Guest Lecture on Hedge Funds

The Department of Commerce organized an insightful Guest Lecture on Hedge Funds on 30th August 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the Smart Room, Management Block, as part of its Corporate Connect initiative. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practices by bringing experienced professionals to share their expertise with students. The session was conducted by Mr. Yash Ojha, Senior Associate at Apex Group, Pune, who brought with him more than five years of professional experience in financial analysis, transaction processing, and agile methodologies, along with prior expertise as a Senior Analyst at Northern Trust.

The primary objective of the lecture was to offer practical exposure to the hedge fund industry, a niche yet crucial segment of the financial markets that is often underrepresented in traditional academic curricula. The audience comprised 2nd Year B.Com (Financial Analytics) students and 1st Year M.Sc (GFA) students, providing them with an opportunity to understand complex investment structures from an industry practitioner’s perspective.

Mr. Ojha began the session with an introduction to hedge funds, explaining their origin, purpose, and how they differ from mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles. He emphasized the objectives of hedge funds, particularly their focus on generating absolute returns and managing risk irrespective of market conditions. The lecture also covered various hedge fund strategies, including long/short equity, global macro strategies, event-driven investing, and quantitative strategies, helping students grasp how these funds navigate diverse market opportunities.

A key highlight of the lecture was the discussion on risk management and regulatory frameworks, where Mr. Ojha elaborated on the compliance requirements, due diligence processes, and the importance of operational efficiency in maintaining investor confidence. Students gained insight into the operational dynamics of hedge funds, such as trade settlements, reconciliations, performance reporting, and investor communication — all of which are essential to the smooth functioning of fund operations.

The session went beyond theory, with real-world case examples illustrating the decision-making processes and challenges faced by hedge fund managers in volatile market scenarios. Mr. Ojha also shared his personal career journey, giving students valuable career insights into the field of asset management, hedge fund operations, and alternative investments. He emphasized the importance of acquiring relevant professional certifications such as CFA, FRM, and CAIA, as well as developing strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to succeed in the competitive finance industry.

The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where students enthusiastically posed questions ranging from hedge fund strategies to internship opportunities. Mr. Ojha patiently addressed each query, leaving students with a clearer understanding of the subject and actionable steps for their professional growth.

Overall, the event was highly impactful in enhancing financial literacy, fostering industry exposure, and encouraging students to explore future careers in investment management and alternative assets. The session not only bridged the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications but also aligned with the Department’s mission to prepare students for a dynamic and global financial landscape. By connecting learners with an experienced industry professional, the Corporate Connect initiative once again reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for developing career-ready graduates with a holistic understanding of the finance sector.