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A Market Rally, A Trust Gap And A Leadership Question
The Weekend Playlist
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Good morning.
This week, A. Balasubramanian examines how investors should navigate India's market recovery through diversification and long-term investing, while Bharat Panchal explains why even sophisticated payment systems struggle to prevent fraud driven by human manipulation.
Elsewhere, Dr. Srinath Sridharann explores why weak succession planning poses risks to business continuity and highlights the importance of stronger corporate governance beyond the boardroom.
The common thread: As markets recover and technology advances, India's long-term growth will depend on disciplined investment decisions, consumer trust and businesses capable of adapting to leadership changes.
WEEKEND EDITION
Can India's Growth Story Deliver Another Decade Of Returns?
Does India's market recovery call for a change in investment strategy, or a return to the fundamentals of long-term investing?
In this Weekend Edition Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with A. Balasubramanian, MD and CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd about India's market recovery, shifting global capital flows and portfolio strategy.
With foreign investors returning and manufacturing-led growth creating new opportunities, Balasubramanian sees a stronger foundation for Indian equities.
Yet a market recovery does not necessarily justify chasing the latest investment trends. He favours diversified domestic equities as the portfolio's core, alongside selective thematic investments and limited overseas exposure. He also explains how GIFT City is expanding access to international markets, while emphasising valuations and consistent investing over market timing.
Key Insight
India's next decade of market growth could see new sectors and businesses emerge as market leaders, making flexible portfolio allocation and long-term investing increasingly important.
BUREAU BYTES
When Secure Payments Still Leave Consumers Vulnerable
What happens when a fraudulent payment looks completely legitimate to the banking system?
Bharat Panchal, Chief Risk and Regulatory Officer, APAC and Middle East of Diners Club International explain why increasingly sophisticated digital payment fraud is making consumer protection more challenging.
Despite India's advanced digital payment infrastructure, Panchal says fraud increasingly exploits human behaviour rather than technical vulnerabilities. Payments authorised through valid PINs and OTPs can still involve deception or coercion, making such fraud difficult to detect.
He explains how behavioural biometrics and India-specific AI models could help identify suspicious transactions by recognising unusual patterns in consumer behaviour. However, technology alone is not enough. Panchal emphasises the need for greater digital literacy and coordinated public awareness to address these vulnerabilities.
Key Insight
As digital payments become more seamless, the next challenge is to detect manipulation without adding friction, while strengthening consumer awareness and trust.
THE CORE QUIZ
Where is COP31 being held? |
HOW INDIA’S ECONOMY WORKS
Is Corporate India Prepared For Its Next Generation Of Leaders?
What happens to a successful business when its most influential leader steps aside without a clear successor?
In this episode of How India's Economy Works, Puja Mehra speaks with Dr. Srinath Sridharann, corporate advisor and succession planning expert, about why leadership transitions are a critical question of corporate governance, business continuity and economic stability.
He says corporate India remains poorly prepared for leadership changes, with promoter influence and limited board independence complicating the process. Recent leadership questions at Tata Sons highlight the risks even established businesses face.
Yet the challenge extends beyond choosing the next leader. Sridharann explains why companies must develop leadership pipelines, preserve institutional knowledge and build governance structures that function independently of powerful individuals. He points to Marico and Dabur as examples of businesses that have successfully separated ownership from professional management.
Why This Matters
For India's largest businesses, an unclear leadership pipeline can affect investor confidence, business continuity and long-term growth. Stronger boards and professional management are essential to building institutions that can adapt to change and thrive beyond their founders and promoters.
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