 Early Times Report
LEH, Aug 1: Nippon Life India Asset Management Limited (NAM India), asset manager of Nippon India Mutual Fund (NIMF), one of the India's largest asset managers, today announced the opening of its new branch in Leh, Ladakh. This marks a significant milestone for the mutual fund industry as NIMF becomes the only asset management company in the country to establish a physical presence in such a high-altitude region.
This milestone marks NAM India's 167th branch and extends our presence to 266 pin codes across the country, underscoring our commitment to democratizing access to investments, especially in underserved and remote regions.
Ladakh, a Union Territory known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has seen a surge in tourism and economic activity in recent years. However, the region's financial landscape remains relatively underdeveloped, with limited access to a diverse range of investment products.
General Ved Prakash Malik (Retd.), Independent Director at Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd. says, "Leh holds a unique place in India's national consciousness-not just for its altitude and terrain, but for its strategic and cultural significance. Nippon India Mutual Fund's decision to set-up a branch here goes beyond financial services-it's a signal of confidence in Ladakh's local spirit and the aspirations of our armed forces, veterans, and civilian communities alike. By supporting financial inclusion in a region known for its strength and diversity, NIMF is enabling dreams to grow in soil that has long stood strong for the nation."
The average assets under management (AAUM) in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh is ?10,844 crore as of June 2025 which still accounts for less than ~0.14% of India's total mutual fund assets. In contrast, India's overall mutual fund AAUM reached an impressive ?74.80 lakh crore as of June 2025. With a presence in Leh, Ladakh, NIMF aims to bridge the financial literacy gap, develop a healthy Mutual Fund ecosystem and offer local residents the opportunity to participate in the Indian capital markets.
Sundeep Sikka, ED and CEO of Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd, expresses, "We are excited to expand our footprint to Leh, Ladakh-a region with immense potential. Today, Nippon India Mutual Fund is present in 100% of districts and 97% of pin codes across India. We continue to deepen our reach because we believe every Indian deserves to participate in the country's growth story and journey towards financial inclusion. We're proud to be the only asset management company in the mutual fund industry with a physical presence in Leh, reinforcing our commitment to empowering investors in every corner of the nation."
In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting financial literacy among the armed forces, an Investor Awareness Program (IAP) was successfully conducted for 300 Army personnel on the same day as the launch of a new branch. This strategic move reinforces our commitment to making quality investments accessible to maximum investors in every corner of the country.
We aim to contribute to the region's economic growth and empower individuals to achieve their financial goals. Financialization of savings through increased participation of retail investors in mutual funds is a key focus area and our large base of unique investors is testimony of the efforts in that direction. As India's economy continues to flourish, we remain dedicated to providing innovative investment options that cater to the evolving needs of our investors."
With increasing investor awareness and improving access, Jammu & Kashmir is showing promising signs of financial inclusion. The region's average assets under management (AAUM) grew from ?8,703 crore in June 2024 to ?10,825 crore in June 2025-a healthy 24% year-on-year rise. NIMF presence in Leh will help create financial literacy and awareness for potential future investors.
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