Cafemutual, highlighted the evolving nature of the PMS industry. The panelists discussed the need for transparency and disclosure in PMS schemes.
Risks and Rewards in Performing Credit
Prasanna M, Chief Sales Officer of Vivriti Asset Management, discussed the risks and rewards in performing credit, highlighting the huge potential in mid-market enterprises.
Alpha Generating Strategies
Sameer Narayan, Head of Alternate Investment Equity at ABSL AMC, discussed alpha-generating strategies, highlighting the importance of focus on less beta and low churn stocks.
Building Wealth with Real Assets for a Resilient Portfolio
A panel discussion on building wealth with real assets, moderated by Umang Papneja, CEO of Julius Baer, highlighted the importance of real assets in a resilient portfolio. The panelists discussed the demand for high-quality warehousing and real estate, and the potential of REITs and InvITs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative investments?
Alternative investments are investments that do not fall into the traditional categories of stocks, bonds, and cash. Examples include real estate, private equity, and debt funds.
What is GIFT City?
GIFT City is a financial hub located in Gujarat, India, which offers a range of financial services, including alternative investments.
What are AIFs and PMS?
AIFs (Alternative Investment Funds) and PMS (Portfolio Management Services) are types of alternative investments that offer a range of investment strategies and products.
What are the risks and rewards of alternative investments?
Alternative investments offer the potential for higher returns, but also come with higher risks, including market volatility and liquidity risks.
How can I invest in alternative investments?
Investors can invest in alternative investments through a range of channels, including AIFs, PMS, and real estate investment trusts (REITs).