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LG Electronics’ India unit IPO: valuation, strategy and sector implications

Groww Achieves Significant Profit Surge in FY25, Gears Up for IPO Launch

Groww Achieves Significant Profit Surge in FY25, Gears Up for IPO Launch

Groww, one of India’s leading investment platforms, has reported a remarkable financial turnaround in the fiscal year 2025, registering a significant increase in profitability and cementing its position in the rapidly evolving Indian fintech space. The company achieved a net profit of ₹1,819 crore in FY25, a dramatic improvement compared to the net loss it posted in the previous financial year.

This exceptional growth comes at a time when the investment landscape in India is becoming increasingly competitive, with more individuals actively participating in stock markets and mutual funds. Groww’s sharp profitability jump not only highlights its effective cost management and strong revenue streams but also showcases the platform’s ability to scale sustainably in the long term.

Strong Revenue Growth Drives Profitability

Groww’s total revenue for FY25 climbed to ₹4,056 crore, representing a 31% year-on-year increase. This significant revenue growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including the rise in the number of active users, improved transaction volumes, and increased interest in equity investments across the country.

Over the past few years, Groww has successfully expanded its offerings beyond mutual funds, venturing into stockbroking, digital gold, and other wealth management products. The company’s diversification strategy has played a crucial role in boosting revenue and attracting a wider customer base.

Additionally, the fintech firm has been focusing on enhancing its user experience through technological upgrades, seamless onboarding processes, and a transparent fee structure, which has contributed to a loyal and growing user community.

A Shift from Loss to Profit

In FY24, Groww reported a net loss of ₹805 crore, largely due to a one-time deferred tax adjustment. However, the company has made a striking recovery in FY25, moving from red to black in a single financial year.

This shift has been supported by prudent financial management and an efficient scaling of operations. Groww’s ability to control costs while significantly increasing revenues indicates a maturing business model that is moving beyond its early-stage growth challenges.

The company’s rising profitability is also likely to boost investor confidence as it plans for the next phase of expansion.

Successful Funding and IPO Ambitions

Groww has strengthened its standing in the fintech market after successfully raising $200 million in its latest funding round, increasing the company’s valuation to close to $7 billion. This investment was primarily led by GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, along with additional backing from Iconiq Capital and several of the company’s current investors.

The fresh capital infusion will be instrumental in supporting Groww’s growth strategy, including investments in technology, customer acquisition, and new product development. It also signals continued investor trust in the company’s vision and execution capabilities.

Importantly, Groww has also submitted confidential draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for an initial public offering (IPO). The company reportedly aims to raise between $700 million to $1 billion through the public listing. The IPO is expected to not only provide liquidity to existing investors but also offer the company additional capital to pursue future expansion aggressively.

Market Leadership and Competitive Edge

Groww’s fast-paced expansion has helped it become the leading stockbroker in India based on the number of active users. It now boasts over 13 million active investors, outpacing its closest competitors like Zerodha, which has about 8 million active users, and Angel One, with around 7.7 million.

The company’s appeal lies in its simple, mobile-first investment interface, which caters especially to young, first-time investors in India’s smaller cities and towns. By making investing accessible and easy to understand, Groww has tapped into a large and previously underserved demographic.

Moreover, the company has recently expanded into complementary areas such as digital lending and wealth advisory services. Groww’s acquisition of the wealth-tech firm Fisdom, valued at nearly $150 million, is anticipated to strengthen its financial advisory services and broaden its revenue streams.

Outlook for the Future

With strong financials, aggressive expansion plans, and a growing customer base, Groww is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. The upcoming IPO is likely to further accelerate its growth, enabling the company to invest in product innovation and geographical expansion.

The Indian fintech sector is becoming increasingly crowded, with established players and new entrants vying for market share. However, Groww’s focus on simplicity, transparency, and customer-centric solutions gives it a competitive edge.

As India’s appetite for equity investing and digital financial services continues to grow, Groww appears set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of retail investing in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Great Gold Shift: Indians Embrace ETFs as Jewellery Demand Plummets

The Great Gold Shift: Indians Embrace ETFs as Jewellery Demand Plummets

 A 170% Surge in Gold ETF Investments Reflects a New Era of Smart, Digital Gold Ownership in India

Introduction

In a dramatic change to long-standing traditions, Indian investors are rapidly moving away from physical gold jewellery and embracing gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as their preferred way to own the precious metal. The first quarter of 2025 has witnessed a staggering 170% year-on-year surge in gold investment demand, led almost entirely by robust inflows into gold ETFs. Meanwhile, jewellery purchases have slumped by 25% in volume, as record-high prices and changing investment priorities reshape the market landscape.

