In the last 5 years, when the rules of the distribution business changed considerably, many chose not to adapt to change and moved out, many adapted to change and have successfully settled down with new business models - but some did even better - they not only adapted, but indeed championed change. They welcomed change with open arms rather than grudgingly, they always looked at the positive side of change rather than the negative side and they worked hard to encourage fellow advisors to adopt a similar attitude and embrace change. Wealth Forum salutes two such stellar champions of change, and felicitated them at the 4th annual Wealth Forum Platinum Circle Advisors Conference on 26th July 2013. These awards were conceptualised in association with SBI Mutual Fund, who also presented the 2013 awards.

Mr. Deepak Kumar Chatterjee, MD & CEO, SBI MF said, "Embracing change is part of our DNA at SBI Mutual Fund. Our history goes back before even the regulator - through the various phases that have marked the evolution of the MF industry, SBI Mutual Fund has always evolved along with changing times and has remained a leader in each era. We pride ourselves for always emerging stronger with every change that we see in our business environment. It is for this reason that these awards hold a special place in our hearts. I am very happy that SBI Mutual Fund and Wealth Forum have come together to institute these awards which recognise distribution leaders who embody the spirit of championing change, that is so dear to us at SBI MF"

The Champions of Change....

Our first champion of change runs one of India's largest IFA firms, is based out of Delhi but has fans all over the country, has spent over 25 years in this profession, has seen it change dramatically though the years, and has continued to be a winner through all these changes. Since 2009, he has been tirelessly encouraging IFAs big and small to adapt to the new paradigm just as he has so successfully done. Many in the north see him today as a Bheesma Pitamah of the IFA fraternity.

Champion of Change, 2013 : Ravi Kohli of Bluechip Capital, Delhi

Ravi Kohli receives his award from Mr. Deepak Kumar Chatterjee, MD&CEO, SBI MF and Mr. D.P.Singh, ED & CMO, SBI MF

Accepting his award, Ravi Kohli said he was touched by the gesture and reminisced about how the business has changed over the years. Through all the change, if one just keeps one's focus on what your clients need and ensure that you deliver to their expectations, you will be able to emerge stronger despite a rapidly changing environment, he said.

Sharing the day's honours with Ravi Kohli, was a soft spoken IFA from Gujarat, also a veteran of this profession over many years. He understands the pulse of the small IFA very well and speaks to them in a manner they easily relate to. He has done numerous presentations in his state to fellow distributors, encouraging them to remain in this business and look at the long term upsides rather than worry only about the short term pain. Ever since he started writing in our website, IFAs from across the country have thanked him profusely for his motivational pieces, and have reaffirmed their commitment to stay in for the long haul.

Champion of Change, 2013 : Jignesh V Shah, Surat

Jignesh Shah receives his award from Mr. Deepak Kumar Chatterjee, MD&CEO, SBI MF and Mr. D.P.Singh, ED & CMO, SBI MF

Accepting his award, Jigneshbhai said he felt very nice that Wealth Forum is introducing recognition for qualitative aspects such as this, in addition to its regular quantitative based Advisor Awards. He reaffirmed his commitment to keep spreading 2 simple messages : (1) About how good the mutual fund product is for retail investors, and (2) about how each and every IFA, however small he may be now, can work purposefully towards a target of reaching Rs.20,000 revenue per day for the rest of his life, through a highly focussed implementation of a goal based long term SIP sales strategy. If the product is good for clients and there is good long term money for the intermediary, why would one want to look at any other business, he asked?

Wealth Forum Champions of Change, 2013

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