Top Fund Managers in India 2025

Mutual funds are one of the most popular ways to invest in India. A skilled fund manager is the driving force behind any successful mutual fund. These experts make key decisions to grow and protect your money. In this blog, we'll explore who is a fund manager is in a mutual fund, highlight the top ones in India for 2025, and explore their role.

Who Is A Fund Manager?

A fund manager is a financial expert who manages money from many investors. They are the ones who manage mutual funds, pension funds, and other investment pools. Their main job is to select stocks, bonds, and other assets based on the fund's goals. Fund managers use their knowledge to research markets and make smart buying and selling choices. They aim to grow your money while managing risks.

These pros can work alone or in teams. They create and follow investment plans. They watch market trends closely. They also make sure the fund follows all rules set by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).

Top 10 Mutual Fund Managers In India

India has many skilled fund managers with strong track records. Here are the top 10 fund managers in India for 2025, based on the assets under management (AUM):

Source: Deserv

Details about Top 10 Fund Managers In India For 2025

1. Dhruv Muchhal (HDFC Mutual Fund): Dhruv Muchhal manages 41 schemes at HDFC Mutual Fund with assets worth ₹6.76 lakh crore. He is both a Chartered Accountant and CFA charterholder with experience at firms like Motilal Oswal, Goldman Sachs, and CRISIL before joining HDFC.

2. Sharmila D’Mello (ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund): At ICICI Prudential, Sharmila D'Mello oversees 46 funds totaling ₹5.23 lakh crore in assets. Her analytical skills have helped drive consistent performance across her portfolio of schemes.

3. Manish Banthia (ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund): Manish Banthia handles 24 funds at ICICI Prudential with assets of ₹3.56 lakh crore. His expertise lies in fixed income and hybrid strategies, where his disciplined approach has earned him respect in the industry.

4. Kinjal Desai (Nippon India Mutual Fund): Kinjal Desai works at Nippon India Mutual Fund, managing 47 schemes with assets of ₹3.19 lakh crore, making her responsible for one of the largest portfolios among these managers.

5. Raviprakash Sharma (SBI Mutual Fund): Raviprakash Sharma serves as Chief Trader and Fund Manager at SBI Mutual Fund, handling 11 schemes worth ₹3.14 lakh crore. With over 15 years of experience, this CFA and CA previously worked at HDFC AMC, Citigroup, and other financial firms.

6. Sankaran Naren (ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund): Sankaran Naren at ICICI Prudential manages 13 schemes with assets of ₹2.73 lakh crore. He is known for his contrarian investment style and ability to spot opportunities others miss.

7. Rajeev Radhakrishnan (SBI Mutual Fund): Rajeev Radhakrishnan oversees 15 schemes at SBI Mutual Fund with assets worth ₹2.56 lakh crore. He has built his reputation on expertise in fixed income strategies.

8. Pradeep Kesavan (SBI Mutual Fund): Pradeep Kesavan manages 16 funds at SBI Mutual Fund with assets of ₹2.55 lakh crore, focusing on debt and hybrid investments.

9. Nikhil Kabra (ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund): Nikhil Kabra, a Chartered Accountant at ICICI Prudential since 2013, manages 14 funds with assets of ₹1.84 lakh crore. His strength lies in credit and rates strategy analysis.

10. Akhil Kakkar (ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund): Akhil Kakkar, Senior Fund Manager at ICICI Prudential, handles 6 schemes worth ₹1.72 lakh crore. With a B.Tech from IIT Roorkee and experience at Kotak Mahindra Bank, he specializes in credit and structured investments.

Roles and Responsibilities of Fund Managers

Fund managers play a crucial role in how mutual funds perform. Their key responsibilities include:

1. Investment Decisions: They select the optimal mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets to achieve the fund's stated objectives. Your returns depend greatly on these choices.

2. Portfolio Construction: They build diversified portfolios by spreading investments across sectors and asset classes. This approach helps manage your risk while seeking maximum returns.

3. Research and Analysis: They conduct in-depth research on economic trends, industry developments, and company fundamentals. This research forms the foundation of their investment decisions for your money.

4. Risk Management: They identify potential threats to your investments and develop strategies to protect your capital during market downturns. Different fund managers handle risk in different ways.

5. Performance Monitoring: They continuously track how your investments are performing against market benchmarks. When needed, they adjust holdings to stay aligned with the fund's goals.

6. Regulatory Compliance: They ensure the fund strictly follows all SEBI guidelines and reporting standards. This protects your interests as an investor and maintains transparency.

7. Investor Communication: They provide regular updates about fund performance, strategy changes, and market outlooks. When you have questions, they work to address your concerns.

How to Choose the Right Fund Manager?

Here are key things to consider:

1. Past Results: Look at how the manager has done in different market conditions.

2. Investment Style: Understand their approach. Do they focus on growth, value, or a mix? And does it match your style of investment?

3. Steady Performance: Check if they deliver consistent returns and stay true to the fund's stated goals.

4. Risk Handling: See how they deal with market ups and downs and limit losses.

5. Knowledge and Skills: Consider their years of experience and area of focus.

6. Clear Communication: A good manager keeps you informed with regular updates.

7. Matches Your Goals: Make sure their style fits your risk comfort level and time horizon.

Conclusion

Top fund managers in India play a vital role in growing your wealth through mutual funds. They bring expertise, discipline, and market understanding to the table. When you choose a skilled manager who aligns with your goals, you improve your chances of long-term success. Always do thorough research and talk to a financial advisor before making investment decisions.