As Indian investors increasingly look beyond domestic markets, a key question for MFDs/advisors is no longer about recommending global investing but how to package it into a compelling, client-ready value proposition.
At the Cafemutual SIF Summit 2026, a panel comprising Aashwin Dugal, Deputy Head, Nippon India Alternative Investments, Arpita Vinay, Senior Managing Director & CEO of Spark Capital PMW, Somnath Mukherjee, CIO & Senior Managing Partner, ASK Private Wealth, moderated by Prem Khatri, Founder & CEO of Cafemutual, discussed how distributors can translate global opportunities into meaningful client outcomes.
The real challenge: From concept to value for client
The discussion opened with a critical shift in perspective, where the panelist argued that MFDs/advisors today must move beyond product explanations to delivering cohesive, outcome-oriented solutions.
Arpita Vinay highlighted that global investing is no longer a niche idea and it now occupies significant mindshare among both investors and advisors. She said that demand is being driven by currency diversification, access to new themes and global exposure and interestingly, clients are initiating conversations, not MFDs/advisors.
“There was a time when you had to explain why global investing makes sense. Today, clients walk in asking how to build an overseas portfolio,” she noted.
Global investing is now strategic not tactical
Somnath claimed that given the current world order, global exposure to the portfolios of Indian investors is no longer a tactical decision, rather it has become a strategic decision.
He pointed out that the Indian markets represent ~2% of global equity indices which means that the Indian markets do not have a large enough opportunity pool for the investors.
According to him, key sectors like deep tech, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing are largely absent in India, while global equities, particularly US markets have consistently outperformed.
He said that the global allocation for the portfolios of Indian investors should be well north to the mid-point of 50%. He highlighted that the rich investors have always had global exposure and it is time for the mid and lower part of the investor pyramid to have accessibility to the global markets.
Aashwin pointed out that the Indian mutual funds industry has already exhausted the USD 7 billion limit of foreign investments. The recent LRS data and the investment component in the LRS money indicate that the products like global ETFs are picking up the interest of Indian investors.
He said that the LRS amount has gone up to USD 1.7 billion in 2025 compared to USD 200 million in 2017 and the LRS amount stands at USD 1.8 billion in the first 9 months of financial year 2026.
Access is the real issue not the product complexity
Contrary to perception, the panel agreed that global investing is not inherently complex. Somnath Mukherjee simplified it by saying that the core investing skills remain unchanged. It includes simple math and psychology.
According to him, starting point can be simple products like S&P 500 ETFs and Global index exposure like MSCI and ACWI.
“The challenge is not complexity; it’s access and fairness. The wealthy have always had global exposure. The system now needs to democratize that,” he said.
Final Advice to Distributors
The panel closed the session with sharp, actionable takeaways for the mutual fund distributors.
Aashwin Dugal
“Choose the right platform and partner. This space will grow rapidly over the next 3–4 years.”
Arpita Vinay
“Start simple. Stay diversified. Don’t let FOMO drive the first investment.”
Somnath Mukherjee
“Start now. Don’t wait.”
You can watch the entire session by clicking here – https://tinyurl.com/2btf5vfy
Cafemutual is set to host the fifth edition of its flagship passive event, the Cafemutual Passives Conference, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at The Taj Santacruz, Mumbai.
Centred around the theme “The Passive Disruption: Adapt or Be Left Behind,” the conference will spotlight the growing opportunities in passive investing and what they mean for the future of the industry.
You can register for the event by visiting this link: https://www.explara.com/e/cafemutual-passives-conference-2026