KIIT School of Management (KSOM) organised its 8^th National Finance Conclave on 9^th December, 2017. The theme of this year’s conclave was “Policy Interventions: Challenges & Prospects of Indian Business & Finance.” The conclave was inaugurated by Mr. Jitendra Panda, MD & CEO, Peerless Securities Limited, in the presence of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder, KIIT & KISS, Prof. Hrushikesha Mohanty, Vice Chancellor, KIIT, Prof. Debasish Das, Director, KSOM and Prof. S.N Mishra, Dean, KSOM.

Finance Conclave

Dr. Achyuta Samanta in his welcome address highlighted the impact of policy changes on business prospects. He also talked about the viable financial model of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences which is highly appreciated by policy makers of the country.

Setting the context, Mr. Jitendra Panda elaborated on the philosophy behind the formulation and implementation of financial policies across various markets. He went on to emphasize on the workings of major policy initiatives such as Demonetization, GST. Make in India, Digital India, and Ease of doing Business etc.

Prof. Hrushikesha Mohanty talked of the different challenges faced by the players in the financial markets against the backdrop of recent policy changes and emphasized on the urgent imperative of up-gradation of the skill sets of the millennial to meet these challenges. He expressed confidence in the growing industry – academia collaborative arrangements to do the needful in this regard.

The first panel discussion was on : “Policy Interventions: Impact on Stakeholders’ Business Performances” which was moderated by Ms. Lakshmi V. Iyer, CIO – Fixed Income & Head – Products, Kotak Mahindra Asset Mgt. Co. The other panelists were Mr. Subrat Das, CFO, SembCorp Green Infra Ltd.; Mr. Srinivas Baratam, MD, Kriscore Financial Advisors; Mr. Mahesh Gupta, Director – Finance, Appster; and Mr. Sanjeev Goswami, Founder Director, Fractal Capital.

Ms. Iyer articulated the complex challenges facing our economy because of recent policy changes. Mr. Subrat Das talked about cost of funding for recapitalization of banks, and how GST affected the power sector financial dynamics. Mr. Baratam  discussed about policy on domestic and cross border transactions , role of inflation in cost escalation of projects and the increasing role of private borrowings in funding of projects. Mr. Gupta spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on mode of doing business in banking, FMCG, hospitality and healthcare. Mr. Goswami talked about various policy initiatives’ impact on the country’s GDP.

The second panel discussion was on the topic  “Policy interventions: Business Challenges and Innovations” which was moderated by Dr. Rajeev Uberoi, General Counsel and Group Head Legal & Compliance, IDFC. The other panelists were Ms. Renu Rajani, VP – Financial Services, ADM Service Line, Infosys; Ms. Sangeeta Sumesh, ED & CFO, Dun & Bradstreet Technologies and Data Services Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Vikas Sarda, CFO, Unitus Capital and Unitus Seed Fund; and Mr. Aakarshan Mookim, Head-Business Finance (FP&A/Commercial   Finance), Macmillan Education.

Dr. Uberoi gave an overview on the historical perspective of world’s economy. He emphasized on India being one of the most attractive destinations for doing business. Mr. Sarda discussed on the far reaching impact of demonetization and GST in the economy. He said that the recent policy changes will help combat the uncertainty in the business ecosystem and ensure much needed stability and growth. Ms. Suman said that much needed changes have been introduced in the Indian Tax system of late. However, she expressed the hope that India would be much better off if the best tax practices followed in a few developed countries are adopted. Mr. Mookim talked about digital payment policies. He was of the view that regulations should be responsible and business friendly. The discussion culminated with Ms. Rajani articulating on the policy changes in IT industry and its effect on other businesses.

The conclave also had six workshops for the students with topics relating to contemporary banking, mutual fund, micro-insurance, corporate governance practices and digital innovations.

The conclave was a part of three National Level Conclaves in the areas of HR, Marketing and Finance conducted by KIIT School of Management to create a forum for the exchange of ideas and thoughts on pertinent themes of the current era. This year’s conclave witnessed huge participation from management students, academia and industry practitioners.

8th National Finance Conclave