'We aim to build experiences that encourage endurance'

Model-driven vs human-led portfolios?

At JioBlackRock, it’s not models versus humans—it’s models and humans.

Today’s markets are flooded with data. To harness it, a strong AI-enabled tech stack is essential. Our Systematic Active Equity (SAE) process, used in the JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund, analyses 400+ signals across 1,000+ stocks, integrates an India-specific risk model and transaction cost data for each stock. Fund managers apply their judgment on risk, corporate governance and sector exposures, while the Aladdin technology platform brings everything together to build a robust portfolio.

Certain segments of the capital markets, like event-driven or private markets, will lean more heavily towards human influence to generate alpha, but it’s only a matter of time before that changes.

Your first fund and trust playbook?

Since inception, we’ve launched nine funds—three cash, five index and one active flexi-cap—to serve the entire spectrum of investors in India.

Each fund is crafted using a clear value proposition and four pillars: Choice (unique exposures), Value (quality returns at competitive pricing), Access (digital accessibility) and Global expertise (new ways of investing). Our disciplined approach has led to strong AUM growth and investor participation. We plan to maintain the same rigour in future fund launches.

Backed by Jio Financial Services and BlackRock, we know trust must be earned. That’s why we’ve prioritised educational content that is simple and accessible, delivered digitally across India, including in regional languages.

On low-friction investing and investor churn.

Though we’re still in our early phase, market insights show that underperforming funds can experience higher churn from direct digital investors. That’s why our active strategies are designed to minimise downside risk and deliver consistent outperformance.

Encouragingly, over 20 per cent of our investors have started SIPs. Our aim is to make the digital journey of starting an SIP as easy and frictionless as possible. In short, our focus is on building experiences that encourage not just entry—but endurance.

Rapid-fire questions

• Beyond returns, one criterion you want investors to judge your AMC on: Risk-adjusted outcomes.
• If not running an AMC, what would you be doing? Running an IPL team.

This article was originally published on October 23, 2025.