'We have highest equity mix compared to top players'

Though not among India's top 15 asset managers, Canara Robeco Mutual Fund (MF) is focusing on building a durable, equity-driven business rather than chasing short-term assets under management (AUM) growth, says Rajnish Narula, managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO).

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In an interview with Sundar Sethuraman in Mumbai, ahead of its ₹1,326 crore initial public offering (IPO), Narula says despite near-term market volatility, he remains confident about sustained equity inflows. Edited excerpts:

· We have the highest equity concentration compared to the top 10 players. Our strategy is built on a high-equity orientation - around 91 per cent of our AUM is in equities. When markets move, that focus gives us higher sensitivity and potential for better returns. Equities may not outperform every year, but if they do so seven times out of 10, it's an asset class worth relying on. To bridge the gap with larger peers, our best route is to build a disproportionate share of equity assets. It's also a more stable foundation.