Today, India's mutual fund distribution industry is experiencing exceptional growth, driven by a surge in retail investor participation, regulatory support, and the expansion of digital platforms. Towards the end of 2024, the mutual fund industry's assets under management (AUM) reached an all-time high of ₹68 lakh crore, hitting a 33 percent increase from ₹50.78 lakh crore at the end of 2023. This growth ushered in a significant rise in the number of mutual fund distributors (MFDs). In the fiscal year 2024-25, approximately 29,555 individual MFDs were added, bringing the total to 1.78 lakh distributors, including 1.62 lakh individual MFDs. Notably, 45 percent of these MFDs are based in B30 cities (beyond the top 30 cities), indicating a deepening penetration into smaller towns and rural areas.
Amidst the swarming emergence of MFDs across the country, Silverstone Shares & Securities has earned a distinguished reputation for being a financial companion at the back of trust and reassurance. Founded by Bharat Shah, a chartered accountant with over 40 years of experience and 30 years of exposure in the capital market, the firm has slowly graduated through becoming planners & wealth advisors, and now a mutual fund distributor.
From Transactional to Transformational
Silverstone Shares & Securities is more than just another Mutual Fund Distributor, wherein, Bharat envisaged a financial institution rooted in long-term relationships and unmoving trust. In an industry where the lot chases high volumes and faster trades, Bharat’s venture took a different path, focusing on client-centric financial advisory grounded in honesty, consistency, and a long-term outlook.
“We do not take clients who want a one-time suggestion and then they are not with us, because it is a strategy. We need to guide them through the ups and downs in the market”, says Bharat Shah, Director, Silverstone Shares & Securities. Moved by a philosophy of long-term client-centric business, the firm has normalized the customer-first approach.
Over the last two decades, that philosophy has translated into exceptional figures in assets under distribution and a client retention rate that has positioned Silverstone Shares & Securities among the top consultants in Tamil Nadu, today. A large chunk of the clients continue to stay invested through the firm, not only because of financial returns, but because of the enduring trust they have placed.
This firm, under the astute leadership of Bharat Shah, has evolved into a prominent player in the Indian financial market. Setting the foundation as a brokerage firm to honing the role of a comprehensive wealth advisory and mutual fund distribution entity, the firm has been instrumental in guiding investors towards financial prosperity.
Research-Driven Investment Strategies
Silverstone Shares & Securities differentiates itself with its firm commitment to encouraging long-term relationships with clients. The company's principles revolve around providing comprehensive support to investors as it guides them through market fluctuations, ensuring every penny invested contributes to their financial goals. Bharat’s expertise, lifted with the team's cumulative experience, empowers clients to navigate tax implications, estate planning, and a diverse range of investment avenues beyond mutual funds.
From patiently educating clients about the basics of mutual funds to hand-holding them through market dips, Silverstone Shares & Securities focuses on laying the foundation to financial literacy and confidence. “I realised that many new and old investors are into speculation. But, real wealth is built if a person can sit down and do research, invest, hold on to the investment until it grows, and then encash”, explains Bharat.
Facilitating Annual Review
The company conducts an annual review process where the team sits down with a client and reviews their plans and executions so far. Questions like how far they have gone, are they on track, or are there any remedial measures needed are assessed. More so, Silverstone Shares & Securities regularly interacts with the clients on phone and via in-person meetings to stay abreast. It is always a two-way communication, wherein, the clients are welcomed to reach any time for consulting.
Evolving with the Industry
Silverstone Shares & Securities has always been at the forefront of change. The firm distinguishes itself through its appetite for robust research methodology, relentless performance monitoring, and customized investment plans tailored to individual client needs. Additionally, its adherence to a data driven approach ensures clients have dynamic access to their investment data, enabling transparency and informed decision-making.
Actively exploring other fringe categories like PMS and AIF, Bharat agrees that certain themes can uniquely be played out in that category, unlike the mutual fund space. “We are able to give our client different flavours of investment based on what their needs are”, assures Bharat.
While Indian residing citizens continue to establish a discipline to invest and maneuver the ever-changing taxation laws, NRIs have their fair share of struggles when it comes to investments and taxations. As a one-stop solution, this firm not only advises them on how to invest their money, but how to file their taxes, how to minimize the same, and how to get tax rebates, including an overall support to tackle their needs while overseas.
Legacy & Lessons
Setting a stronger foothold for the future, Silverstone Shares & Securities is at the forefront of innovation, looking down the barrel to introduce newer investment products and improving client experiences. The firm's motto of trust driven business, research & data driven specialized advisory, and commitment to tax-efficient investing, positions it as a sought-after partner for investors.
While financial services are commoditized by the day, Silverstone Shares & Securities makes a lasting impression, not for its scale, but for its value system. The firm strongly advocates financial empowerment, lighting the way for investors towards sustainable wealth creation and financial freedom. With an unfaltering commitment to awareness, personalized planning, and lasting relationships, this firm continues to redefine wealth management, ensuring investors' aspirations and goals are met with informed expertise, integrity, and unwavering dedication to client success. Bharat Shah reminds us that trust is not built overnight, but when it is, it becomes the most valuable asset of all.
Fostering Continuous Learning
Bharat believes that learning is a continuous process through life and keeps abreast of knowledge by attending conferences and seminars. He has obtained several certificates in the area of investments in this process. Some of the certificates include:
Next Gen Planning
Retirement planning
Investor Psychology
NRI advising
Chartered Financial Goal Planner
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