Tag: HDFC Securities

  • India’s shining stars gear up for CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year

    India’s shining stars gear up for CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year

    MUMBAI: Who runs the world? Indians do and CNN-News18 is here to prove it once again. The news network is rolling out the red carpet for the 15th edition of its flagship awards, Indian of the Year (IOTY), a celebration of the nation’s most inspiring achievers who’ve turned dreams into revolutions and talent into timeless influence.

    Over the years, the IOTY stage has seen everyone from Shah Rukh Khan to Neeraj Chopra and Virat Kohli walk away with the honour. Now, in its 15th year, the awards return with even greater sparkle, ready to spotlight India’s brightest minds and boldest spirits across nine categories like Entertainment, Sports, Rising Sports Star, Business, Youth Icon, Global Indian, Iconic Woman Achiever, Influencer, and Climate Warrior.

    Each category boasts five stellar nominees who’ve left an indelible mark this year. The Sports category is packed with champions like D Gukesh, Shubman Gill, Avinash Sable, Smriti Mandhana, and Manpreet Singh, while the Rising Sports Star segment features up-and-coming powerhouses Suruchi Phogat, Kush Maini, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Pooja Singh, and Divya Deshmukh.

    In Entertainment, expect a clash of charisma between Rashmika Mandanna, Mohanlal, Laxman Utekar (Chhaava), Arijit Singh, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Meanwhile, the Youth Icon list brims with dynamism from Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter to comedian Zakir Khan and naval trailblazers Lt. Cdr Dilna K and Roopa A.

    Online sensations get their due in the Influencer category with Raj Shamani, Kamiya Jani, Khan Sir, Parul Gulati, and Revant Himatsingka leading the charge. The Business nominees include entrepreneurial giants like Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Albinder Dhindsa (Blinkit), Rajesh Jejurikar (Mahindra & Mahindra), Roshni Nadar Malhotra (HCLTech), and Baba Kalyani (Bharat Forge).

    Fighting the good fight for the planet, the Climate Warrior nominees Garvita Gulhati, Aditya Mukarji, Morningstar Khongthaw, Vidyut Mohan, and Vinay Manchala — are being recognised for turning sustainability into a movement. Meanwhile, the Iconic Woman Achiever list celebrates the grit and grace of Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Ashwini Bhide, Chhonzin Angmo, Radha Bahin Bhatt, and K Kamini Maheshwari.

    And proving that the Indian spirit knows no borders, the Global Indian category shines on the world stage with Payal Kapadia, Leena Nair, Manish Malhotra, Hanumankind, and Chef Vijay Kumar.

    The winners will be chosen by an elite jury panel featuring names as illustrious as Sanjiv Goenka, DY Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra, Prasoon Joshi, Mahesh Jethmalani, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Amitabh Kant, Shefali Shah, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Gagan Narang, and Lara Dutta, a line-up that’s as stellar as the nominees themselves.

    Reflecting on the milestone Network18 CEO of english & business news Smriti Mehra said, “The 15th edition of CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is a special milestone for all of us. It’s an opportunity to celebrate individuals whose passion, resilience, and creativity inspire millions across the country and beyond.”

    Adding to that, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “This year, we’re introducing three new awards to reflect the changing world better whether it’s Indians making a global impact, influencers reshaping conversations, or extraordinary women breaking barriers.”

    Backed by partners including the RPSG Group (Presenting Partner), and Polycab, HDFC Securities, and Reliance (Associate Partners), the grand finale in November 2025 promises a celebration of spirit, strength, and stories that continue to shape modern India.

    Because in a nation bursting with brilliance, choosing one Indian of the Year might just be the toughest job of them all.

  • HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    HDFC Securities busts fraudsters with flair

    MUMBAI: HDFC Securities has launched Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho?, a nationwide fraud awareness drive that brings Bollywood storytelling to the world of financial security. The campaign, part of the company’s Knowyourmoney initiative, uses humour, drama, and realism to show how easily scams can slip into everyday life, and how awareness can be the ultimate defence.

    Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal and Chhichhore fame, the campaign stars Manoj Pahwa, Bhuvan Arora, and Sapna Sand as part of a quirky ‘Fraudster Family’ that hilariously exposes modern investment scams. Through engaging short films, the series demystifies online trickery and emotional manipulation that have cost countless families their savings.

    “When you see people lose their hard-earned money, you realise awareness isn’t optional, it’s essential,” said Tiwari. “This campaign empowers every investor to stay informed and protect what they’ve built.”

    With a mission to make financial literacy entertaining and accessible, HDFC Securities has turned Knowyourmoney into one of India’s largest hybrid awareness programmes, reaching over 1.1 crore people weekly through videos, podcasts, community sessions, and gamified learning in 13 languages.

