Smallcase offers a better experience, but know the risks (2024)

In November 2019, Sebi hiked the minimum investment amount for portfolio management services (PMS) from 25 lakh to 50 lakh. The decision proved to be a windfall for Smallcase, a Bengaluru-based fintech firm providing pre-packaged portfolios to stock investors for whom the threshold does not apply.

A second windfall came when the pandemic hit and hordes of Indians took to the stock market. In FY21, 14.2 million demat accounts were opened compared to an average of 4.3 million in the preceding three financial years.

It was just the moment for Smallcase. “Our users multiplied three times from 9 lakh in March 2020 to 28 lakh in March 2021," said founder and CEO Vasanth Kamath.

In FY21, the firm saw 8,000 crore invested through its platform, he said.

Smallcase is focusing on signing up Sebi-registered investment advisers (RIAs) and research analysts (RAs) to offer their services on its platform. It has signed up 100+ advisers, including Deepak Shenoy of Capitalmind and Vikas Gupta of Omniscience Capital.

“Smallcases created by RAs and RIAs can be offered by brokerages and distribution platforms to clients. We have given them a route to be part of the ecosystem," said Kamath.

Smallcase offers a better experience, but know the risks (1)

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This ecosystem expansion is important for the firm. Smallcase itself has an RA licence through its wholly owned subsidiary firm called Windmill Capital and the overwhelming majority of its users subscribe to Windmill portfolios.

These smallcases are currently free, although the firm is planning to launch fee-based smallcases soon. Advisers can either charge a flat fee or a percentage charge (up to 2.5% allowed by Sebi). Smallcase managers can work with a host of digital/offline channels to market their products.

Smallcase users should, however, consider the disadvantages. Small ticket sizes make it difficult for RIAs and RAs to offer smallcase subscribers the personalized service that regular clients would get. Unlike a mutual fund where rebalancing inside the fund is tax-free, rebalancing a smallcase can attract taxes.

The past returns of portfolios are shown on the platform without adjusting for charges (RIA or RA fees). This is unlike an MF net asset value, which is the net of all expenses.

The portfolios can be quite concentrated. Sebi rules on diversification—mandatory for MFs—do not apply here.

The average Smallcase portfolio has 12 stocks, though the platform also supports asset allocation strategies with ETFs, which are more diversified and popular, Kamath said.

For investors who were served by brokers through clunky legacy websites and tele-calling, this sleek integrated system of Smallcase can offer a better experience.

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Neil Borate

Neil heads the personal finance team at Mint. A former colleague called them 'money nerds' and that's what they are. They cover topics like mutual funds, taxation and retirement, all to improve your chances of building wealth. Neil graduated with a degree in law and economics. He passed the CFA Level I exam and began his writing career at Value Research, a mutual fund research firm in 2016. He joined the personal finance team Mint in 2019. Everyday, the Mint Money Team tackles personal finance questions such as where to invest and where to borrow, through articles, charts and reader queries. They also have a daily podcast - 'Why Not Mint Money' and an annual ranking of mutual funds - the Mint 20.

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Published: 14 Jun 2021, 12:10 AM IST

Smallcase offers a better experience, but know the risks (2024)

FAQs

Is smallcase actually good? ›

Though smallcases look better in terms of costs and returns, they come with a prerequisite of market knowledge. And investors who have the requisite knowledge to manage their own portfolio can consider investing in smallcases. Else they are better off investing in mutual funds.

What are the disadvantages of smallcase? ›

Smallcases are usually themed and limited to 10–15 stocks. Some argue that this can lead to overly concentrated portfolios. Concentration risk occurs when a few stocks determine the fate of your entire portfolio.

What is the benefit of smallcase? ›

You have complete knowledge about where your money has been invested in, and are given complete control over these investments. The stocks and ETFs bought through smallcase would be credited to your broker demat account, thereby giving you full control over your investments.

Why not to invest in smallcase? ›

Smallcases may have the potential to achieve better returns than mutual funds and ETFs; however, these returns are not guaranteed. There is always a risk involved in investing in the stock market, and smallcases are no different.

Can I trust smallcase? ›

Smallcases are a great way to invest in the market; however, it is not insulated from the risks in the market. All you have to do is observe what style and theme fit your goal.

Which is better MF or smallcase? ›

Mutual funds offer professional management, making them suitable for those seeking a well-rounded investment approach. On the other hand, smallcases offer thematic investing, transparency, and lower costs, catering to investors looking for focused exposure and more control over their portfolios.

Is smallcase owned by Zerodha? ›

smallcase is backed by Rainmatter Capital, which in turn is backed by Zerodha, which also incubated the startup.

Is smallcase SEBI approved? ›

smallcases are created by SEBI-registered entities like Investment Advisors & Research Analysts.

Is it wise to invest in smallcase? ›

Smallcase portfolios are highly concentrated portfolios, while mutual funds by nature believe in diversification, that is investing in more securities, not less as in smallcase portfolios. Therefore smallcase portfolios may give more returns, but they will be far more volatile than mutual funds of similar nature.

Is smallcase good for long term investment? ›

smallcases are model portfolios of stocks/ETFs based on a theme, idea or strategy. It is a modern investment instrument for investors to build long term diversified portfolios.

Is smallcase good for long term? ›

Smallcases can be used for both short-term and long-term investments, depending on their strategy. However, they are typically designed with a longer-term perspective in mind, enabling investors to capitalize on specific market trends and themes over time.

Is smallcase good for beginners? ›

smallcases are modern investment products based on specific themes or strategies. These smallcases are beginner-friendly and provide diversified exposure to the stock market. You can choose smallcases that align with your investment objectives and risk appetite.

How is smallcase making money? ›

Fee-based smallcases require a subscription fee to access their underlying constituents. The subscription fee is based on the plan duration, which can be monthly, quarterly, or annually, and is determined by the smallcase manager.

Is SIP in smallcase good? ›

So, if you want to start investing in equities through SIP, smallcase can be a great platform to begin your journey. With proper research, analysis, and a disciplined approach, SIPs in smallcase can potentially help you achieve your financial goals.

Is smallcase better than MF? ›

Mutual funds offer professional management, making them suitable for those seeking a well-rounded investment approach. On the other hand, smallcases offer thematic investing, transparency, and lower costs, catering to investors looking for focused exposure and more control over their portfolios.

Is smallcase approved by SEBI? ›

smallcases are created by SEBI-registered entities like Investment Advisors & Research Analysts.

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