Tag: Personal Finance

Business

Kotak Flexicap Fund Completes 15 Years of Long-Term Wealth Creation

Tanisha Cardozo

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. has announced the 15-year milestone of the Kotak Flexicap Fund, marking a significant journey in long-term wealth creation. Since its inception, the scheme has delivered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.59 per cent, building a strong performance record across multiple market environments.

Commenting on the milestone, Nilesh Shah, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd., said the completion of 15 years is a moment of pride for both the organisation and the investors who have remained committed to the fund. He noted that the flexicap category continues to be important because it allows investors to participate in India’s growth across market segments while leaving allocation decisions to experienced investment teams.

As of 31 December 2025, the fund’s Direct Plan – Growth Option has generated a CAGR of 15.70 per cent over 10 years and 16.87 per cent over five years. The fund is managed by Harsha Upadhyaya, Chief Investment Officer at Kotak Mahindra AMC, whose investment philosophy focuses on sustainable earnings, strong governance and capital efficiency.

Upadhyaya said the fund has navigated varied market cycles over the past 15 years by staying anchored to businesses with durable earnings potential and strong capital efficiency. He emphasised that the focus has always been on research-backed stock selection rather than chasing short-term trends, enabling the fund to participate meaningfully in India’s growth while aiming to deliver consistent long-term outcomes.

Flexicap funds are designed to offer agility across market environments by investing across large, mid and small-cap segments. As of December 2025, the Kotak Flexicap Fund held approximately 73 per cent in large caps, 19 per cent in midcaps and 5 per cent in small caps.

The portfolio blends top-down sector views with bottom-up stock selection. Key exposures include financial services, automobiles and auto components, capital goods, chemicals, construction materials and consumer services. The fund’s research-driven approach is aimed at identifying long-term opportunities supported by sound valuations and clear earnings visibility.

Finance

Axis Finance Launches ‘Vyapar Business Loan’ to Empower Micro & Small Businesses

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Axis Finance Limited (AFL), one of India’s fastest-growing non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), has announced the launch of Axis Finance Vyapar Business Loan, a collateral-free credit solution aimed at addressing the financing needs of micro and small businesses across semi-urban and rural India.

The Vyapar Business Loan is designed to support entrepreneurs operating in the retail, service and trading segments, offering loans of up to ₹10 lakh with flexible repayment tenures and zero collateral requirements. With a simplified application process and minimal documentation, the product ensures quick and hassle-free access to formal credit for India’s self-employed community. The financing can be utilised for working capital needs, business expansion or equipment upgrades.

Commenting on the launch, Sai Giridhar, MD & CEO, Axis Finance Limited, said that micro and small entrepreneurs form the backbone of India’s economy. He noted that the Vyapar Business Loan aims to make formal credit more inclusive by enabling shopkeepers, traders and service providers to access collateral-free finance, helping them scale operations and fulfil their growth aspirations with confidence.

He further highlighted Axis Finance’s focus on leveraging technology and data-driven underwriting to ensure faster turnaround times and a superior customer experience. According to him, the launch of Vyapar Business Loan marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to empower India’s self-employed population with simple, secure and scalable credit solutions.

Earlier in the fiscal year, Axis Finance introduced Disha Home Loans to improve homeownership access for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) customers, and also launched Axis Finance Shakti, a Micro Loan Against Property (Micro LAP) product for micro-entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. Vyapar Business Loan builds on these initiatives, further strengthening AFL’s commitment to inclusive lending and grassroots economic development.

Axis Finance continues to expand its presence across secured and unsecured lending segments, supported by strong underwriting capabilities, advanced technology platforms and an extensive distribution network focused on delivering seamless customer experiences across emerging markets.


Axis Finance Limited is a non-deposit accepting NBFC registered with the Reserve Bank of India and classified under the Middle Layer (NBFC-ML). A wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank Limited, the company offers a wide range of retail and wholesale lending solutions, including Loans Against Property, Business Loans, Personal Loans, Disha Home Loans, Corporate Financing and Real Estate Financing.

Social

Canara Robeco AMC Launches ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ Across Maharashtra and Goa to Educate Investors

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited, the investment manager to Canara Robeco Mutual Fund and India’s second-oldest mutual fund house, has launched the ‘Nivesh Bus Yatra’ across Maharashtra and Goa to promote investor education and financial literacy. The initiative aims to simplify mutual fund investing, clear common misconceptions, and encourage long-term wealth creation by directly engaging with communities.

