Funds

ABSL India Flexicap Fund (IFSC)

About Company

Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited

The authority behind Portfolio Management Services is Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited. Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited has a section called Portfolio Management Service. Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited (ABSLAMC) is a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group, a well-known Indian conglomerate, and Sun Life Financial Inc., a significant worldwide financial services firm based in Canada that was established in 1994.

Category: Gift City Funds

ABSL India Flexicap Fund

Fund Snapshot

 

Fund Manager

Mr. Harish Krishnan, Mr. Dhaval Joshi

Inception Date

27 Aug 1998

Benchmark

Nifty 500 TRI

CAGR

21.18%

Investment Horizon

3 years

Min Investment

₹ 100

Exit load

1%

Standard Deviation

12.74 %

Key Features of the Fund

  • Diversified flexi cap fund with large cap bias. Disciplined allocation band of 60%-75% to large-cap stocks
  • Majority of the portfolio is to be invested based on our in-house Core 75 philosophy. Invests in best of breed, where at least 2 out of 4 parameters are favourable
  • Remaining portfolio invested with Top-Down approach by identifying both tactical and long-term compounders
  • Amongst one of the largest Flexi Cap Fund in India with a track record of wealth creation over 26 years

 

Investment Philosophy

Investment philosophy encompasses three primary strategies, referred to as the “3 Sleeves of Investment”. The first sleeve focuses on being benchmark aware, which involves replicating significant weights found in benchmarks to mitigate risk. The second sleeve emphasises relative return through tactical plays using a top-down approach, where active sectoral overweight and underweight positions are adopted. Additionally, there is a focus on IPO plays as a distinct strategy within this framework.

Risks vs Returns Positioning – Equity

Flexicap Fund possesses the flexibility to shift between Large, Mid, and Small Caps based on valuation considerations. Consequently, they have the potential to serve as excellent long-term compounders while maintaining relatively lower risks.

 

Flexi Cap – A Best-in-Breed Strategy

 

The Flexi Cap – Best-in-Breed Strategy outlined here focuses on picking market leaders that have already demonstrated exceptional strength in their sectors. By selecting the top three companies by market capitalisation within specific industries, the portfolio anchors itself with proven and dominant businesses. This reduces the risk of investing in untested entities and leverages stability from companies that already hold strong competitive moats.

 

Complementing these leaders, the strategy incorporates rising stars — fast-growing companies that have consistently outperformed their sector averages over the last three years. This blend introduces growth momentum and allows the portfolio to capture upside from companies transitioning into higher market-cap segments. The allocation across small, mid, and large caps ensures a balanced exposure rooted in both potential and resilience.

 

The strategy further sharpens its edge by prioritising stocks that deliver superior financial performance — higher returns on equity, stronger margins, and healthier profitability metrics than peers. This disciplined screening ensures the portfolio remains high-quality and forward-looking. Overall, Best-in-Breed investing aims to construct a winning combination of leadership, growth, and consistent performance, creating a portfolio that is better equipped to navigate market cycles while striving for strong long-term results.

 

Risk Factors & Suitability

 

This fund suits investors focused on long-term capital growth and ready to invest in Indian equities through shifting business cycles. With dynamic allocation across sectors and company sizes, it captures opportunities at different economic stages.

 

Both the scheme and benchmark are labelled ‘Very High Risk’, signalling sharp market movements along the way. It’s designed for growth-driven investors who can stay patient through volatility.

 

Anyone unsure about risk tolerance should consult a financial advisor before investing.

 

Best of Breed: Example

 

  • The fund actively selects top-quality companies outside the Nifty index — aiming for more alpha than traditional large-cap-heavy portfolios.
  • Current positioning shows approx. 77% exposure to Best-of-Breed stocks — highlighting strong conviction in high-potential businesses.
  • Stock examples include leaders and fast-growing players such as Cholamandalam Finance, Apollo Hospitals, ICICI Lombard, Ambuja Cements, Godrej Consumer, Avenue Supermarts, and others.
  • The table below reflects consistency — Core 75 allocation remains high year after year, signalling a disciplined approach in sticking with quality picks.
  • Blend of sectors and company sizes = potential for stronger returns while maintaining diversification across industries.

