Blackstone-Backed ASK Group Secures SEBI Approval for Mutual Fund Expansion

ASK Group Expands Investment Portfolio with SEBI Nod

ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group, backed by global private equity giant Blackstone, has received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its mutual fund business. This marks a significant expansion for the group, which has traditionally focused on portfolio management services (PMS), alternative investment funds (AIFs), and wealth management.

The company plans to introduce research-driven mutual fund products that cater to diverse investor needs. With India’s mutual fund industry witnessing rapid growth, ASK Group aims to leverage its expertise to offer differentiated solutions.

India’s Mutual Fund Industry on a Growth Trajectory

India’s mutual fund industry has grown exponentially, with assets under management (AUM) surging from Rs 24 lakh crore in March 2019 to approximately Rs 67 lakh crore in January 2025. This surge has been driven by several factors:

• Increased retail participation, fueled by growing awareness of systematic investment plans (SIPs).

• Government initiatives promoting financial literacy and mutual fund investments.

• SEBI’s regulatory oversight, ensuring transparency and investor protection.

• Shift in investor preference from traditional fixed deposits to mutual funds for better returns.

ASK Group’s entry into the mutual fund space aligns with this industry expansion, offering a wider range of investment products tailored to different risk appetites.

Strategic Vision Behind ASK’s Mutual Fund Launch

ASK Group has built a strong reputation in equity investments, with its portfolio management services catering to high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and institutional investors. The decision to enter the mutual fund segment reflects its strategy to:

• Expand its investor base, targeting retail and institutional clients.

• Offer diversified investment products, including equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

• Capitalize on market opportunities, amid increasing demand for active fund management.

“India’s investment landscape is evolving rapidly, and we see an opportunity to bring our research-driven, client-centric approach to a wider audience,” said Sunil Rohokale, Co-Founder, CEO & Managing Director of ASK Group.

Blackstone’s Backing Strengthens ASK’s Market Position

The global investment expertise of Blackstone, which acquired a majority stake in ASK Group in 2022, provides a strategic advantage. Blackstone’s financial backing and experience in scaling asset management businesses globally strengthen ASK’s credibility in the competitive mutual fund market.

Benefits of Blackstone’s involvement:

• Enhanced credibility and investor trust, given Blackstone’s global stature.

• Stronger distribution channels to help ASK reach retail investors.

• Advanced technology adoption, improving fund performance analysis and risk management.

Competitive Landscape in India’s Mutual Fund Sector

ASK’s entry adds another player to India’s highly competitive mutual fund industry, which is dominated by established firms like SBI Mutual Fund, HDFC Asset Management, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund, and Nippon India Mutual Fund.

Key industry trends impacting competition include:

• Rise of passive investing, with index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) gaining popularity.

• Growing investor preference for active fund management, where research-driven strategies play a critical role.

• Increased use of fintech platforms for seamless investment and fund distribution.

ASK’s research-driven investment philosophy is expected to differentiate its offerings, attracting investors looking for active fund management strategies.

Regulatory Requirements and Next Steps

Following SEBI’s in-principle approval, ASK Group will work towards fulfilling regulatory requirements to obtain final approval. This process includes:

• Assembling a skilled fund management team with expertise in equity and debt markets.

• Developing a robust compliance framework aligned with SEBI guidelines.

• Building a diversified product portfolio catering to different investor segments.

Once final approval is secured, ASK is expected to roll out mutual fund schemes in phases, offering both equity and fixed-income products.

Industry experts anticipate that ASK’s research-based investment approach will appeal to both retail and institutional investors. As market volatility continues, fund houses focusing on risk-adjusted returns and strategic asset allocation are likely to attract higher inflows.

With the Indian mutual fund industry poised for continued expansion, ASK’s foray into this segment reflects a strategic move to tap into the country’s evolving investment landscape.