We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our 38th Annual Convention, held at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel on September 20, 2025. Themed “Global Financial Renaissance: Balancing Growth, Innovation & Regulation in a Disruptive Era,” this event brought together industry leaders, finance professionals, students, and academics to explore and address the rapidly evolving global financial landscape.
The convention featured an incredible lineup of speakers, panelists, and thought leaders who shared their expertise and vision for navigating the complex world of finance. The event was graced by our distinguished Chief Guest, Mr. Mridul Mehta, and Guest of Honour, Mr. Satrajit Bhattacharya. We also celebrated the achievements of alumnus Ankit Agrawal, who was awarded the Best Entrepreneur of the Year. Additionally, the launch of the MFC Incubator & Accelerator Center marked a significant milestone for innovation and entrepreneurship at DFS.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the esteemed panelists who engaged in thought-provoking discussions across various sectors, including Capital Markets, Consulting, Wealth Management, and BFSI. The sessions featured insights from top executives at prominent institutions such as Citi, JM Financial, Deloitte, Alvarez & Marsal, Grant Thornton, Avendus Wealth, Dolat Capital, Oxyzo Financial Services, Axis Bank, among others. Their collective contributions to the discourse set the stage for dynamic exchanges on global financial challenges and opportunities.
Inspiring Addresses by Distinguished Guests
We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Mridul Mehta for delivering an inspiring address on “Global Financial Renaissance: Balancing Growth, Innovation & Regulation in a Disruptive Era.” Drawing on his vast experience, Mr. Mehta reflected on the pivotal role of the 1991 reforms in shaping India’s financial trajectory and explored the intersection of growth and regulation. He emphasized how India is “rewriting the rules of money,” leveraging innovations like UPI, which have reshaped financial inclusion and accessibility.
Mr. Satrajit Bhattacharya, our Guest of Honour and a distinguished alumnus of the Department of Financial Studies, also delivered an impactful address. He shared his journey from DFS to his current leadership at Weaver India, offering invaluable insights into the changing dynamics of the financial sector. His thoughts on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial services resonated deeply with attendees, encouraging all to embrace innovation and remain adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Panel Discussions: Exploring Key Financial Sectors
The convention featured a series of enriching panel discussions that addressed pressing issues in finance and provided strategic insights from industry experts.
Panel 1: Driving Value Amidst Volatility and Innovation
The first panel discussion brought together Mr. Sougata Basu (Citi), Mr. Vikas Sarda (Unitus Capital), Mr. Krishna Rao (JM Financial), and Mr. Nirav Shah (Equirus) to examine the evolving landscape of investment banking in a volatile market environment. The panel highlighted how AI-driven decision-making, ESG governance, and the rise of private credit are reshaping the sector. Emphasis was placed on strategic imperatives, focused market positioning, and adaptability as critical factors for navigating uncertainty while driving sustainable value.
Panel 2: Navigating Complexity with Clarity in Consulting
The second panel discussion featured Mr. Karun Jalali (Deloitte), Mr. Mahatva Agrawal (Alvarez & Marsal), and Mr. Saket Mehra (Grant Thornton Bharat LLP), who shared their perspectives on consulting excellence. The discussion underscored the importance of prioritizing problem-solving over process, leveraging AI to strengthen advisory services, and maintaining professional integrity in complex engagements. Panelists highlighted the need for strong client relationships and adaptability, offering practical insights for consultants in today’s dynamic business environment.
Panel 3: Next-Gen Investor Engagement in Wealth Management
The third panel discussion brought together Mr. Gaurav Kaushik (Avendus Wealth), Mr. Manjit Singh (AlphaCapital), Mr. Rajat Agarwal (Société Générale), and Ms. Sheetal Kubadia (Dolat Wealth & Asset Management) to discuss the future of wealth management. The conversation focused on the growing demand for transparent, tailored, and long-term investment strategies. Panelists emphasized the importance of clear communication and disciplined portfolio management in addressing challenges such as investor anxiety and information overload, while also reflecting on the shift toward more sophisticated investment approaches.
Panel 4: Resilience Banking in a Fragmented World
The final panel discussion featured Mr. Amit Jain (Axis Bank), Mr. Deepak Narang (OXYZO), Mr. Pradeep Kumar (Ujjivan Small Finance Bank), and Mr. Somya Anand (Standard Chartered), who explored the resilience of banking in a digitally transformed, globally interconnected landscape. Discussions highlighted the need to balance innovation with robust risk management in the face of rapid digitalization, globalization, and geopolitical uncertainties. Panelists outlined a framework for banks to stay competitive through the adoption of AI, blockchain, and cloud computing, while reinforcing the importance of customer trust and institutional resilience.
Acknowledging Our Support Team
This convention would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our faculty members, whose unwavering support and guidance continue to shape the future of financial studies. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the AFCON office bearers—Ms. Jhalak Grover (President), Ms. Sachi Senthil and Mr. Rahul Singh (Vice Presidents), Mr. Rohit Sharma (Treasurer), Mr. Animesh Sahu (Secretary, Convention Committee), and Mr. Ishaan Kaushal (Joint Secretary, Convention Committee)—whose flawless coordination ensured the smooth execution of this remarkable event.
Looking Ahead
The 38th Annual Convention was not just an opportunity for reflection but also a stepping stone toward building a stronger, more resilient financial future. We are deeply grateful to all our speakers, panelists, guests, and attendees for making this event a resounding success. As we continue to explore the nexus of growth, innovation, and regulation, we look forward to further collaborations and engaging dialogues in the years to come.
Together, we are shaping the future of finance in India and beyond, driving growth with foresight, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
