Sachin Kothari, Director at Augmont – Gold For All, leads India’s largest fully integrated gold enterprise, spanning refining to retailing. As a Chartered Accountant and second-generation entrepreneur, he brings over two decades of expertise in finance, strategic management, and innovation. Furthermore, with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mumbai and an MBA in Finance & Strategy from Cass Business School, where he ranked in the top 10 percent globally in the Google Online Marketing Challenge, Kothari has a proven track record of driving growth and excellence. Under his leadership, Augmont has pioneered transformative initiatives, modernizing gold and silver investments through technology-driven solutions like Digi Gold and Gold SIPs. His visionary approach and commitment to innovation have firmly positioned Augmont as an industry leader, making gold investments accessible and customer-centric while ensuring sustained impact in the evolving precious metals market.

In an exclusive interaction with Finance Outlook India, Sachin Kothari, Director of Augmont – Gold For All delves into the aspects towards revolutionizing Gold Investing with Technology and Transparency to empower millennials and Gen Z with digital investments:

What investment patterns have you observed among Gen Zs, millennials, and emerging investors in the gold market?

Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly drawn to gold as a long-term investment. They favour digital platforms for convenience and fractional ownership. Gold is seen as a diversification tool, hedging against inflation and economic uncertainty. Social media significantly influences their investment decisions. Younger investors are gravitating towards digital gold platforms and Gold ETFs, offering convenience, accessibility, and fractional ownership. This preference aligns with their comfort with technology and online platforms.

How has the digitalization sprint transformed the way investors manage their financial portfolios, particularly in the gold and commodity sectors?

The digitalization sprint has revolutionized gold and commodity investing. Digital platforms offer accessibility, fractional ownership, and real-time data, empowering investors. Automated trading and portfolio management tools enhance efficiency. Blockchain technology improves security and transparency. These advancements have democratized investing, making it more accessible to a wider range of individuals.

Could you elaborate on how one can enhance the gold purchase experience from refining to retail?

Businesses in this niche field can enhance the gold purchase experience by controlling the entire value chain, from refining to retail. This vertical integration ensures quality and efficiency. Also, one has to leverage technology with innovative products like "Digi Gold" for online purchases and Gold SIPs. It is also important to prioritize customer experience with competitive pricing, secure storage, and convenient delivery options. Transparency is key, with real-time pricing and clear disclosures. This approach modernizes gold investing, making it accessible and convenient for customers.

How do geopolitical events and changing market dynamics influence gold price fluctuations?

Geopolitical events like wars or trade tensions boost gold demand as investors seek safe havens. Inflation also drives gold prices up as it erodes currency value. Changing interest rates impact gold's attractiveness relative to other investments. A weaker US dollar makes gold cheaper for foreign buyers, increasing demand.

Can you shed light on the rise of fractional gold investments and its appeal to emerging investors?

Fractional gold investments have gained traction among emerging investors due to their affordability and accessibility. Allowing investors to buy small portions of gold lowers the entry barrier, making gold ownership possible for those with limited budgets. This approach reduces risk by enabling gradual accumulation. Furthermore, fractional gold can easily be integrated into diversified portfolios, offering a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. The convenience of digital platforms and the availability of fractional gold through various channels further enhance its appeal to emerging investors.

How do you view the competition in the digital gold market, and what will set players in this space apart from other players?

The digital gold market is competitive, wherein, players in this space should differentiate itself through its vertical integration, controlling the entire gold value chain from refining to retail. This ensures quality and efficiency. Furthermore, one has to focus on technology with innovative products like Digi Gold and Gold SIPs, combined with a strong emphasis on customer experience and transparency to stay ahead of the curve.