Sharad Avasthi : Pioneering Sustainable Innovation & Deep-Tech Ecosystem Building
Sharad Avasthi
Head - PCG Research
The determination and insight of leaders in financial research often shape the future of countless investors. This echoes the story of Sharad Avasthi, a self-made and ardent equity researcher, who heads PCG Research at SMIFS Limited, a full-service financial services firm with a legacy of more than three decades.
A financial research and advisory beacon, Sharad was born in a middle-class family. He began his career by working in small private companies, where he handled accountancy, debt collection, and cross functional tasks. These initial experiences provided him with a practical exposure to the entire range of operations in the corporate world, which became the basis of his future mastery in financial modeling and research.
Formal career starting with CD Research in Calcutta, Sharad began his career in institutional research. Today, Sharad guides a team of professional analysts who excel in fundamental analysis and consistently produce results. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Sharad.
After more than 30 years in the industry, what drives you today as a new-age leader?
I became a research analyst because I realized that, coming from a middle-class background, I didn’t have the capital or risk tolerance to start a business. An equity research provided an
intellectual means of investing in businesses. Early on, I studied reports and set my own target prices, which I found very engaging.
My understanding of accounts has been invaluable for financial modeling and analysis. I am now motivated by the fact that I am still excited about learning new ideas in investments, whether short-term or long-term, including decadal investments. Being part of a team whose goals align with mine also keeps me motivated and focused, as it combines my personal interests with the organization's purpose.
How do you drive and support continuous strategic and operational goals?
In our service-oriented industry, customer service is the key differentiator. In my role as a researcher and advisor, I ensure that our product offerings and recommendations align with client needs, based on feedback from both clients and the sales team.
SMIFS keeps the customer at the center, and to enhance the experience, we are expanding retail operations and new teams across the eastern region and India. Our goal is to provide customer service better than the best in the industry, while ensuring financial products and research are profitable and deliver optimized returns for clients.
What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My approach to team management evolves in three stages. For first-time members, I engage a servant leadership style, guiding them through learning and instilling essential behavioral characteristics in them.
At the second level, as they know the fundamentals, I will be more demanding to make them deal with pressure as well as deliver to a higher standard. Lastly, in the case of the experienced team members, I give them more freedom, with wider supervision.
My understanding of accounts has been invaluable for financial modeling and analysis. I am now motivated by the fact that I am still excited about learning new ideas in investments, whether short-term or long-term, including decadal investments. Being part of a team whose goals align with mine also keeps me motivated and focused, as it combines my personal interests with the organization's purpose.
Creating a simple and supportive environment that encourages conti- nuous learning and active contribution
How do you drive and support continuous strategic and operational goals?
In our service-oriented industry, customer service is the key differentiator. In my role as a researcher and advisor, I ensure that our product offerings and recommendations align with client needs, based on feedback from both clients and the sales team.
SMIFS keeps the customer at the center, and to enhance the experience, we are expanding retail operations and new teams across the eastern region and India. Our goal is to provide customer service better than the best in the industry, while ensuring financial products and research are profitable and deliver optimized returns for clients.
What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?
My approach to team management evolves in three stages. For first-time members, I engage a servant leadership style, guiding them through learning and instilling essential behavioral characteristics in them.
At the second level, as they know the fundamentals, I will be more demanding to make them deal with pressure as well as deliver to a higher standard. Lastly, in the case of the experienced team members, I give them more freedom, with wider supervision.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends?
To stay updated on industry trends, we rely primarily on reading magazines, newspapers, company reports, and annual reports. Additionally, queries from internal teams and clients often provide insights into emerging developments, including unlisted opportunities.
Conferences, conclaves, and meetings with clients also aid in my formation of a wider perspective of the industry dynamics, ensuring that we are on track with the market trends.
What is the future roadmap you have envisioned for yourself for the next five years?
Over the next five years, I am fully committed to strengthening SMIFS and Mackertich One, helping the organization grow and deliver meaningful value to clients. Beyond that, I hope to engage in initiatives that have a broader societal impact and, in the long term, potentially run my own advisory business— focusing not just on profit, but on creating lasting value for a wider audience.
What is the piece of advice that you would like to pass to the upcoming leaders?
I focus on creating a simple and supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and active contribution, especially from younger team members. I remain receptive to new things, delegate effectively, and believe in learning as a lifelong process. Having humility in the times of success and optimism in the times of difficulties, when I remember about ‘this too shall pass’, I keep myself even, flexible, and concentrated on long-term development.
Sharad Avasthi, Head - PCG Research, SMIFS
Renowned for research prowess, his strategic mindset, and client-centric approach, Sharad is a visionary financial leader who combines analytical excellence with deep market insight, driving innovation and long-term value creation.
To stay updated on industry trends, we rely primarily on reading magazines, newspapers, company reports, and annual reports. Additionally, queries from internal teams and clients often provide insights into emerging developments, including unlisted opportunities.
Conferences, conclaves, and meetings with clients also aid in my formation of a wider perspective of the industry dynamics, ensuring that we are on track with the market trends.
What is the future roadmap you have envisioned for yourself for the next five years?
Over the next five years, I am fully committed to strengthening SMIFS and Mackertich One, helping the organization grow and deliver meaningful value to clients. Beyond that, I hope to engage in initiatives that have a broader societal impact and, in the long term, potentially run my own advisory business— focusing not just on profit, but on creating lasting value for a wider audience.
What is the piece of advice that you would like to pass to the upcoming leaders?
I focus on creating a simple and supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and active contribution, especially from younger team members. I remain receptive to new things, delegate effectively, and believe in learning as a lifelong process. Having humility in the times of success and optimism in the times of difficulties, when I remember about ‘this too shall pass’, I keep myself even, flexible, and concentrated on long-term development.
Sharad Avasthi, Head - PCG Research, SMIFS
Renowned for research prowess, his strategic mindset, and client-centric approach, Sharad is a visionary financial leader who combines analytical excellence with deep market insight, driving innovation and long-term value creation.