The Azurean Way

Sampath Reddy is an experienced Investment professional with over 27 years of experience in equity research and Fund management. He started his career as an Equity research Analyst at an institutional equity broking company more than two decades back in 1997. In his most recent stint, prior to founding Azurean, Sampath served Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance company (BALIC) for 17 years, of which the last fourteen years (2011-2024) were as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), and prior years (2007-2011) as Head of Equity and Equity Fund Manager. During this time, he demonstrated his expertise in managing equity investments, ensuring robust fund performance, and providing leadership to a dedicated team of fund managers, research analysts, and dealers.

Sampath's journey in investments began with his role as an Equity Research Associate at ABN Amro Asia Equities in Mumbai from 1997 to 1999, where he worked as an associate for senior research analysts who were covering IT, Oil & Gas, and Capital goods sectors. He further refined his analytical prowess during his tenure at HSBC Securities & Capital Markets from 2000 to 2004 as the equity research analyst for IT, Metals, Power, and Capital goods sectors. Sampath worked as Portfolio Manager with Principal PNB Asset Management before moving to Bajaj Allianz. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Sampath is a Mechanical Engineer, PGDBA and holds CFA charter from CFA Institute, Charlottesville, USA

Ms. Reshma Banda has more than 23 years of experience in the Investment management field. The initial 6.5 years were with UTI Asset Management which was ranked among the top-3 mutual fund houses in the country at that time, while the next 16.5 years were at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Co Ltd which has been ranked among the top 5 private life insurance companies.

She started her journey in the capital markets as an equity research analyst with UTI Asset Management and covered a diverse set of sectors. In 2006, she was designated as the Assistant Fund Manager for 4 mutual schemes UTI Mastershare, UTI MNC Fund, UTI Brandvalue, UTI LT Advantage Fund and worked closely with the fund manager on the same.

In end 2007, Reshma Banda moved to Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance and covered multiple sectors including BFSI and Pharmaceuticals for the initial period and managed equity portfolios. She was promoted to Head-Equity in 2011 and was responsible for the overall equity performance at BALIC across shareholder, traditional and ULIP Funds.