    HDFC Securities EVP & CMO Puneeth Bekal noted, “Fraud has evolved in scale and sophistication, and the only sustainable defence is awareness. Kya Aap Taiyyar Ho? gives people the tools to make informed decisions and safeguard their money.”

    The campaign’s creative offshoots, from a comic strip series called Bear and Bull to interactive games like Investment Heist and a forthcoming Fraudster’s Dossier, make money matters feel less intimidating and more engaging. It even celebrates citizens who have successfully spotted and stopped scams, proving that financial vigilance can be learned.

    By combining cinema, community, and conversation, HDFC Securities isn’t just teaching people how to protect their money, it’s turning awareness into a movement. After all, when it comes to scams, prevention is the smartest investment of all.

     

  • CNBC-TV18 Prime Circle sets the stage for a global mind jam

    CNBC-TV18 Prime Circle sets the stage for a global mind jam

    MUMBAI: The suits are getting serious and global. CNBC-TV18 Prime is all set to unveil its latest brainchild: the Prime Circle, a high-octane, invitation-only gathering of heavyweight thinkers, business titans and policy pundits. The debut edition kicks off on 16 July in partnership with HDFC Tru, promising an evening brimming with ideas, intellect and a splash of wine wisdom.

    Designed as a marquee platform for global dialogue, Prime Circle will bring together powerhouses navigating today’s fractured world from macroeconomic mayhem to AI overdrive and geopolitical chess.

    On the speakers’ list: Manny Maceda, chairman of Bain & Company; Robert Rosenkranz, chairman of Delphi Capital Management; George Yeo, former foreign affairs minister of Singapore; Shyam Saran, ex-foreign secretary of India; and Dhiraj Relli, MD and CEO at HDFC Securities. These aren’t your everyday talking heads, they’re the ones shaping the playbook.

    Adding sparkle to the evening: Sonal Holland, India’s only Master of Wine, who’ll uncork a curated tasting session to keep the conversation as smooth as the pour.

    Speaking about the event, Smriti Mehra, CEO, Business News, Network18 from CNBC-TV18 Prime said, “CNBC-TV18 Prime aims to bring the pulse of global markets to India through an India-first lens. With Prime Circle, we are creating a marquee platform for high-impact, strategic conversations that reflect the opportunities and risks for India, a global force to recon with . We are honoured to welcome an exceptional line-up of voices who offer real perspective, experience, and foresight.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Relli stated, “Our partnership with CNBC-TV18 Prime enables us to leverage our research-driven expertise to deliver actionable market insights and foster financial literacy across television and digital platforms. We look forward to co-creating impactful content, engaging with investors at marquee events, and, through the upcoming Prime Circle event, facilitating meaningful global dialogue that shapes the future of India’s capital markets.”

    The Prime Circle is CNBC-TV18 Prime’s bid to push past the predictable panel and into something punchier: a space where power meets perspective, with a twist of terroir.

  • HDFC Securities banks on Anand Mathur as its new CFO

    HDFC Securities banks on Anand Mathur as its new CFO

    MUMBAI: HDFC Securities, a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Bank, has appointed Anand Mathur as its new chief financial officer (CFO). With over 20 years of expertise in financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, Mathur’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the company’s growth trajectory in the evolving stockbroking industry.

    Mathur has a distinguished career spanning key financial roles at HDFC Bank and Citibank India. Prior to his new role, he served as senior vice president for finance at HDFC Bank, where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and financial planning. His tenure at Citi India involved overseeing financial strategy and local regulatory reporting, giving him a deep understanding of the banking and financial services sector.

    Mathur stated, “I’m thrilled to be stepping into this exciting new position at HDFC Securities. With a strong focus on financial strategy, operational efficiency, and innovation, I look forward to working with the talented team at HSL to drive sustainable growth and success. The stockbroking industry is full of opportunities, and I am eager to contribute towards maximising its potential.”

    HDFC Securities, managing director & CEO Dhiraj Relli welcomed Mathur’s appointment, emphasising his extensive financial acumen. “We are pleased to have Anand Mathur as our new CFO. His deep experience in financial strategy and regulatory oversight makes him the ideal choice to drive HDFC Securities forward. Anand’s leadership and vision will play a key role in strengthening our financial operations, ensuring sustainable growth, and enhancing value for our stakeholders.”

    Mathur’s appointment comes at a crucial time as HDFC Securities aims to further expand its market presence and enhance its offerings in India’s fast-evolving financial ecosystem. His experience in managing financial strategy, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation is expected to be instrumental in navigating the dynamic landscape of the broking industry.

