The following is a curated list of interesting financial products that could form part of an investor’s portfolio. As always, please consult a Registered Investment Adviser or a Certified Financial Planner to assess their suitability for your personal financial situation.
1.Gift City Products (IFSC – Gujarat International Finance Tec-City)
India’s first International Financial Services Centre offers tax-efficient products for both inbound (NRIs, foreign nationals) and outbound (resident Indians) investors.
Inbound products: Specifically for Foreign Nationals and NRIs. No capital gains tax, minimal documentation (no PAN needed, international bank account suffices). Mixture of market linked and banking products available.
Outbound products: Specifically for Resident Indians. Easy access to international markets with tax efficiency.
Investment options start at Retail (USD 500–5000) and PMS (USD 150,000+).
2. Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs)
Concentrated investment strategies regulated by SEBI under mutual fund guidelines. Minimum investment: ₹10 lakh. Combine mutual fund tax efficiency with the aggressiveness of PMS. Expect differentiated domestic opportunities in equity, debt and arbitrage space.
REITs & SM REITs
Investment in Grade A commercial property without the hassles of physical ownership. Benefits: Convenience, diversification, liquidity, and tax efficiency. Normal REITs: Invest as low as ₹500 per unit, diversified across properties/occupants. SM REITs: Concentrated exposure to a single property. Minimum -₹10 lakh. Requirement: Demat + trading account.
Income + Arbitrage Fund of Funds (FoFs)
A conservative option (alternative to banking products) with tax benefits. Long-term capital gains (after 2 years) taxed at concessional flat 12.5% rate.
Equity Index Funds
Low-cost, tax-efficient exposure to equity markets. Options: Large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, or blended indices.
Ideal for small/large core portfolios and cost-sensitive investors.
Pure Debt Funds
Suitable for resident Indians with annual income below ₹12 lakh. Safer alternative to cooperative banks and societies. Low-risk fixed income option.
Dynamic Equity Mutual Funds
For investors who want equity exposure without timing the market. Participate in upside, while managing downside. Categories include: Balanced Advantage, Multi-Asset, Dynamic Asset Allocation, and Asset Allocation FoFs.
Super Top Up Health Insurance Plans:
Individuals and families seeking substantial health insurance (such as ₹1 crore coverage) can now access such large covers at a fraction of traditional premiums. This strategy allows you to:
- Secure protection against major medical expenses at a low cost.
- Use smaller company-provided plans or personal cash flows to manage minor healthcare expenses.
It’s an efficient way to manage healthcare risks while keeping premiums economical.
