Paisa Vaisa with Anupam Gupta

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta speaks with Sashank Rishyasringa, Co-founder of Axio, about startups, fintech, India’s evolving credit culture, and the future of consumer lending. They discuss the rise of checkout financing, Amazon’s acquisition of Axio, why startups are a “test match” and not a “T20,” the dangers of easy credit, how Indians should think about loans and EMIs, and why simplicity matters in both business and financial products. The episode also explores credit scores, BNPL, UPI, startup resilience, and lessons from author Haruki Murakami that apply surprisingly well to entrepreneurship. In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta speaks with Sashank Rishyasringa, Co-founder of Axio, about startups, fintech, India’s evolving credit culture, and the future of consumer lending. They discuss the rise of checkout financing, Amazon’s acquisition of Axio, why startups are a “test match” and not a “T20,” the dangers of easy credit, how Indians should think about loans and EMIs, and why simplicity matters in both business and financial products. The episode also explores credit scores, BNPL, UPI, startup resilience, and lessons from author Haruki Murakami that apply surprisingly well to entrepreneurship.From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTubeExplore more at ivmpodcasts.comConnect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM PodcastsWe’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Sachin Gupta, the Executive Director and Chief Ratings Officer at CareEdge Ratings, sits down with Anupam Gupta on the Paisa Vaisa podcast to discuss the ticking time bomb of the $1 trillion global private credit market. While the US and Europe are grappling with opaque, unrated debt bubbles, Sachin argues that India’s strict regulatory culture might be our greatest economic superpower in 2026. We break down the "Modified Credit Ratio," a leading indicator that currently shows 2.5 upgrades for every single downgrade in the Indian economy. This episode is a deep dive into the sectors that are actually winning, from the ironclad asset quality of gold loan companies to the resilient banking sector that has moved from 12% NPAs to a state of unprecedented health. If you are an investor looking to navigate the current high-interest-rate cycle, Sachin’s macro insights on the RBI’s data-driven approach will change how you view your portfolio’s safety. Key Takeaways The Math of Trust: A credit rating is not a general "vibe check" on a company; it is a cold, mathematical probability of default calculated on a 20-point scale from AAA to D. The Integrity Filter: Management risk is the most critical pillar of analysis because promoter integrity and project execution track records determine survival better than any balance sheet. Regulatory Fortress: India’s strict AIF rules prevent the kind of "debt-on-debt" systemic risk currently threatening the $1 trillion opaque private credit markets in the US. The Gold Standard: Gold loan companies maintain the highest asset quality in the NBFC space because physical collateral and rising gold prices provide an automatic safety buffer for lenders. Recovery Revolution: The implementation of IBC and NCLT has fundamentally fixed India’s credit culture by instilling a genuine fear in promoters that they will lose their business if they default.From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTubeExplore more at ivmpodcasts.comConnect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM PodcastsWe’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Karan Shah, Director of Society Tea, to decode the century-long journey of one of India's most beloved brands. Starting as tea traders in 1924 under the name Hasmukhrai & Co., the family successfully transitioned into the packaged tea market in the late 1980s. Karan discusses how they avoid the "third-generation curse" by maintaining a lean, agile family structure and a relentless focus on quality over complacency. We dive deep into their vertical integration strategy—including building their own state-of-the-art milk factory—to ensure their "One Minute Tea" remains true to the authentic Indian palate. Whether you are a business enthusiast or a chai lover, this conversation offers a masterclass in brand longevity and fighting off multinational competition TAKEAWAYS- Legacy Meets Agility: Society Tea blends a 100-year heritage with agile, family-led leadership to outperform global multinational competition. Gut-Driven Brand Identity: Their iconic blue packaging was a "gut feel" decision that successfully defied negative market research and surveys. Control Through Integration: The company built a dedicated milk factory to ensure their "One Minute Tea" premix remains true to authentic chai. Convenience Without Compromise: Their innovation focuses on delivering speed without sacrificing quality by using real ingredients like hand-crushed cardamom. The Sensory Comeback: Society is expanding physical "Tea