The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has initiated an investigation into Quant Mutual Fund, one of the country's fastest-growing asset management companies, for suspected front-running. The probe has raised concerns among investors about the potential impact on their investments.
In an exclusive interview on Invest Smart, Pankaj Mathpal, MD & CEO, Optima Money Managers explains what front-running is and also talks about what investors of Quant MF should do amid the ongoing investigation.
Pankaj Mathpal emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages, and no conclusions have been drawn yet. "SEBI suspects front-running but has not confirmed any wrongdoing by Quant Mutual Fund. It's important for investors to remain calm and not make hasty decisions based on unverified information," he advised.
He also said that SEBI will take appropriate action against those responsible. "If front-running is confirmed, SEBI will take appropriate action against the responsible individuals.
On the potential impact on the AMC’s funds, Mathpal says that the performance of mutual fund schemes largely depends on the underlying stocks. If these stocks continue to perform well, the overall impact on the fund's returns should be minimal," Mathpal reassured.
He also highlighted the importance of liquidity in Quant Mutual Fund's portfolios. "Even in small-cap funds, there is a significant allocation to large-cap stocks, ensuring good liquidity. This means the fund can handle redemption pressures without severely impacting its performance," he noted.
Reflecting on past incidents, such as the probe into Axis Mutual Fund, Mathpal stressed that SEBI is a vigilant regulator that takes swift action to protect investors. "Trust in the regulatory system and the fund house is crucial. Isolated incidents should not erode overall confidence in the mutual fund industry," he asserted.
In conclusion, Mathpal urged investors to stay invested and not succumb to panic. "Quant Mutual Fund has delivered extraordinary returns in the past. Investors should trust the process and allow the investigation to unfold. Making rash decisions now could lead to unnecessary losses," he said.
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