Benaifer Malandkar: Empowering Wealth Through Strategic Investments & Innovative Financial Solutions
Benaifer Malandkar
Chief Investment Officer
Benaifer Malandkar boasts an illustrious 23-year career in financial services, spanning private banking, asset management, and debt markets. With over a decade of dedicated expertise, she currently excels in her role as a champion of investing in diverse asset classes, skillfully generating sustainable compounding returns for the family. Finance has always been her passion, and it forms the foundation of her work experience. From public markets and listed securities to private investments, early stage startups, and strategic ventures, she embraces the array of possibilities to create wealth and a lasting legacy for the firm, igniting her passion for the job.
In an insightful dialogue with CEO Insights magazine, Benaifer unfolds the compelling nuances of her professional journey, marked as influential in the national sphere. Here's an excerpt from an intriguing conversation.
How would you define RAAY as an organization and its current position in the market?
The founding principle of RAAY Investments was to establish a professionally managed firm dedicated to overseeing the family's wealth. Over a decade ago, this approach was relatively uncommon among family offices in India, in contrast to the West. By assimilating best practices from Western family offices and adopting a professional structure, we carved a distinctive niche as one of the early pioneers in the professional family office space.
This distinction garnered widespread recognition and attracted a significant influx of potential investment opportunities. Our accessibility, through online platforms, allowed us to evaluate propositions aligning with our investment objectives. As trailblazers, we ventured into early-stage investments in 2014, well before it became a mainstream trend, further solidifying our position in the market.
As the Chief Investment Officer, what are major factors you take into consideration while developing investment strategies and policies to contribute to the business strategy?
As Chief Investment Officers, our primary objectives in wealth management revolve around two key goals: wealth creation and wealth preservation. Multiplying wealth in accordance with risk-return parameters set for the family is only the initial phase of the journey. Our ultimate aim is to instill a disciplined approach to profit generation and ensure the preservation of these gains. Remaining firmly grounded, we adhere rigorously to the core principles and mandates set by the family, which has been integral to our success. Our commitment to discipline and alignment with the firm's goals has led us to exponentially grow the wealth beyond its origins, benefiting not only the family but also our dedicated team of professionals.
What is your leadership approach and the methodologies that you follow to lead your team?
My leadership approach has been shaped by my diverse experiences in various organizations, be it multinational corporations, Indian enterprises, or smaller setups. The first fundamental principle I uphold is unwavering respect for all team members, regardless of their position. Accessibility is another cornerstone of my management philosophy, wherein I maintain a close and supportive relationship with each team member, offering guidance both professionally and personally. Operating with an open architecture, I encourage transparent communication, fostering an environment where team members can freely express their aspirations and concerns.
Investment is the art of shaping tomorrow's possibilities with today's choices, crafting a legacy that echoes prosperity and progress
As the Chief Investment Officer, what are major factors you take into consideration while developing investment strategies and policies to contribute to the business strategy?
As Chief Investment Officers, our primary objectives in wealth management revolve around two key goals: wealth creation and wealth preservation. Multiplying wealth in accordance with risk-return parameters set for the family is only the initial phase of the journey. Our ultimate aim is to instill a disciplined approach to profit generation and ensure the preservation of these gains. Remaining firmly grounded, we adhere rigorously to the core principles and mandates set by the family, which has been integral to our success. Our commitment to discipline and alignment with the firm's goals has led us to exponentially grow the wealth beyond its origins, benefiting not only the family but also our dedicated team of professionals.
What is your leadership approach and the methodologies that you follow to lead your team?
My leadership approach has been shaped by my diverse experiences in various organizations, be it multinational corporations, Indian enterprises, or smaller setups. The first fundamental principle I uphold is unwavering respect for all team members, regardless of their position. Accessibility is another cornerstone of my management philosophy, wherein I maintain a close and supportive relationship with each team member, offering guidance both professionally and personally. Operating with an open architecture, I encourage transparent communication, fostering an environment where team members can freely express their aspirations and concerns.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
As a firm, our foremost commitment is to keenly identify and capitalize on the forthcoming transformative trends, both within India and on the international stage. This unyielding dedication drives our active engagement with companies, philosophies, and nascent movements that shape the future of the economy. Our investment strategy revolves around visionary foresight, consistently recognizing opportunities ahead of the curve, resulting in sustained wealth creation. Guided by a grand vision, we aspire to attain leadership eminence, generating prosperity for the family and making impactful contributions to society.
In the light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?
A successful leader, in my view, is someone who leads from the front and sets an example for others to get inspired, whilst empowering teams to deliver on their goals. Effective delegation and freedom to express their views makes teams robust thus enabling the organization to reach getter heights.
I strongly advise accessibility as a leader. By offering people access, you create an environment that fosters learning and efficient information dissemination. Avoid excessive hierarchical barriers that hinder communication. Maintaining humility is crucial, as it promotes a receptive demeanor, encouraging open dialogue and constructive feedback. Cultivate a collaborative culture where your team feels valued, ensuring collective progress and prosperity.
Benaifer Malandkar, Chief Investment Officer, RAAY Investments
Benaifer Malandkar holds a bachelor's degree in commerce, complemented by an MBA in Finance. With over 23 years of experience in the financial services sector, she has excelled in diverse roles across private banking, asset management, and debt markets. As a seasoned professional, Benaifer thrives as a Chief Investment Officer, for the family office of the Amit Patni Group, adeptly navigating investment opportunities and generating sustainable returns for over a decade now.
•Favorite hobbies:Travelling, Listening to music
•Favorite Cuisine:Japanese
•Favorite Books:If God was a Banker by Ravi Subramanian
•Favorite Travel Destination: The world is a limitless playground for exploration, and I seize every opportunity to traverse its diverse destinations
As a firm, our foremost commitment is to keenly identify and capitalize on the forthcoming transformative trends, both within India and on the international stage. This unyielding dedication drives our active engagement with companies, philosophies, and nascent movements that shape the future of the economy. Our investment strategy revolves around visionary foresight, consistently recognizing opportunities ahead of the curve, resulting in sustained wealth creation. Guided by a grand vision, we aspire to attain leadership eminence, generating prosperity for the family and making impactful contributions to society.
In the light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?
A successful leader, in my view, is someone who leads from the front and sets an example for others to get inspired, whilst empowering teams to deliver on their goals. Effective delegation and freedom to express their views makes teams robust thus enabling the organization to reach getter heights.
I strongly advise accessibility as a leader. By offering people access, you create an environment that fosters learning and efficient information dissemination. Avoid excessive hierarchical barriers that hinder communication. Maintaining humility is crucial, as it promotes a receptive demeanor, encouraging open dialogue and constructive feedback. Cultivate a collaborative culture where your team feels valued, ensuring collective progress and prosperity.
Benaifer Malandkar, Chief Investment Officer, RAAY Investments
Benaifer Malandkar holds a bachelor's degree in commerce, complemented by an MBA in Finance. With over 23 years of experience in the financial services sector, she has excelled in diverse roles across private banking, asset management, and debt markets. As a seasoned professional, Benaifer thrives as a Chief Investment Officer, for the family office of the Amit Patni Group, adeptly navigating investment opportunities and generating sustainable returns for over a decade now.
•Favorite hobbies:Travelling, Listening to music
•Favorite Cuisine:Japanese
•Favorite Books:If God was a Banker by Ravi Subramanian
•Favorite Travel Destination: The world is a limitless playground for exploration, and I seize every opportunity to traverse its diverse destinations