Issar Financial Services: Trusted for Responsive Service, Expert Advice & End-To-End Financial Guidance

Between 2007 and 2014, mutual fund products struggled to gain strong traction, largely due to unattractive expense ratios that limited their impact as a savings tool for individuals. However, in recent years, regulatory reforms have reshaped the industry. Tighter controls on expense ratios and greater alignment of fund performance with fund manager accountability have significantly improved the viability and appeal of mutual funds. These changes have fuelled growth. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) inflows, which were around ₹1,000 crore a decade ago, now exceed ₹26,000 crore per month. This shift has contributed meaningfully to the expansion of the mutual fund market.

Despite these advancements, distribution remains a key factor in ensuring deeper penetration, particularly in tier II and tier III cities where digital adoption may still lag. Smaller towns represent a growing opportunity, where many potential investors are yet to fully understand or access mutual fund products.

This is where mutual fund distributors play a vital role. By offering personalized guidance, simplifying investment options, and recommending funds that align with each individual's goals and risk profile, distributors help investors make informed decisions.

One such example of an organization playing a strong role in this evolving landscape is Issar Financial Services, built on years of experience in tax consulting, insurance, and wealth advisory. The firm has steadily expanded its offerings to meet the evolving financial needs of clients across different segments.

Evolution of Issar Financials

Issar Financials, formerly known as R.K. Shetty & Company and later as Issar Financials, began its journey as a tax consulting firm. Over time, the firm gradually expanded its services, starting with life insurance, a segment that remains one of its strongest pillars today. With over 2,000 active clients (those currently paying premiums) and more than 3,500 passive clients, life insurance has played a significant role in the company’s growth.

Building on this foundation, Issar Financials ventured into health insurance and later into the broader general insurance space. Today, the firm provides a wide range of general insurance solutions, including motor, fire, property, and health-related coverage.

The mutual fund distribution business was initially launched under a different entity as a pilot to test its potential. In its early phase, the segment faced challenges due to less attractive product offerings in comparison to other financial instruments available in the market. However, with the evolving regulatory environment and improved product viability, Issar Financials re-launched its mutual fund vertical with renewed focus.

Currently managing over ₹70 crore in assets under distribution, the mutual fund segment is experiencing rapid growth. With the full strength of the Issar Financials team behind it for the past 12 to 18 months, the company is now poised to scale this vertical significantly in the years ahead.

Client-First, Plan-Focused Approach

Issar Financials follows a client-first, plan-focused approach that prioritizes long-term financial well-being over product pushing. While it offers tools such as an app for portfolio tracking and regular client reviews, the emphasis remains on understanding each client’s goals, risk profile, and life stage before making any recommendations. The firm maintains a balanced product mix, from high to low risk, keeping age and financial objectives in mind.

What sets Issar Financials apart is its consistent execution and responsiveness. The team takes ownership in resolving client issues and ensures that any financial plan is not only well-advised but also well-supported over time.

Addressing Core Challenges

One of the toughest challenges in wealth management lies in ensuring that the advice or consultation truly serves the client’s best interest. Whether the recommendation benefits the client or not can make or break trust. Alongside this, wealth management demands deep domain expertise, as it covers a wide spectrum of services, with mutual fund distribution being just one part of the larger framework.

What sets us apart is our consistent focus on planning and putting clients first for over 35 years, with many of our earliest clients now happily retired and still with us

Dr Radhakrishna Shetty, Chairman & Managing Director

Issar Financials has taken a structured approach to address these challenges. The firm has appointed specialized segment heads across key areas including taxation, mutual fund distribution, operations, and insurance. Each department is led by professionals with deep experience in their respective domains. This leadership structure enables Issar Financials to provide comprehensive and client-centric solutions, addressing the diverse pain points faced by individual investors.

Leadership Behind Issar Financials

R.K. Shetty oversees operations for Issar Financials’ mutual fund distribution business alongside a team of dedicated equity and wealth managers with a combined industry experience of over 20 years.

R.K Shetty himself brings more than 35 years of experience in the wealth management space. Operational responsibilities in this segment are managed by Anita Shetty. The insurance division is led by Indira Patkar, who has been with the company since its inception and takes an active role in both advising clients and handling claim-related processes. The general and health insurance segments are supported by Amit Nevalkar who manages operations, with a focus on ensuring timely and efficient claims servicing. Amit Nevalkar is supported by Vishal Nayak, who handles business development across Life insurance, General insurance and mutual fund verticals. The taxation department is headed by Vijay Khatri, who has over 15 years of experience and expertise along with C.A Smith Shetty across individual, corporate, and indirect tax matters.

Evolving with Technology

In the wealth management space, execution remains the most critical factor. Whether it’s ensuring timely claim settlements in insurance or meeting expected returns in mutual fund investments, consistent and reliable execution is what builds long-term client trust. This is a service-driven, execution-focused industry, where aligning the right product with the client’s needs, and following through effectively, makes all the difference. For over 30 years, Issar Financials has prioritized this approach and continues to do so. The only major shift in recent times has been the integration of technology into the process. The firm now offers a dedicated app that allows clients to view and interact with their investments, and plans are in place to enhance this platform further, improving the client experience and service efficiency in the years ahead.