There are many ways to start a career in structured products, and a variety of different views of what are good products. In a series of interviews, SRP asks market practitioners to reveal their thoughts about the market and the path they have taken to become part of it.
Milind Kulkarni, chief executive officer of FinIQ in Pune Area, India answers the questions.
What sells better, protected or non-protected products?
Semi-protected or non-protected, eg. those with 90% capital protection.
What are the prospects in your market for the next 12 months?
Won't change much, low to average volumes.
What was your first job?
Unix/C programmer.
What subject did you study in higher education?
Computer/engineering.
Are structured products complex investments?
Not complex at all.
What is the main benefit of buying a structured products?
You can have a tailormade positions on underlyings of your liking and at specific observation levels.
Do you buy structured products, if so, which type do you prefer?
Only simple dual currency investments.
Which is the best structured products market?
Two-week dual-currency investment, out-of-the-money, on local currency versus majors.
What's the best structured product you have ever seen?
Dual currency investment, simple and easy to understand, but can cater to multiple needs.
Bicycle or taxi?
Bicycle.
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