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The Association of Portfolio Managers in India (APMI), the representative body of SEBI-registered portfolio managers overseeing a significant share of India's Rs 42 lakh crore PMS industry, hosted  ‘APMI Leadership Conclave 2026 in Kolkata,’ bringing together regulators, portfolio managers, distributors, family offices and wealth management professionals to discuss the opportunities and priorities shaping the next phase of growth for the sector. The conclave comes at a time when the PMS industry serves more than 2.1 lakh investor accounts, reflecting the growing adoption of professionally managed and customised investment solutions among Indian investors.

The conclave was graced by Mr. Manoj Kumar, Executive Director, SEBI, as Chief Guest, along with Mr. Amit Tandon, Regional Director (East), SEBI, Mr. Biharilal Deora, Chairman, APMI, Mr. Sushant Bhansali, Vice Chairman, APMI, and other senior industry leaders.

Attended by over 250 participants from across the PMS ecosystem, including portfolio managers, distributors, family offices and wealth intermediaries, the conclave focused on investor needs, regulatory developments, distribution expansion and the importance of building a more transparent, accessible and resilient PMS ecosystem. A key highlight of the event was 'Kolkata Speaks', a special session moderated by Mr. Biharilal Deora, Chairman, APMI that brought together APMI members and market participants from the region to share insights on the local investment landscape, business opportunities, operational challenges and expectations from both the industry body and regulators.

The Association has undertaken around 50 strategic initiatives since commencing operations in May 2022 - Feb, significantly contributing to the growth and development of India's Portfolio Management Services (PMS) ecosystem. These initiatives have focused on enhancing investor protection, promoting regulatory compliance, improving industry transparency, driving digital transformation, building professional capacity, and facilitating ease of doing business.

Mr. Manoj Kumar, Executive Director, SEBI, said, " The PMS industry in India is at a defining inflection point. As investor aspirations evolve and demand for personalized wealth management solutions continues to grow, the industry has an opportunity to emerge as a significant pillar of India's investment ecosystem. This next phase of growth must be anchored in transparency, robust governance, and a steadfast commitment to investor protection. APMI has an important role to play in fostering industry-wide standardization, enhancing data transparency, and strengthening the distribution ecosystem. Going forward, deeper penetration into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, greater investor awareness, responsible distribution practices, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders will be critical to building a resilient, trusted, and globally competitive PMS industry that supports long-term wealth creation."

Mr. Biharilal Deora, Chairman, APMI, said, "The PMS industry has emerged as a significant pillar of India's wealth management landscape, driven by growing investor awareness, rising demand for customised investment solutions and a supportive regulatory framework. At APMI, we remain committed to fostering constructive engagement between industry participants and SEBI to advance our shared objectives of investor protection, industry development and market integrity. We are grateful for SEBI's continued guidance and support, which has played an important role in the evolution of the PMS ecosystem. As investor participation continues to deepen, we look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to strengthen industry practices, drive innovation and unlock the next phase of growth for the sector."

The event concluded with the recognition of leading PMS distributors across nation for their contribution towards deepening awareness and adoption of PMS solutions in the region, while reaffirming the industry's commitment to collaboration, investor trust and sustainable growth.

Highlights of the Sessions held at the APMI Leadership Conclave:

• Kolkata Speaks – Kolkata’s PMS leaders discussion on the regional opportunities, challenges and industry priorities.
• PMS Distribution: Growth & Adoption – Strategies to strengthen PMS distribution and expand investor reach.
• Trends in Indices & Index Investing – Key developments shaping index investing and investment analytics.
• 5 Questions to Ask Your Portfolio Manager – Family office perspectives on choosing and evaluating PMS managers.
• Why Invest Through PMS? – Understanding the benefits of disciplined investing and professional portfolio management.
• Role of the Regulator in PMS – Insights into regulation, compliance and the future of the PMS industry.
• PMS Distributor Awards – West Bengal – Recognizing outstanding PMS distributors for excellence and contribution to the industry.

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