Terminals" to revive the traditional, sensory ceremony of chai for modern consumers.From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTubeExplore more at ivmpodcasts.comConnect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM PodcastsWe’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your health insurance actually working for you, or are you just paying premiums? In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, host Anupam Gupta sits down with Mayank Bathwal, CEO of Aditya Birla Health Insurance, to demystify the complex world of Indian health insurance. From the "Missing Middle" population to the rise of wellness-linked policies, we explore how the industry is changing and how you can benefit. In this video, you will learn: The Reality of Claims: Why 15% to 20% of claims are linked to fraud, waste, or abuse, and how this impacts your premium costs. Reimbursement Red Flags: What a "360-degree investigation" is and why reimbursement cases invite more scrutiny than cashless ones. The Cashless Advantage: Why cashless settlement is significantly higher in some states but struggles in places like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Earning Your Premium Back: How you can literally get 100% of your premium back by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and tracking your steps. Pro-Tips for Claims: The one thing you MUST do yourself when filing an application to ensure your claim never gets rejected. Don't miss the insights on the future of Health Tech, AI, and how a personal health coach provided by your insurer can help you reverse lifestyle diseases.From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTubeExplore more at ivmpodcasts.comConnect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM PodcastsWe’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this landmark episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta reunites with the leadership team at White Oak Capital—Founder Prashant Khemka and CEO Aashish Somaiya—to dissect the radical transformation of the Indian market over the last three years. As the Nifty has surged from 18,000 to 26,000 and SIP inflows have hit a staggering ₹30,000 crores per month, we explore whether the Indian retail investor has finally matured or if we are simply chasing the latest momentum in gold and silver. Prashant Khemka provides a rare global perspective, drawing parallels between India’s current economic cycle and the "middle-income traps" that have historically hindered countries like Brazil. He breaks down why a realistic 11% pre-tax return is the "gold standard" for the next two decades and why the "alpha potential" in India remains among the richest in the world for bottom-up investors. Aashish Somaiya addresses the "dark side" of social media and the rise of finfluencers, explaining why it is the industry's moral duty to speak to the younger generation in relatable terms. Together, they reveal the "Chemistry of Investing"—a framework showing how strategic equity allocation can actually improve risk-adjusted returns without the volatility most investors fear. Whether you are worried about the "exit" of private equity via IPOs or wondering how to stay disciplined when the market goes nowhere, this masterclass provides the roadmap for your 20-year wealth creation journeyTAKEAWAYS -Realistic Expectations: Investors should aim for roughly 11% pre-tax returns (9% post-tax) over a 20-year horizon based on GDP growth and inflation .- The Behavioral Gap: The biggest threat to wealth isn't fund fees; it’s the retail habit of getting in and out of the market at the wrong time.- Retail Maturity: Despite low recent returns, SIP flows remain strong at ₹30,000 Cr/month, signaling a structural shift in how Indians save.- Middle-Income Trap: India is currently at an early stage compared to Korea or Taiwan; the risk of a "trap" usually stems from extreme socialist policies .- IPOs are Vital: IPOs are not just "exits" for VCs; they are a funding mechanism for businesses that eventually create jobs and grow the economy.- Alpha Potential: India remains one of the richest markets for alpha globally, especially for managers using a bottom-up research approach.From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTubeExplore more at ivmpodcasts.comConnect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM PodcastsWe’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Popularity is the biggest risk in investing." George Joseph of ASK Investment Managers has seen the 1991 scam, the 2000 tech bubble, and the 2008 crash. In this episode, he explains why the "hype" around certain sectors today is a massive red flag. If you think you can "time the market," George shares a sobering lesson from his own 30-year career. This episode is a reality check on Investor Temperament. We discuss why "boring" asset allocation is the only "magic wand" in wealth management and why Indians need to stop acting like traders and start acting like owners. Don't miss: The 3 books every serious investor