The Nivesh Bus Yatra will operate through two dedicated routes across Maharashtra before concluding in Goa. One bus commenced its journey from Pune, covering key cities including Nashik, Aurangabad, Jalna, Akola, and Nagpur, while the second bus began from Kolhapur, travelling through Ratnagiri, Kankavli, Kudal, and Sawantwadi before reaching Goa. The buses will visit prominent community locations, allowing residents to interact with experts and gain practical insights into mutual fund investments.

Speaking on the initiative, Rajnish Narula, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Canara Robeco AMC, highlighted the importance of informed investing in today’s evolving financial landscape. He stated that an informed investor not only makes better financial decisions but also contributes to strengthening the broader financial ecosystem. He added that the Nivesh Bus Yatra is designed to take financial education directly to people, making investment knowledge accessible, actionable, and relevant to everyday life.

Gaurav Goyal, Head – Sales & Marketing at Canara Robeco AMC, emphasised that the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering investors through practical and community-focused education. He noted that by engaging investors in their own environments, the initiative aims to simplify investing concepts, address doubts, and encourage disciplined, long-term financial planning.

Through interactive sessions, simple demonstrations, and digital tools, the Nivesh Bus Yatra seeks to build investor confidence and promote responsible investing habits. The initiative reinforces Canara Robeco AMC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and investor awareness across emerging and underserved regions in India.

Business

HSBC Report Says Indians Need ₹3.5 Crore for Comfortable Retirement

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A recent report by HSBC has highlighted a striking financial milestone for Indians: to retire comfortably, an individual may need to save an estimated ₹3.5 crore.

This figure factors in increasing life expectancy, escalating healthcare expenses, rising inflation, and the growing need for a financially secure post-retirement life. The report underscores the urgency of early and consistent savings, especially for India’s large youth population, many of whom are yet to begin financial planning.

India’s financial landscape is rapidly evolving — traditional safety nets like pensions are becoming rarer in the private sector, and dependence on children for retirement support is no longer a given. As lifestyles change and the cost of living rises, the demand for independent financial preparedness is greater than ever.

The HSBC report suggests adopting a mix of savings, long-term investments, and pension planning tools to build a secure future. It also advises consulting financial advisors to evaluate personal needs based on income, lifestyle, and life goals.

Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, the message is clear: retirement planning cannot wait. Your future self will thank you for the steps you take today.

Stay updated on financial trends and planning tips — only on allycaral.com.

Finance

ITR-2 and ITR-3 Excel Utilities Released: Everything You Need to Know for AY 2024–25

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The Income Tax Department has officially released the Excel-based offline utilities for ITR-2 and ITR-3 for Assessment Year (AY) 2024–25. These forms cater to taxpayers with more complex income scenarios and provide an alternative to online filing.

✅ Who Should File ITR-2?

ITR-2 is applicable for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) not having income from business or profession. It includes:

  • Income from salary/pension
  • Income from more than one house property
  • Capital gains
  • Foreign assets or income
  • Agricultural income over ₹5,000
  • Income from other sources (including lottery, interest, etc.)

✅ Who Should File ITR-3?

ITR-3 is meant for individuals and HUFs having income from business or profession, and includes:

  • Income from proprietary business or professional services
  • Income from salary, capital gains, or house property
  • Foreign assets and foreign income
  • Partnership income

🆕 What’s New in AY 2024–25?

Here are some key updates:

  • Pre-filled data integration from AIS (Annual Information Statement)
  • Enhanced validation for capital gains and foreign assets
  • Improved reporting of digital assets (like crypto and NFTs)
  • Expanded disclosure requirements under Section 115BAC
  • Mandatory Schedule for Agricultural Income if above ₹5,000

💻 How to Use the Excel Utility

  1. Visit the official e-Filing portal
  2. Go to “Downloads” > “Offline Utilities” > “Income Tax Return Preparation Utilities”
  3. Download the Excel utility for ITR-2 or ITR-3
  4. Fill in your details, validate, and generate JSON
  5. Upload the JSON file on the portal to file your return

📅 Key Deadlines

  • July 31, 2025 – Due date for salaried individuals and non-audit cases
  • October 31, 2025 – For audit-assessable businesses and professionals

💡 Why It Matters

The release of these utilities gives taxpayers more flexibility in how they file, particularly those with diverse income sources or complex tax situations. With several new compliance requirements in place, using the Excel utility allows for more control over detailed data entry and calculation validation.

Stay informed and file on time to avoid penalties. If unsure, consult a tax professional.