The Numbers Behind the Shift

Gold Investment Demand Skyrockets
Gold investment demand in India hit a record 552 tonnes in Q1 2025, representing a 170% increase over the previous year. This increase was primarily driven by renewed interest in gold ETFs, which recorded their strongest quarterly inflows in three years.
Globally, gold-backed ETF holdings rose by 226 tonnes, bringing the total to 3,445 tonnes—a clear signal that investors worldwide are seeking the safety and liquidity of paper gold.
Jewellery Demand Takes a Hit
Despite the surge in investment demand, jewellery consumption in India declined significantly.
Jewellery sales fell by 25% in volume, as consumers balked at record-high prices—gold crossed ₹93,217 per 10 grams in early 2025. Even as the value of jewellery sales remained resilient due to higher prices, the shift in consumer behaviour is unmistakable: Indians are buying less jewellery and more gold in financial form.

Why Are Indians Choosing Gold ETFs?

Convenience and Liquidity
Gold ETFs offer a simple and accessible way to invest in gold.
Unlike physical jewellery, which requires storage, insurance, and carries making charges, ETFs provide instant liquidity and can be bought and sold with the click of a button. This convenience is particularly appealing to tech-savvy investors and those looking for flexible investment options.
Better Returns and Tax Efficiency
Investing in gold through ETFs is also more tax-efficient than buying physical gold. There are no making charges, and returns are often more attractive after taxes. Additionally, gold ETFs benefit from compounding, allowing investors to grow their wealth over time without the headaches of storing and securing physical gold.
A Safe Haven in Uncertain Times
The rise in gold ETF investments is driven by increased market uncertainty, geopolitical conflicts, and a declining US dollar. Gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset has been strengthened by the current conditions, boosting its attractiveness to investors.
Central banks, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), continue to add gold to their reserves, further boosting confidence in the metal’s long-term value.

The Global and Domestic Context

Global Trends Mirror India’s Shift
This trend is not unique to India. Globally, gold-backed ETF assets rose by 226 tonnes in Q1 2025, led predominantly by Europe and Asia.
In Europe, expectations of interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB) drove inflows, while in Asia, trade tensions and a weaker US dollar prompted investors to seek safety in gold.
RBI’s Strategic Approach
The RBI has revised its approach by boosting its gold reserves to an all-time high of 879.6 tonnes, accounting for approximately 11.7% of India’s foreign exchange reserves.
While the central bank’s buying pace has slowed, its continued accumulation of gold reflects a strategic emphasis on diversifying reserves and reducing reliance on US assets.

The Impact on the Gold Market

Record Prices and Changing Consumption Patterns
Record-high gold prices have fundamentally altered consumption patterns. Consumers are either deferring jewellery purchases, buying smaller quantities, or exchanging old jewellery for new. The shift is especially pronounced among younger investors, who are more comfortable with digital investment platforms and less attached to traditional forms of gold ownership.
The Rise of Digital Gold
Beyond ETFs, digital gold products are also gaining traction. These platforms allow investors to buy, sell, and even gift gold in digital form, further eroding the dominance of physical jewellery. The trend is expected to continue as more Indians become comfortable with fintech solutions and seek out flexible, modern ways to invest in gold.

Conclusion

The first quarter of 2025 signifies a landmark moment for gold ownership in India.
A 170% surge in gold ETF investments and a 25% drop in jewellery demand signal a profound shift in how Indians view and invest in gold. Convenience, liquidity, and the desire for safe-haven assets are driving this change, as record prices and global uncertainty reshape the market. With central banks and retail investors alike embracing gold in financial form, the future of gold ownership in India is digital, smart, and more accessible than ever before.

 

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Avanti Feeds Shares Jump 8% After Strong Q4 FY25 Results and Whopping 900% Dividend

Zerodha Capital's FY25 Net Profit Soars 78%, Plans to Expand Credit Offerings

Zerodha Capital's FY25 Net Profit Soars 78%, Plans to Expand Credit Offerings

Zerodha Capital’s FY25 Net Profit Soars 78%, Plans to Expand Credit Offerings

 

Zerodha’s NBFC subsidiary posts strong profit gains and reveals plans to broaden its business by expanding loan offerings.

Introduction

Zerodha Capital, the non-banking finance subsidiary of India’s leading stockbroking firm Zerodha, has reported a remarkable 78% increase in its net profit for the fiscal year 2024-25. This significant growth underscores the company’s strong financial performance and sets the stage for its strategic expansion into the credit segment.

Financial Performance Overview

For the fiscal year ending March 2025, Zerodha Capital achieved a net profit of ₹12.5 crore, up from ₹7 crore in the previous year. The company’s total revenue doubled to ₹36 crore, reflecting a substantial increase in its lending activities and operational efficiency.
This growth is attributed to the company’s innovative approach in offering loans against securities, providing clients with a seamless and efficient borrowing experience. The rise in both revenue and earnings reflects Zerodha Capital’s successful approach and its skill in leveraging emerging market trends.

Strategic Focus on Credit Expansion

Looking ahead, Zerodha Capital is focusing on scaling up its credit offerings to diversify its revenue streams and strengthen its position in the financial services market. The company plans to introduce term loans in the near future, expanding its product portfolio to cater to a broader range of customer needs.
Currently, Zerodha Capital offers loans against securities, utilizing a wide array of over 1,300 approved securities as collateral. This approach allows clients to leverage their existing investments to secure financing at competitive interest rates, typically around 11.5% per annum. The average loan size stands at approximately ₹6 lakh, with a minimum loan value of ₹25,000.

