Axis AMC Partners with NISM to Launch Industry-First Talent Development Program “Unnati”

Mumbai, February 28, 2025 – In a pioneering move aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the mutual fund industry, Axis AMC has announced a strategic partnership with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM). This collaboration will formally launch the “Unnati” program—a specialized, industry-first initiative designed to create a Day 1 job-ready talent pipeline for the rapidly expanding mutual fund sector.

The mutual fund industry in India is experiencing unprecedented growth, fuelled by an increase in investor participation and market expansion. However, there is an urgent need for professionals equipped with both academic knowledge and hands-on experience to seamlessly transition into key roles. Axis AMC’s “Unnati” program aims to bridge this gap by providing structured academic training in mutual fund operations, compliance, and regulations, along with practical exposure to real-world challenges in sales, client engagement, and distribution management.

Why “Unnati” Matters:

1. Addressing the Talent Demand: With the mutual fund industry booming, there is a critical need for skilled professionals who are equipped with the right knowledge and practical experience to navigate the evolving landscape.
2. Bridging the Industry-Academia Gap: Traditional academic programs often lack the real-world exposure that is critical in financial services. The “Unnati” program integrates theoretical learning with practical applications.
3. Faster Transition to Productivity: The program will reduce the typical learning curve by equipping fresh graduates with both foundational knowledge and hands-on experience, enabling them to become productive team members from Day 1.

A Nationwide Initiative, Unnati empowers participants with academic learning at the state-of-the-art NISM campus and provides real-world experience through on-the-job training at Axis AMC locations across India. This broad geographical reach will ensure participants gain exposure to diverse markets and customer segments, preparing them to adapt to various business environments and client profiles.

The signing ceremony for Unnati took place on February 28, 2025, at the NISM Campus, Patalganga. Senior leadership from Axis AMC and NISM attended the event to officially launch this pioneering initiative. B. Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis AMC asserted, “At Axis AMC, we recognize that the future of the mutual fund industry lies in nurturing the right talent. With the mutual fund sector growing rapidly, our commitment to creating a sustainable talent pipeline is more important than ever. ‘Unnati’ is a unique, industry-first initiative that will empower young professionals with the skills they need to excel. This collaboration with NISM represents our commitment to the next generation of financial leaders and strengthens our leadership position in the sector.”

The “Unnati” program stands out for its unique approach, blending academic rigor from NISM with real-world exposure and field assignments. The curriculum is specifically designed to meet the mutual fund industry’s evolving needs and includes comprehensive academic training in mutual fund operations, fund accounting, compliance, and regulatory frameworks, along with hands-on experience in sales, distributor management, and client relationship building. Participants will also develop essential behavioural competencies such as communication, adaptability, and resilience, alongside power skills like data analysis (Excel, Power BI), storytelling, and presentation skills. Through field assignments, participants will apply their learning in practical settings, preparing them for key roles in sales and distribution, fund accounting, compliance, relationship management, and investment research.

Himanshu Misra, Head – Human Resources, Axis AMC said, “As an organization, we understand the importance of building a workforce that is not only highly skilled but also prepared to tackle real-world challenges from Day 1. The ‘Unnati’ program is designed to give fresh graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the mutual fund industry. By bridging the gap between academic learning and practical exposure, we are creating a ready-to-deploy talent pool for our business and the industry at large.”

Deepak Trivedi, CGM, NISM said, “NISM is happy to partner with Axis Mutual Fund in skill development and capacity building initiatives. The vision of NISM is to be a landmark institute professionalising the securities markets. NISM is strengthening the rapid-fire initiatives of leadership of Securities and Exchange Board of India in deepening the awareness about the securities markets for various opportunities in terms of investment as well as career.”