Mutual funds have emerged as integral components of investment portfolios, wealth creation, and regular savings. Despite the increasing awareness surrounding mutual funds, statistics from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) indicate that only 2.6% of India’s population has invested in mutual funds. Moreover, when compared to other countries’ mutual fund penetration rates measured by the ratio of mutual fund assets under management (AUM) to GDP, India’s ratio stands at a mere 17%, compared to 140% in the US, 80% in France, and 67% in the UK (AMFI & World Bank, 2021).
In Bhubaneswar, NJ has a total of 605 empanelled distributors, with 38 of them being women and 254 being men.
The scarcity of mutual fund distributors in India is a matter of concern. Presently, there are only 1.31 lakh distributors, implying less than one distributor for every 10,000 individuals (AMFI, 2023). NJ Wealth, one of India’s largest mutual fund distributors, has been actively involved in encouraging more individuals to enter the mutual fund distribution business and recognize it as a promising entrepreneurial opportunity. Currently, NJ Wealth boasts a network of 32,500+ active distributors across India who are dedicated to spreading financial awareness and facilitating access to mutual funds for a broader audience.
The geographical, cultural, and socio-economic diversity in India presents a significant challenge in terms of financial literacy and availability of contemporary financial products. However, it also offers an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and the nation’s youth to become mutual fund distributors and drive financial inclusion among potential investors. India is poised to embark on a transformative journey, both economically and in its financial markets, and the vision of “Amrit Kaal” extends to how people save and invest. The substantial growth witnessed by the industry in recent years merely scratches the surface. What we require today is for more young individuals to recognize the potential within this transformative landscape, unfolding over the coming decades, and pursue mutual fund distribution as a promising career opportunity. For investors, the stage is already set, and we anticipate a greater number of participants contributing to India’s growth narrative through mutual funds. After all, as the popular saying goes, “Mutual funds sahi hai,” isn’t it?
