Overview
Sandeep Jethwani, co‑founder of the fintech startup Dezerv, was featured in the seventh episode of Crafting Bharat – Season 3, an AWS‑sponsored series produced by NewsReach and HT Smartcast and hosted by Gautam Srinivasan, a consulting editor at CNBC India, CNN‑News18, Forbes India and The Economic Times.
Core Discussion Points
Jethwani highlighted how cloud technology, risk awareness and evolving investor behavior are reshaping India’s wealth‑management landscape. He stressed that digital literacy is attracting new investors, while AI‑driven insights enable more precise, adaptive portfolio strategies. Sustainable investing, he noted, is also gaining traction, mirroring a global shift toward responsible wealth creation.
Risk‑First Client Approach
A distinctive element of Dezerv’s methodology is asking prospective clients a direct question: how much money are you willing to lose? This risk‑first stance helps align portfolio construction with each client’s volatility tolerance. Jethwani cited the 2008 market crash as an example where investors who exited at lows suffered permanent losses because they never re‑entered the market.
Digital‑First Relationship Management
Dezerv replaces the traditional bank relationship‑manager (RM) model, where a single RM juggles banking, loans, insurance and investments, with a specialist‑only RM focused solely on portfolio management. These RMs engage clients via video‑based communication, enabling consistent, personalized interaction across “hundreds of locations” while maintaining strong relationships.
Managing Market Volatility
Jethwani outlined two responsibilities for wealth managers during volatile periods:
1. Asset Allocation Aligned with Downside Tolerance – For a client comfortable with a 10 % decline, allocating more than 40 % to equities would be unsuitable.
2. Continuous Communication – When portfolios shrink, especially when tied to life‑goal funding, managers must stay closely connected, explain market movements and guide clients through anxiety. Dezerv also visualizes potential downside scenarios, such as a 20 % market drop, to set realistic expectations.
Technology Stack and AWS Partnership
Dezerv currently tracks over Rs 2,50,000 crore in assets under management. The firm’s technology journey began with a focus on re‑architecting data structures, recognizing that AI and advanced analytics require a robust data foundation. Early in its growth, AWS provided credits and guidance, a partnership that continues as Dezerv scales. Today, the AWS stack supports portfolio reviews, the “One Model” platform for portfolio management, and seamless client reporting, with multiple layers of activity built on this infrastructure.
Closing Quote
Jethwani concluded, “True wealth management lies in combining human judgment with technology to guide investors through every market cycle.”
Distribution Links
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CraftingBharat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftingbharatofficial/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftingbharat/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/craftingbharat/
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/CraftingBharat/
Disclaimer: This press release is provided under an arrangement with NRDPL. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the content.