Market Position and Competitive Advantage

Zerodha Capital’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to provide quick and efficient loan disbursements, often transferring funds to clients’ bank accounts within a single working day. This efficiency is facilitated by the company’s digital platform, which streamlines the loan application and approval processes.
The company’s focus on leveraging technology and its strong brand association with Zerodha, a well-established name in the Indian financial market, provides it with a competitive edge in the lending space. By offering transparent and customer-centric services, Zerodha Capital aims to build long-term relationships with its clients and expand its market share.

Future Outlook

As Zerodha Capital continues to grow, it remains committed to enhancing its product offerings and expanding its reach. The planned introduction of term loans is expected to attract a new segment of borrowers, further diversifying the company’s customer base.
Additionally, Zerodha Capital is exploring partnerships with other financial institutions and fintech companies to broaden its distribution channels and enhance its service delivery. Through continuous innovation and a strong focus on customer needs, Zerodha Capital is well-positioned to emerge as a leading force in India’s lending sector.

Conclusion

Zerodha Capital’s impressive financial performance in FY25 reflects its strong operational capabilities and strategic vision. With plans to expand its credit offerings and leverage technology to improve customer experience, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth in the competitive Indian financial services market.

 

 

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India’s Digital Transactions Set TO 3X By 2028-29

India’s Digital Transactions Set TO 3X By 2028-29

Digital financial transactions in India are expected to triple from 159 billion in 2023–2024 to 481 billion by 2028–2029, according to a PwC India report. The Native Payments Handbook 2024-29. The value of these digital payments is also set to double, growing from $3.16 trillion (Rs. 265 trillion) to $7.06 trillion (Rs. 593 trillion) during the same period. This impressive growth is being driven by several factors, including technological innovations, stronger government regulations, and the introduction of advanced technologies aimed at improving user experience and managing risks.

A major player in this growth is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which is projected to experience a 57% increase in transaction volumes. The number of UPI transactions is expected to rise from 131 billion to 439 billion by the fiscal year 2028-29, accounting for over 91% of all retail digital payments in India by that time.

Credit cards have also seen substantial growth, with more than 16 million new cards issued in 2023-24, bringing the total number of credit cards in use to over 100 million. Due to the rise in credit card usage, transaction volumes and values have increased by 22% and 28%, respectively. On the other hand, debit card usage has declined, with the number of transactions falling from 3.94 billion in FY22 to 2.29 billion in FY24, and transaction values dropping from $86.97 billion (Rs. 7.3 trillion) to $70.29 billion (Rs. 5.9 trillion).

The expansion of QR code infrastructure has been another significant factor in the growth of digital payments, with nearly 30% year-over-year growth in 2023-24 across various city tiers. Innovations such as soundboxes and the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), have further accelerated this growth. The PIDF was specifically designed to encourage the deployment of Point of Sale (PoS) infrastructure in smaller cities and towns across the country, particularly in Tier-III to Tier-VI centres.

The last decade, India’s digital payment ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth, positioning the country as a global leader in this space. This evolution has been pivotal in transitioning from a cash-dominated economy to one that increasingly relies on digital transactions, with significant adoption across metropolitan areas, tier 1 to tier 4 cities, and even rural regions. At the forefront of this revolution is UPI, which has driven deeper penetration of digital payments in India. Innovative use cases, including credit card linkages and international partnerships, are further propelling this momentum. Notably, there is a discernible shift towards person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions, enhancing the network effect as more customers engage with merchant.

In the last ten years, India’s digital payment system has grown rapidly, making the country a global leader in this area. This growth has helped move India from relying heavily on cash to using more digital transactions, with people in big cities, smaller towns, and even rural areas adopting digital payments .A key player in this change is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has greatly increased the use of digital payments across India. New features like linking credit cards to UPI and partnerships with international companies are pushing this growth even further. More people are now using digital payments when shopping, both online and in stores, which is encouraging more merchants to accept digital payments.

Innovations like soundboxes and better selling strategies are helping more merchants use digital payments. Due to this, it is anticipated that UPI will increase from around 350 million transactions per day in 2024 to 1 billion transactions per day by the fiscal year 2028.
The number of credit cards in use now exceeds 100 million, and this number is increasing.

This number is expected to double to 200 million by 2029, with daily transactions increasing to 25 million, which is 2.5 times the current volume. Additionally, the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) is becoming more popular, thanks to government support and the addition of new billers, making it easier to handle cross-border transactions and helping the system grow.

This year has seen the implementation and growth of several new payment technologies and use cases, including UPI Lite, credit cards on UPI, virtual credit cards, pay-by-points, business payments, and merchant acquisition. These advancements are part of a broader strategy to enhance the issuance and distribution of payment solutions while also promoting digital payments among merchants through innovative activation strategies and cross-sells.

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