must read to fix their mental models. KEY TAKEAWAYS The "5 Crore" Reality: You don't need a 100x multibagger. You need 12% returns and 25 years. A ₹25k SIP isn't just a saving; it's a retirement machine. "Popularity is the Enemy": If your neighbor, your barber, and your Instagram feed are all talking about a sector (AI/EV/Defense), the "easy money" has already been made. Be careful. The 85% Rule: ASK filters out 85% of the market based on "Governance" alone. If the management isn't ethical, the business growth doesn't matter. Boring is Beautiful: The wealthiest people in India don't trade daily. They buy high-quality "boring" businesses and let compounding do the heavy lifting. The "Black Swan" Preparation: You can’t predict a crash, but you can prepare. George reveals why shifting to Large Caps now is like buying insurance for your portfolio. Fix Your Brain, Not Your App: The biggest risk to your wealth isn't the market—it's your own panic. Asset allocation is the only "magic wand" that actually works.From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTubeExplore more at ivmpodcasts.comConnect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM PodcastsWe’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that the addictive McDonald's Piri Piri mix or the Sour Cream & Onion flavor of Balaji Wafers were created by the man sitting in this chair? 🍟😲 In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Ajay Mariwala, the visionary behind VKL Seasonings and Food Service India (FSIPL). Ajay is the "Secret Sauce" of the Indian food industry—literally! He shares the untold story of how his team beat global multinationals by a "mile and a half" to become India's #1 seasoning company. From flying to Valsad to pitch a new flavor to the owners of Balaji Wafers to turning his mother's pickle recipe into ITC Bingo’s iconic Achari Masti, Ajay reveals exactly how billion-dollar flavors are invented. We also dive deep into the brutal reality of the restaurant business. If you dream of opening a cafe, you need to hear Ajay’s "Head vs. Heart" advice , why 35% is the magic number for food costs , and the unique "Toilet Test" you must do before buying a franchise. Takeaways The Creator of Icons: Ajay’s team is responsible for creating the McDonald’s Piri Piri mix and Balaji Wafers’ Sour Cream & Onion flavor, beating global competitors. The QSR Golden Ratio: For a Quick Service Restaurant to be viable, food costs must stay between 33-35%. Rent should always be the second highest cost, not the first. Head Over Heart: Don't open a restaurant just because you love food. You need a 24-month cash runway because most restaurants fail in the first 9 months due to quality inconsistency. The "Toilet Test": The best way to judge a franchise's operational discipline isn't the food—it's the hygiene. If the toilet is clean, the kitchen is likely clean too. The Tier-2 Opportunity: Expansion in major metros (Mumbai/Delhi) is slowing due to high rents and saturation. The real ROI is now in Tier 2/3 cities where rents are 8-12% (vs. 15-20% in metros).From decoding your personal finances to demystifying business models, Paisa Vaisa delivers candid, insightful, and jargon-free conversations.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana & more Watch full episodes right here on YouTube Explore more at ivmpodcasts.com Connect with Anupam Gupta: Twitter: @b50 Instagram: @b_50 LinkedIn: Anupam Gupta Follow IVM Podcasts We’re @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian Equities gave 0% returns recently while Gold soared 40%. Should you switch? In this episode, Sandeep Bagla (CEO, Trust MF) reveals the $26 Trillion Global Mistake central banks made and why Inflation is the only indicator you need to watch. We also expose the "FD Lie"—why your fixed deposits might be losing value—and reveal the future AI-enabled strategy that could disrupt the market. Topics: Gold vs Equity, Debt Fund Secrets, The Small Cap Bubble. Takeaways The "Inflation + 2%" Rule: Bond yields simply track Expected Inflation + 1.5-2%. Master this single variable, and you understand 80% of the debt market. The "Duration" Cheat Code: Beat FDs by buying Long Duration (Gilt) Funds before rates fall. It’s about capturing capital appreciation, not just locking in rates. The "Granular" Safety Net: Why no crash despite FII selling? The ₹28,000 Cr/month SIP flow. These are sticky ₹3,000 micro-investments that don't panic-sell like institutions do. The "Small Cap" Illusion: A ₹35,000 Cr giant is still labeled "Small Cap" in India! Don't be fooled—the explosive growth is often in the actual small companies that big funds are too large to buy. The DIY Trap: Investing is a specialized job. Don't gamble your family's future on DIY stock picks. Follow Buffett’s advice: Trust professional managers with 90% of your wealth. The "Gold Signal": Gold beating Equity by 40% signals inflation fear, not a broken market. Do NOT sell your stocks—simply extend your time horizon to 5 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.