Groww beat every odd to get here. What beats it next?
May 14, 2026
Summary
This episode analyzes Groww’s evolution from a zero-commission mutual fund platform to India’s largest stockbroker, featuring host Praveen, finance editor Anand Kalyanaraman, and SEBI RIA Avinash Lutria. They debate Groww’s high valuation and aggressive expansion into lending and wealth management, contrasting the company’s customer-centric narrative with Lutria’s critique of predatory fee structures. The discussion highlights tensions between rapid growth, regulatory risks, and the ethical implications of monetizing retail investors through complex financial products.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Groww's rise, profitability, and strategic decisions
Guest introductions: Anand Kalyanraman and Avinash
Understanding SEBI Registered Investment Advisors and fiduciary duty
Groww's valuation history and comparison with competitors
Critique of broker business models: MTF, F&O, and hidden fees
The strategy of delayed monetization and customer acquisition
Groww's user engagement, advertising, and lending expansion
The future of wealth management and Groww's diversification
Why Groww surrendered its payment aggregator license
Conclusion: Democratization of finance vs. gambling and final thoughts
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