Over 500 delegates at MFRT 2026 in Udaipur emphasised the need for mutual fund distributors to modernise and embrace technology, social media, and new business models to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
More than 500 delegates gathered in Udaipur from 7 to 9 August for MFRT 2026, where speakers urged mutual fund distributors to move beyond legacy sales habits and build businesses fit for a faster-changing wealth management market. Organised around the theme “Reboot”, the conference put technology, social media, branding, team building and client engagement at the centre of that shift.
According to Cafemutual’s account of the event, senior industry figures including Sundeep Sikka, A. Balasubramanian, Navneet Munot and Madhu Lunawat framed the discussion around the need for distributors to become more professional and resilient. Balasubramanian spoke on “SIP 2.0: Rebooting Retail Participation”, while Munot addressed “Ctrl + Alt + Invest – Rebooting Your Money Habits”. Lunawat argued that MFD businesses should evolve into full-scale wealth firms rather than remain purely transactional operations.
The conference also examined how distribution economics are changing. Saugata Chatterjee spoke about shifting from a solo enterprise to one that can create lasting business value, while a separate panel explored how asset managers and distributors can build stronger partnerships. Other sessions focused on the role of technology in keeping distributors relevant, the growing importance of social media and the question of whether artificial intelligence will replace MFDs or simply make them more effective.
Market strategy and future growth were also part of the conversation. Karan Datta discussed geopolitical risks and their effect on markets, while a fund manager panel featuring Dhaval Shah, Chirag Setalvad, Sailesh Raj Bhan, Ruchit Mehta and Prasanna Pathak examined portfolio positioning for India’s next market cycle. On the final day, speakers including Anil Singhvi and Biharilal Deora joined a session on the MFD opportunity in 2030, with Vandana Trivedi and Manish Ranjan discussing what the distribution business of the future may require. The event also included networking, awards and entertainment, and the next MFRT conference is set for Bengaluru.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
