Sanlam Eyes Huge India Expansion! Boosting Shriram Stake for Top Asset Manager Spot?

Banking/Finance

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Updated on 13 Nov 2025, 12:07 pm

Sanlam Investment Group Chief Executive Carl Roothman has expressed a strong intention to expand the group's presence in India by increasing its shareholding in Shriram's asset and wealth management operations. Roothman highlighted India as one of Sanlam's three primary growth markets, alongside South Africa and the rest of Africa. The company aims to leverage its partnership with Shriram to become a leading player in the Indian asset management sector, targeting a position among the top 15-20 asset management companies and achieving $3 billion in assets under management within the next four to five years. Sanlam plans to combine Shriram's established brand and distribution network with its own expertise in portfolio construction, research capabilities, and investment strategies. The group is also bolstering its team by hiring experienced professionals, including a portfolio manager from BlackRock.

Impact This development could significantly boost Shriram's asset and wealth management capabilities, potentially leading to enhanced product offerings and client services. For the Indian financial market, it signifies continued foreign investor confidence and competition, which can drive innovation and better returns for investors. Sanlam's focus on emerging markets and specific trends like customisation and passive investing suggests a modern approach to product development.

Difficult Terms: Asset Management: A service where financial experts manage investments on behalf of clients to grow their wealth. Wealth Management: A comprehensive financial service for affluent individuals, covering investment, retirement planning, and estate management. AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of all financial assets managed by an investment company on behalf of its clients. Portfolio Construction: The process of selecting and combining different investments (like stocks and bonds) to meet specific investment goals. Passive Investing: An investment strategy that aims to mirror the performance of a market index rather than actively picking securities. ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): Investment funds traded on stock exchanges, typically tracking an index. Alternative Assets: Investments outside of traditional categories like stocks, bonds, and cash, such as private equity, hedge funds, or real estate.