Mumbai | September 18, 2026
Financial markets are not driven by numbers alone. Confidence, investor behaviour, policy decisions and the ability to stay focused during uncertain periods can often shape the way capital moves. These themes came into focus at the annual Financial Market Conclave organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) at the Four Seasons, Mumbai.
Held around the theme “Indian Financial Markets at an Inflection Point: Capital, Confidence & the Next Growth Cycle,” the day-long conclave brought together policymakers, financial-sector leaders, banking executives and institutional asset managers to discuss the changing landscape of India’s financial markets.
The programme featured senior voices from across the financial sector. The inaugural address was delivered by Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Managing Director, State Bank of India. A keynote fireside conversation with Shirish Chandra Murmu, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, was moderated by senior financial journalist Tamal Bandyopadhyay. The valedictory session was led by Ashok Kumar Soni, Executive Director, PFRDA.
Representatives from organisations including HDFC Mutual Fund, Tata Mutual Fund, HSBC Mutual Fund, Bandhan Mutual Fund and Kotak Life also participated in sessions examining some of the major changes taking place across India’s financial ecosystem.
Understanding Wealth Beyond Market Volatility
One of the key sessions of the afternoon was “Alpha in an Age of Uncertainty: Wealth Creation Strategies for the New Market Cycle.” The session was moderated by Rahul Banerjee, Founder and Managing Director of PGP Academy, leader of PGP Wealth and a Member of the Finance and Banking National Committee at BCC&I.
The discussion moved beyond the usual conversation around market returns. It looked at how investors and financial professionals can approach volatility, portfolio construction and risk-adjusted wealth creation in a more structured manner.
An important part of the discussion was behavioural finance. Investor decisions are not always based purely on data. Fear of losses, impatience during uncertain periods and a tendency to focus too heavily on short-term market movements can influence investment decisions.
Banerjee brought these behavioural aspects into the conversation while moderating a panel that included Pawan Kumar, Managing Director and CIO, Neo Wealth Management; Sandeep Neema, Chief Investment Officer, PL Capital; Piyush Chande, Senior Fund Manager – Private Capital, ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund; and Stuart Erskine, Co-Founder and CEO, PlanPrompt, UK.
The panel explored how private capital, technology-led advisory tools and investor psychology are increasingly connected in modern wealth management.
Focus on Long-Term Financial Confidence
The conclave also examined the wider foundations required for sustainable capital growth, including pension systems, patient capital and market governance.
A recurring theme across the sessions was the importance of financial education and transparent advisory practices as India’s financial markets continue to evolve. For investors, understanding risk and maintaining a long-term perspective can be as important as identifying opportunities.
The discussions also reflected the broader work of PGP Academy and PGP Wealth in financial education, structured wealth planning and behavioural finance.
PGP Academy focuses on practical training for financial advisors, wealth professionals and investors, while PGP Wealth provides financial planning and wealth management solutions aimed at helping clients navigate changing market cycles.
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