Abakkus Asset Management: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Abakkus Asset Management is a prominent investment management firm based in Mumbai, India, known for its focused approach to generating alpha through Indian equity investments. Founded in 2018 by Sunil Singhania, an experienced and highly respected chartered financial analyst, Abakkus has rapidly grown into one of India’s leading asset management companies. The firm offers portfolio management services (PMS), alternative investment funds (AIFs), and private equity funds, managing assets worth tens of thousands of crores of Indian Rupees. This article delves into various facets of Abakkus Asset Management — from its founding philosophy and investment approach to recent strategic moves and portfolio insights.

1. Founding and Philosophy

Abakkus Asset Manager Private Limited was established in 2018 by Sunil Singhania, a veteran in the Indian investment industry with over two decades of experience. The firm's name is inspired by the abacus, an ancient computing instrument, symbolizing clarity, structure, and discipline in investment decisions. Abakkus is driven by a philosophy rooted in fundamental analysis, bottom-up stock picking, and strict adherence to process and governance. Its mission is to deliver long-term wealth creation by investing predominantly in listed Indian equities, balancing risk with potential for alpha generation.

2. Assets Under Management and Growth

As of June 2025, Abakkus manages approximately ₹38,760 crores (around $4.5 billion) in assets across various strategies including PMS, AIFs, and private equity funds. This rapid growth positions Abakkus as one of the top portfolio management service providers in India, ranked eighth in terms of PMS assets under management. The firm’s ability to scale its offerings reflects both investor confidence and the efficacy of its disciplined investment approach.

3. Investment Strategies

Abakkus offers a diversified set of strategies to its investors. These include multiple portfolio management services tailored for different risk appetites, five distinct alternative investment funds, and one private equity fund. The strategies emphasize selection of companies with competitive advantages, sound governance, and strong growth prospects. Sunil Singhania emphasizes a bottoms-up fundamental research-driven approach, ensuring that each investment thesis is robust and supported by thorough analysis.

4. Portfolio Highlights and Holdings

Abakkus maintains a diversified portfolio across sectors with significant holdings in consumer goods, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and financial services. Among its notable holdings are companies like Dynamatic Technologies, Jubilant Pharmova, Mastek Ltd., Hindware Home Innovation, and IIFL Securities. The portfolio reflects a mix of large and mid-cap stocks with growth potential. Recent filings indicate some portfolio adjustments with exits from long-held positions such as Mastek and ADF Foods, illustrating the firm’s active portfolio management and responsiveness to market conditions.

5. Leadership of Sunil Singhania

Sunil Singhania, the founder and chief fund manager, is widely regarded as one of India’s top investment professionals. Before founding Abakkus, he was the chief investment officer at Reliance Mutual Fund, where he earned a reputation for consistent performance and astute stock selection. Singhania holds the CFA designation and is noted for his disciplined value investing style. His leadership is a critical factor behind Abakkus’s rising prominence in the asset management space.

6. Plans to Enter Mutual Fund Business

In 2025, Abakkus announced its intention to expand beyond its traditional PMS and AIF business by launching mutual fund schemes. This strategic move aims to tap into India’s growing retail investor base, as mutual funds are accessible to a wider audience due to their smaller ticket sizes. The transition reflects an industry-wide trend of PMS and AIF providers seeking scalability by entering the mutual fund segment. While plans are still evolving, this potential launch could mark a significant diversification for Abakkus.

7. Regulatory and Industry Participation

Abakkus is an active member of several industry bodies, including the Association of Registered Investment Advisors (ARIA), Association of Portfolio Managers in India (APMI), and Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association (IVCA). These affiliations support Abakkus’s commitment to ethical standards, regulatory compliance, and the promotion of best practices within the investment community. Such participation also ensures the firm remains aligned with evolving market regulations and investor protection norms.

8. Corporate Culture and Team

Abakkus prides itself on fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented culture. With a team size approaching 200, the company emphasizes employee development, onboarding training, and knowledge sharing. This culture supports the firm’s alpha-focused strategy by empowering professionals with necessary resources and a shared vision. The team comprises experts in fundamental research, risk management, sales, and operations, all contributing to the firm’s seamless functioning.

9. Recent Portfolio Changes and Market Adaptation

The firm’s portfolio management is highly dynamic, as evidenced by recent sales of longstanding positions like Mastek Ltd. and ADF Foods Ltd. These exits highlight the firm’s willingness to recalibrate holdings based on updated assessments of business fundamentals and market valuations. Such moves reflect Abakkus’s ongoing vigilance to maximize returns while controlling risk, a crucial attribute for active asset managers in volatile markets.

10. Impact and Future Outlook

Abakkus Asset Management has quickly established itself as a respected name in India’s asset management industry, combining expert leadership with a focused investment philosophy. The firm’s planned mutual fund launch is poised to propel it into the mainstream retail market, potentially expanding its investor base significantly. With robust processes, regulatory compliance, and a growing asset base, Abakkus is well-positioned to continue delivering competitive performance and solidify its status among India’s elite asset managers.

Conclusion

Abakkus Asset Management exemplifies a modern, disciplined approach to Indian equity investment, blending traditional fundamental analysis with structured process management. Founded by seasoned investor Sunil Singhania, Abakkus has grown rapidly, managing billions of dollars while maintaining a focus on alpha generation. Its evolving strategy, including a move towards mutual funds, reflects both ambition and adaptability in a competitive landscape. For investors seeking an asset manager with strong research capabilities and a commitment to long-term value creation, Abakkus Asset Management stands out as a compelling choice. How it balances growth with performance in the coming years will be a story to watch in India’s asset management sector.