Multi-Asset Allocation Funds delivered a 16 per cent CAGR over two years, drawing nearly ₹93,000 crore in inflows, as dynamic exposure to equities, debt and commodities like gold and silver helped cushion volatility and match or outperform broader markets.

But with 44 schemes following widely different asset mixes, costs and risk profiles, investors must look beyond the label and choose carefully to ensure the fund truly aligns with their goals and tax position.

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EPFO 3.0: ATM access, standardised procedures and higher withdrawals

After years of complaints, EPFO 3.0 (Employee’s’ Provident Fund Organisation) — expected by April 2026 — aims to simplify claims through a new app enabling ATM and UPI withdrawals, faster approvals and self-service updates, while rule changes now allow up to 75 per cent withdrawal after just 12 months of contributions.

Yet, with 50 per cent of members retiring with under ₹20,000 and 75 per cent with less than ₹50,000, the message is clear: use the flexibility wisely and preserve EPF as a long-term retirement safety net offering 8.25 per cent assured annual returns.

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RBI greenlights Bain Capital’s proposed acquisition of up to 41.66% stake in Manappuram Finance

Kerala-based Manappuram Finance has received RBI approval for Bain Capital to acquire up to 41.66 per cent, investing about ₹4,385 crore at ₹236 per share, becoming a joint promoter and triggering a 26 per cent open offer at the same price.

The deal paves the way for board reconstitution and is expected to support expansion, technology upgrades and stronger risk management across the gold financier’s nationwide network.

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RBI curbs loans extended to brokers in blow to trading volumes

The Reserve Bank of India has tightened lending norms for stock and commodity brokers, mandating fully secured credit, restricting loans for proprietary trading and imposing stricter collateral rules from April 1 to curb speculative activity.

With proprietary firms accounting for over 50 per cent of equity options turnover and margin trading crossing ₹1 trillion, the move — alongside higher derivatives taxes — is expected to raise costs and potentially dampen trading volumes.

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AI Impact Summit 2026: World leaders, tech giants head to New Delhi as India hosts 1st AI summit in Global South

New Delhi will host the AI Impact Summit 2026 from February 16 to 20, convening world leaders alongside top tech voices including Sundar Pichai of Google, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind, Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm, Brad Smith of Microsoft and Shantanu Narayen of Adobe, as India positions itself at the centre of shaping inclusive and responsible AI.

With 12 indigenous foundation models under the IndiaAI Mission, a 70,000-square-metre AI Expo and a projected USD 17 billion market by 2027, the summit signals India’s intent to bridge global innovation with real-world impact.

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Research &VO: Shakthi

Published on February 16, 2026