    Prior to HDFC Bank, at Citibank India (2010-2012), he led financial strategy and managed regulatory reporting, gaining valuable insights into compliance and financial planning. His earlier stint at HDFC Bank (2005-2010) saw him overseeing core banking solutions implementation and Indian GAAP accounting, further solidifying his deep understanding of financial operations and governance.  
     

  • HDFC securities appoints Puneeth Bekal as CMO

    HDFC securities appoints Puneeth Bekal as CMO

    Mumbai: Leading investment services provider HDFC securities has announced the appointment of Puneeth Bekal for the position of chief marketing officer (CMO) and executive vice president. Bekal will be heading the marketing department, and HDFC Sky – their flat pricing equity broking app launched in September 2023.

    Puneeth has over 19 years of experience in brands and marketing, with key expertise in brand strategy, marketing strategy, and digital marketing across industries and verticals. He was recently awarded as the 100 Most Influential Marketers by Business World and authored the prestigious Business World Marketing White Book. Before joining HSL, Puneeth worked for organizations including Mastercard, Godrej Group, Lodha Group, and Ceat Tyres. He holds a marketing degree from IIM-Calcutta. In his career spanning nearly two decades, he has worked in over 42 cities across India and 7 countries, giving him a deep understanding of India’s diverse culture and sense of global interconnectedness.

    Speaking on his appointment, HDFC securities chief marketing officer and executive vice president Puneeth Bekal said, “I am thrilled to embark on this journey with HDFC Securities, driving towards our shared vision of becoming the preeminent ally for financial investors. In a rapidly evolving landscape, we recognise the transformative power of cutting-edge technologies, and my commitment is to leverage these tools to unlock their full potential. The surge in over 10 crore new demat account openings in India since the pandemic, predominantly fueled by a wave of young and tech-savvy investors, underscores the dynamic shift in the financial landscape.

    As the newly appointed CMO at HDFC Securities and HDFC Sky, my immediate focus is to propel our digital capabilities to new heights, with a specific emphasis on HDFC Sky. This strategic initiative aims to position HDFC Sky as the undisputed investment platform of choice for the vibrant community of young and millennial investors across the nation. Through innovation, personalised experiences, and a commitment to trust, we aspire to redefine the landscape of financial services and solidify our standing as the go-to destination for the next generation of investors.”

    HDFC Securities MD & CEO Dhiraj Relli said, “Puneeth will be instrumental in crafting a new age, digital-first marketing ecosystem to lead HDFC Securities to stand out in the fragmented and evolving broking and distribution space in India. Puneeth’s enthusiasm and expertise will play a key role in the entire spectrum of HSL’s offerings ranging from our flat pricing offering – HDFC Sky to Investment advisory services.”

  • Isobar India hires Praveen Raj as creative director – West & South

    Isobar India hires Praveen Raj as creative director – West & South

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Aegis Network’s full-service digital agency Isobar India has roped in Praveen Raj as creative director – West & South.

     

    As part his new mandate, Raj will be responsible for Isobar’s creative teams in Mumbai and Bangalore.

     

    In his new role, Raj will report to Isobar group creative director Anish Varghese and will also be part of the Isobar creative council, which will include creative Varghese and Isobar India director – North Anadi Sah. The council will lead Isobar’s creative vision into 2016 and beyond.

     

    Isobar India managing director Shamsuddin Jasani said, “The creative wing of Isobar is the heart and soul of the agency and I am very happy that Praveen has joined us to strengthen an already strong creative team. I believe that the creative council will be able to take our work above and beyond global standards.”

     

    Speaking about his new role, Raj said, “Isobar has a very young and enthusiastic team and a roster of great brands to work with; not to forget the opportunities for collaboration with the extensive Dentsu Aegis Network agencies. So I’m looking forward to working closely with the team to build some serious creative chops and do outstanding work for our clients.”

     

    Varghese added, “Praveen is a seasoned professional. Besides his ideation and detailing expertise, he is a true blue marketer. He has hands-on experience in blending art with technology. And his stint with start-ups and Ogilvy will just be the elixir to boost our creative squad.”

     

    Prior to this, Raj was creative lead at AgencyDigi and was responsible for winning clients such as Axis Mutual Funds, HDFC Securities, and Enrich Salons & Academy. He has spent more than 13 years in advertising with a primary focus on digital media. Before joining AgencyDigi, he spent four years with OgilvyOne Worldwide fronting businesses for several top brands like Vodafone, Diageo, Emirates and Disney.

     

    During his three-year stint with Hungry & Foolish Intellectual Properties, Raj was involved in creating advertising for Kamasutra and Lenovo apart from crafting several other independent creative products.