Gaurav Rajiv Sharma
Tell us about your role and your team.
Our role is to think ‘client, client, client’, which as we all know means that the client must be at the centre of all our decision-making processes. This is easier said than done so our teams always strive to ensure that we get this outcome as part of our tactical and strategic initiatives.
How many fund houses do you work with and how many funds are on your product shelf?
In the middle east region, we have 100-plus funds from 25-plus fund houses to ensure our clients always have the latest and most relevant fund strategies for their portfolio consideration.
What new strategies have been added this year?
Apart from usual strategies addition in thematic, multi-asset, fixed income and equity asset classes, we have added funds in ETF, liquid alternatives, inflation protection, ESG focus and Shariah compliant offerings.
Are there specific asset classes where you would like to see new products emerge?
ESG as a space is evolving and it would be interesting to see its impact, given the ongoing engagement with the investors, regulators and policymakers.
Local equity and fixed income are very popular in the GCC. Do you use global asset managers in these sectors or do you prefer to go with local asset managers?
There have been some good developments in the local asset manager space, and we are always looking to expand and enhance our product suite, which is currently dominated by global asset managers.
Which sectors have been most popular with your clients this year?
Given significant drawdown in both equity and fixed income, alternatives have gained a lot of traction this year.
Sum up your investment philosophy in a few words.
My personal investment philosophy is to always have an IPS (investment policy statement). It helps me to stay grounded, identify and avoid biases and keeps me disciplined.
From your perspective, what are the most important traits in a manager?
A portfolio manager should always be humble and nimble.
What is your biggest concern in the current market situation?
Geopolitical situations are the biggest concern because it has far-reaching consequences and there are a lot of unknowns which come from such factors.
What is your favourite quote?
My favourite quote is in Sanskrit: कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन
This loosely translates as ‘You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.’
What is a hobby you have picked up recently or would you like to get into?
I am in a time competition with my nephew for recollecting all the countries, capitals, currencies, and flags. He is currently beating me mercilessly, but I am not giving up.