Mumbai, 17 March, 2021 Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Julius Baer, the largest global wealth manager in India, has actively strengthened its India franchise by bolstering its team of Relationship Managers (RMs) across locations. The firm has welcomed on board Chirag Gandhi as MD Senior Advisor, Team Head based in New Delhi and has also inducted five Senior RMs to the India franchise during the calendar year.

Julius Baer is currently the largest global wealth manager in India based on India Onshore AUM according to industry research. The business has a strong client franchise, pan-India footprint and experienced team of wealth advisors.  Along with a large footprint of NRI (Non-Resident Indian) focused business, this India Onshore business gives Julius Baer a strategic advantage in serving the Global Indian community – in India and around the world.

Chirag joins Bank Julius Baer with more than 15 years of experience in wealth management. He was most recently a Senior Partner at IIFLW and for the past decade heading a large team based out of New Delhi. He brings a team of experienced bankers with him, opening avenues for Julius Baer in new client segments in Northern India including Rajasthan and Punjab. The firm also welcomed a team of bankers from Avendus - Manish Khaitan in Mumbai and Abhinav Kumar in Bangalore to further strengthen its west and south India coverage.

Julius Baer India also recently promoted Anand Khatau to Managing Director. Anand Khatau, joined the India team nearly 22 years ago, and has been a key member of the India Executive Committee, having worked closely with high net worth families across Indian and global markets. In his new role, Anand will continue to provide best-in-class investment and wealth planning solutions to Indian clients as well as play an active role in expanding the firm’s global Indian business.

Ashish Gumashta, Chief Executive Officer, Julius Baer India said: “India is a high-growth market for Julius Baer. Our commitment to driving the India business remains strong led by the firm’s global private wealth management expertise for the past 130 years. Our key focus especially during the pandemic and beyond is to strengthen our platforms and services, and driven by this intent, we have expanded our India franchise and on-boarded several key members to the team. These appointments also underscore our focus and belief in scaling our Global India proposition to capture the untapped wealth management opportunities present amongst the Indian diaspora globally.”

Himanshu Bhagat, Head Wealth Management, Julius Baer India said: “We will continue focusing and strengthening our domestic team, especially in the booming markets of NCR and Bangalore/Chennai/Hyderabad. We are excited about the tremendous opportunities that these markets offer, and the possibilities that Chirag brings to the proposition. We are happy to welcome such pedigreed relationship managers to our family to widen our franchise presence in the UHNW and family office space.”