Tap into best-of-breed businesses with AltPort’s curated access.

 

Month

Nifty50: till 75

Non-NIFTY: till 75

Core 75

Others

Total Equity

Jun-24

58.39

22.75

81.16

15.49

97.15

Mar-24

61.56

23.09

84.65

12.13

96.78

Dec-23

61.09

25.26

86.35

11.29

97.64

Sep-23

60.04

26.76

86.80

11.22

98.02

Jun-23

58.89

26.64

85.53

11.47

97.00

Mar-23

64.61

22.22

86.83

11.40

98.24

Dec-22

64.81

22.28

87.09

11.04

98.13

Sep-22

63.66

22.10

85.76

10.90

96.66

Jun-22

58.16

23.14

81.30

14.22

95.52

Mar-22

59.28

26.61

85.89

10.84

96.73

Dec-21

58.26

27.68

85.94

10.99

96.93

Sep-21

60.58

25.54

86.12

10.95

97.07

Jun-21

58.46

27.05

85.51

13.53

99.04

Mar-21

57.15

26.87

84.02

13.78

97.80

Dec-20

56.70

26.58

83.28

14.95

98.23

Sep-20

58.09

24.66

82.75

15.71

98.46

Jun-20

56.09

26.82

82.92

15.80

98.72

Mar-20

59.36

23.62

82.99

14.69

97.68

Dec-19

48.99

38.08

87.07

9.30

96.37

Sep-19

47.49

38.61

86.10

15.88

101.98

Jun-19

47.49

38.61

86.10

15.88

101.98

Mar-19

47.44

38.90

86.33

15.58

101.91

Dec-18

44.76

35.04

79.80

15.59

95.39

Sep-18

43.71

34.02

77.73

16.40

94.13

Jun-18

40.32

33.28

73.60

21.60

95.20

 

Sector Exposure

 

Financial Services

33.9%

Automobile

9.9%

Information Technology

8.6%

FMCG

6.5%

Healthcare

6.4%

Capital Goods

6.1%

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

5.6%

Metals & Minings

3.4%

Chemicals

3.3%

Telecommunication

3.2%

 

Top 10 Holdings

 

ICICI Bank Limited

8.4%

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

4.6%

HDFC Bank Limited

4.6%

Infosys Limited

4.4%

Reliance Industries Limited

4.0%

Bharti Airtel Limited

2.7%

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited

2.6%

HCL Technologies Limited

2.6%

Radico Khaitan Limited

2.2%

Axis Bank Limited

2.2%

 

Market Capital Allocation

 

Large Cap

49.3%

Mid Cap

25.3%

Small Cap

25.3%

Key Points of the Portfolio

  • Higher EPS compared to Peer Average and Benchmark
  • Higher Return on Equity compared to Peer Average
  • ~75-80% investment in best-of-breed stocks
  • ~80% of investment is in core 75 stocks
  • High Active Share compared to peers

 

  • PAN not mandatory; No TDS
  • No restriction on repatriation
  • Access to best of Aditya Birla Sun Life MF/ETF schemes
  • Ease of Compliance for Foreign Investors (No FPI License required)
  • Eligible Investors – NRIs and Foreign Investors only
  • Inbound Feeder Fund

 

The India Story

 

Strong Demographic Dividend

  • The population of India is expected to grow from 1.21 billion to 1.52 billion (25.7% increase) by 2036.
  • Largest ever youth population and will continue to have one of the youngest populations in the world till 2030.
  • By 2030, it is estimated that around 42% of India’s population will be urbanised.

 

Rising Digitization and Global Competitiveness

  • Volume of UPI-based digital payments have increased from 17.9 million (FY 2017) to 131,165 million (FY 2024).
  • India ranks 39th on the Global Competitiveness Index 2024.
  • India jumps 6 places to Rank 38 in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index 2023.
  • The Goods and Services Tax (GST) paves the way for a common national market by integrating various indirect taxes.

