Posts

Rethinking Diversification: The Strategic Emergence of Alternative Investment Funds in India

  Something has quietly shifted on the Indian investment scene. Investors who once felt satisfied with equities, bonds, and the occasional stash of gold now find themselves itching for something sharper. That restless mood has pushed Alternative Investment Funds from the boardrooms of ultra-HNWIs toward everyday wealth conversations.    The steer toward these vehicles is as much a mindset upgrade as it is a market gimmick. Advisors say it reflects a broader, more global way of thinking about risk, returns, and genuine portfolio hedges.      Alternative Investment Funds are loosely described as privately pooled pots overseen by SEBI. Inside that envelope, managers can travel through venture capital, distressed debt, real estate, or even projects tagged social impact.      Because the framework sits outside the daily glare of listed markets, it usually involves longer lock-ins, heftier minimums, and noticeable gaps in liquidity. To a patient,...

Why SMEs Should Negotiate Custom Group Medical Insurance Plans - Not Just Buy What's Offered?

  Providing a group health insurance policy to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India is no longer considered a luxury but rather a basic requirement when it comes to talent acquisition and retention. While most SMEs tend to go with off-the-shelf plans from insurers, they overlook crucial fundamental negotiations, which might lead to coverage gaps and wasted benefits.      For a balanced cost and employee wellness framework, understanding how to optimise group medical insurance plans is vital for these organisations.      Untailored Group Health Insurance Policies: The Issue   Off-the-shelf group health insurance policies face several challenges, especially from the perspective of organising real-world employees. Some of the issues include:   - Capped maternity benefits   - Exclusions for pre-existing conditions   - Sub-limits on room rent or ICU charges   - No OPD or mental health coverage   - Unreasonably low pre...