The third edition of the Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit 2026 concluded in Ahmedabad on February 17, bringing together leading voices from India’s asset management ecosystem to discuss the future of savings, capital markets and investor participation. The summit, presented by HDFC Mutual Fund and powered by Axis Mutual Fund, followed two successful editions held earlier in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

According to a press release, the flagship summit was anchored around the theme “Scaling Participation. Sustaining Performance” and witnessed participation from asset managers, regulators, chief investment officers and wealth advisers. The event served as a platform for high-level discussions on India’s evolving investment landscape, regulatory priorities and strategies for sustaining long-term market growth.

Addressing the gathering, Amarjeet Singh, Whole-Time Member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, said India’s mutual fund industry has made notable progress in building an equity culture over the past three decades. However, he cautioned that the pace of growth must be supported by stronger governance, transparency and regulatory supervision to safeguard investor confidence. He noted that while the industry’s progress is worth celebrating, it is equally important to consolidate gains and avoid setbacks that could drive investors away.

The summit highlighted several immediate priorities for the industry, including portfolio construction across asset classes, navigating cycles in equity, debt and gold, evaluating IPO opportunities with discipline, and understanding how global investment access through GIFT City is reshaping investment choices. The discussions reflected growing recognition that investor behaviour and market discipline will play a defining role in sustaining long-term growth.

Industry leaders also stressed that first-time investors are placing significant trust in Indian companies and investment vehicles such as mutual funds and portfolio management services, making governance and transparency critical for maintaining market credibility. The event featured a panel discussion titled “Powering Har Ghar Mutual Fund: From Products to Purposeful Solutions,” with participation from senior leaders across asset management firms, who explored ways to strengthen retail participation and improve product accessibility.

In another session focused on asset allocation strategies for 2026, investment experts discussed the balance between India’s structural growth prospects and prevailing global uncertainties. They noted that while equity markets may continue to offer opportunities, expectations of exceptionally high returns may need to be moderated amid lower inflation, evolving valuations and uneven global capital flows. The discussion also highlighted the potential impact of a large pipeline of public offerings on market performance.

A fireside chat on long-term investing featured insights on investor behaviour and wealth creation, emphasising that patience and discipline often play a more decisive role than financial knowledge alone. Speakers underlined the importance of maintaining conviction during market volatility, avoiding emotional decisions and focusing on long-term investment horizons rather than short-term trends.

Another key discussion explored investment opportunities through GIFT City, examining the growing role of international financial services centres in facilitating global capital flows. Participants noted the importance of maintaining neutrality in managing inflows and outflows while strengthening India’s position as a global financial hub.

The summit also examined India’s broader growth trajectory beyond benchmark indices, highlighting thematic and sectoral opportunities expected to shape the country’s next investment cycle. Discussions emphasised stronger market infrastructure, smarter regulation and evolving investor behaviour as key drivers of the next phase of India’s savings story.

By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and investment professionals, the Moneycontrol Mutual Fund Summit 2026 provided a comprehensive platform to examine challenges and opportunities in India’s financial ecosystem, reinforcing the industry’s focus on sustainable growth, informed investing and long-term wealth creation.