Expert Eye

Mr. Suraj Kaeley is the Group President — Sales and Marketing, UTI Mutual Fund

Mr. Suraj Kaeley has over 25 years of experience in the Indian financial services sector. He has experience across a wide spectrum of financial services in India having worked in Asset Management, Life Insurance, Equity Broking, Mortgages and distribution services. Prior to joining UTI, he was the Chief Executive at L&T Financial Advisory Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of L&T Finance Holdings Ltd.

1. How did you begin your journey in the capital market?

My professional journey began with HDFC Ltd way back in 1988.This was an era of pre-liberalisation and one can understand the challenges and intricacies attached with venturing into financial sector which was still far from coming of its age. However, aspiration backed with strong passion helped me in sailing through the first milepost. Sales growth was another area of accomplishment in the subsequent two years and that gave a strong platform to understand the retail business and retail investors closely for future capitalization. The keenness to learn and employing abilities helped in moving-up the ladder in following years of my professional career. Overall, the under evolved stage of markets in those days, which was the early phase of LPG (Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization) unfolded a lot of learning and insights for me which I cherish and put in use even today in my current role .

2. Can you describe your investment philosophy to our readers?

UTI follows a well demarcated investment policy by employing an effective investment process. The key tenants of our investment philosophy are

1. Focus (companies that can self-sustain their growth and that has ability to invest at high rates of return)

2. Alpha Generation (Alpha-not just from buying the right stocks but also from not buying the wrong stock

3. Style Discipline (differentiates a robust portfolio, ensures differentiation amongst portfolios and also ensures low correlation to each other)

4. Long-Term Orientation (Clear articulation of investment beliefs for a sustained long-term investment strategy).