Mumbai — The Association of NPS Intermediaries (ANI) was officially launched today at a conference titled “Securing Tomorrow, With Pension” held at the Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai. The event saw the unveiling of the association’s logo by Dr. Deepak Mohanty, Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
This landmark initiative brings together key stakeholders from the National Pension System (NPS) ecosystem to foster collaboration, strengthen subscriber welfare, and promote the continued growth of NPS as a vital retirement planning tool for Indian citizens.
The conference was attended by senior officials, industry leaders, and academics, who shared insights into the importance of a robust pension system in India. The Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), delivered the keynote address virtually, emphasizing the urgent need for early pension planning in the face of demographic changes and rapid urbanization. He assured the association that any feedback will be given the highest priority.
Dr. Deepak Mohanty, Chairperson of PFRDA, highlighted the growth of NPS, stating that assets under management (AUM) have surpassed ₹13.8 lakh crore. He noted that NPS and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) now serve a combined subscriber base of 8 crores, reflecting the increasing acceptance of pension schemes in India.
Dr. Mohanty emphasized the critical role of ANI in fostering a collaborative ecosystem for NPS stakeholders, including Pension Fund Managers. He acknowledged that ANI would serve as a pivotal platform for uniting various intermediaries, ensuring that the system evolves with transparency and flexibility to cater to a diverse range of investors.
Speakers at the event, including Siddhartha Mohanty, Chairperson of LIC of India, and Rama Mohan Rao Amara, MD of State Bank of India, discussed the importance of financial institutions in driving the adoption of NPS and the development of the financial sector. The panel also included insights from Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO of Axis Bank Ltd., and Animesh Mishra, Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner, EPFO, who addressed the need for sustainable pension advocacy and the role of long-term investment in ESG-focused options.
The conference also featured a panel discussion on “Pension Society in Viksit Bharat@2047”, moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Anand, Whole-Time Member (Finance), PFRDA. Participants discussed the increased longevity, financial literacy, and the necessity of long-term, sustainable investment strategies in the pension space.
Prof S.V.D. Nageswara Rao from IIT Bombay stressed the importance of financial literacy, while industry experts, including Sh. Dhirendra Kumar, CEO of Value Research, and Bahroze Kamdin, Partner at Deloitte Haskins & Sells, highlighted NPS’s tax efficiency and secure investment offerings.
Through this initiative, ANI aims to lead the charge in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and well-supported pension ecosystem in India, contributing to a secure financial future for the country’s citizens.
