The Association of Investment Bankers of India (AIBI), the authoritative body representing investment bankers to SEBI and various statutory authorities, made waves at its Annual Convention 2023-24 with the launch of nine groundbreaking initiatives. Themed ‘Ease of Capital Formation‘ in India, the convention witnessed Ms. Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, unveiling several initiatives that aim to revolutionize investor awareness, strengthen merchant bankers’ capacity, and streamline the process of capital formation in the country.
Investor-Focused Initiatives to Boost Financial Literacy
A significant focus of AIBI’s initiatives is on elevating investor awareness and promoting financial literacy. The following four initiatives were introduced with this goal in mind:
- Investor Section on AIBI Website: A dedicated section on the AIBI website to empower investors with comprehensive information and resources.
- Aggregated Live Database of Current ECM Issuances: A real-time database consolidating information on current Equity Capital Market (ECM) issuances, providing investors with up-to-date insights.
- Videos of Upcoming IPOs: Aiming to demystify the IPO process, AIBI will provide informative videos on upcoming Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) to help investors make informed decisions.
- Animated Video for Investors on ‘Know IPO Investing’: An animated guide designed to simplify the intricacies of IPO investing, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Strengthening Merchant Banking and Capacity Building
In line with its commitment to building capacity and fortifying the merchant banking institution, AIBI unveiled three initiatives:
- Standard Practice Manual for IPO Offer Documents: A comprehensive guide outlining standard practices for IPO offer documents to enhance transparency and reliability.
- Revamped AIBI Due Diligence Manual: An updated manual aimed at ensuring a high level of due diligence, bolstering the credibility of merchant bankers.
- Compendium of AIBI Advisories: A compilation of advisories offering insights and guidance to further empower merchant bankers in their roles.
AIBI’s Vision: Fostering a Robust Investment Culture in India
AIBI aims to cultivate a robust investment culture in India, a vision reflected in their new brand tagline. Adding to the vibrancy, AIBI introduced its mascot, ‘AIBI Chanakya – The Investment Banker,’ to enhance the organization’s visibility and resonate with stakeholders.
Mr. Mahavir Lunawat, Chairman of AIBI and MD of Pantomath Capital Advisors, emphasized India’s global leadership in capital formation. “India is not only making headlines but also leading the global charge in capital formation, boasting the highest number of public offerings in CY 2023.”
He added, “With a galloping economy, a sizable population, and a robust regulatory framework, India has become the most desirable location for investors looking to capitalize on the nation’s potential.”
Towards a Transparent and Informed Investment Ecosystem
Mr. Prithvi Haldea, Advisor at AIBI, underscored the importance of reviewing and improving the ecosystem for issuers and merchant bankers. “The nine initiatives are aimed at offering a transparent, information exchange platform powered by AIBI, enabling investors and merchant bankers to make informed decisions.”
Collaborative Discourse at AIBI Annual Convention
The convention saw active participation from a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, fund managers, investment bankers, regulatory experts, and academia. Deliberations covered a range of themes, including ease of capital formation, investing culture, and the facilitation of entry and exit for investors.
In conclusion, AIBI’s nine game-changing initiatives mark a significant leap toward creating a transparent, informed, and robust investment landscape in India. As the nation continues to make strides in capital formation, these initiatives are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian capital market.
