Jio BlackRock Ropes In Rishi Kohli as CIO—Is a Mutual Fund Shakeup Coming?

Jio BlackRock's mutual fund business has hired Rishi Kohli as its Chief Investment Officer, a development that's sending shockwaves through India's asset management space. Kohli will be joining in the third quarter of the current year, the people added. This is while Jio BlackRock, the Jio Financial Services and US-based BlackRock joint venture, is putting its best team together as it prepares to launch its highly anticipated mutual fund.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Leadership Experience: Rishi Kohli has significant experience in the investment industry. He was earlier Managing Partner and CIO of hedge fund strategies with InCred Capital in Mumbai. He has also held senior roles at Avendus and ProAlpha Capital, giving him significant experience in traditional and alternative investments.

 

Strategic Timing: Kohli's elevation comes on the heels of SEBI's recent regulatory clearance to Jio BlackRock to start mutual fund business. The company has already appointed Sid Swaminathan as CEO and hired key talent in risk, technology, and product management, pointing to a full-scale build-up.

 

Industry Impact: The hiring of an investment veteran like Kohli also means that Jio BlackRock is determined to make its mark on India's competitive mutual fund market. With the global expertise of BlackRock and the online presence of Jio, the new fund house is expected to focus on low-cost, technology-driven investment products for Indian investors.

 

What's Coming Next: Jio BlackRock has begun taking early registrations for its online-first mutual fund schemes with a view to educating and engaging new investors ahead of its launch.

 

Kohli's appointment is being viewed as a strong signal that Jio BlackRock is gearing up for aggressive expansion and innovation in the coming months.

 

Sources: Bloomberg, Moneycontrol, Live Hindustan