 

Increasing Economic Influence

  • India’s contribution to global growth has increased notably, i.e., from 6-8% (early 2010s) to ~16% (2023).
  • Key reforms in digitalisation, infrastructure, and the business environment have bolstered India’s economic growth.
  • Introduction of schemes like Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-reliant India, May 2020) has strengthened sectors like infrastructure, healthcare & defence.
  • India’s increasing role in global forums like the G20 highlights its growing economic and geopolitical influence.

 

INDIA’S CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL GROWTH

  • Early 2010s – 7%
  • Mid 2010s – 11%
  • Late 2010s to Early 2020s – 15%
  • 2023 – 16%
  • Projected (Next 5 years) – 18%

Benefits of Investing in ABSL Flexi Cap Fund

Eligible Universe

Offers flexibility in terms of asset allocation.

 

Capital Appreciation

Active Management with aim for long-term capital appreciation

 

Market Cap Agnostic

Flexible Market Cap allocation based on the fund manager’s outlook on the market.

 

Relatively Lower Risk

Lower degree of risk as it is large-cap bias

 

Diversification

Ideal for Investors looking for diversified equity allocation.

 

Start Investing With AltPort Today

AltPort thinks that India’s economic expansion should be a key part of your investments, and the ABSL India Flexicap Fund lets you do that. Handled by a well-regarded asset management company in India, it invests in top Indian firms of all sizes, supported by years of good results and experienced managers. Made for global investors like you, it provides easy USD investment through GIFT City, cutting down on paperwork. If you want to invest in India’s growing innovation, consumer spending, and global role, get in touch with AltPort to start growing your wealth now.

 

 

Fund Manager

Dhaval Joshi

Dhaval Joshi

Mr. Dhaval Joshi has an overall experience of 18 years in equity research and investments. Prior to joining Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited, he was associated with Sundaram Mutual Fund (India) Ltd. for around 5 years. He has also worked as a research analyst with Emkay Global Financial Services and Asit C Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd.

Harish Krishnan

Harish Krishnan

Mr. Harish Krishnan is the Chief Investment Officer - Equity of the Company. He has experience of around 21 years in the Asset Management Industry, both domestical and international. Prior to joining the Company as the Co-CIO and Head Equity, he was associated with Kotak Mutual Fund for more than 10 years as Senior Fund Manager - Equity. He has also worked at Kotak Mahindra (UK) Limited where he managed offshore funds based out of Singapore and Dubai. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Government College, Trichur and has done his PGDBM from IIM Kozhikode. He is also a CFA from CFA Institute, USA.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the ABSL India Flexicap Fund different from traditional equity funds? +

The fund follows a flexible market-cap strategy, allowing it to dynamically invest across large, mid, and small-cap companies based on market opportunities and valuations. Its “Best-in-Breed” approach focuses on market leaders and high-growth businesses with strong financial performance.

2. Who manages the ABSL India Flexicap Fund? +

The fund is managed by Harish Krishnan and Dhaval Joshi, who use a combination of benchmark-aware investing, tactical sector allocation, and bottom-up stock selection.

3. Is the ABSL India Flexicap Fund suitable for long-term investors? +

Yes. The fund is designed for investors with a long-term investment horizon of at least 3 years who are comfortable with equity market volatility and are looking for long-term capital appreciation.

4. What is the “Core 75” philosophy followed by the fund? +

The Core 75 philosophy focuses on investing a major portion of the portfolio in high-quality, best-of-breed businesses that demonstrate strong fundamentals, market leadership, healthy profitability, and long-term growth potential.

5. Can NRIs and foreign investors invest in this fund? +

Yes. The structure is specifically designed for NRIs and foreign investors, offering simplified compliance, no FPI license requirement, no mandatory PAN in certain cases, and easy access through GIFT City investment routes.

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Disclaimer: Investing in AIF, PMS, Gift City or Mutual Fund is subject to market risk. Please read the related documents carefully. Past performance does not guarantee future results and there is no assurance that the managed accounts will necessarily achieve their objectives. Actual portfolios may differ as a result of account size, client-imposed investment restrictions, the timing of client investments and market, economic, and individual company factors. We at ALTPORT do not guarantee any returns in the hands of investors, nor do we take any sort of accountability for the performance of the scheme.

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