JioBlackRock International AMC Launches Advantage World Equity Fund in GIFT City

GANDHINAGAR — JioBlackRock International AMC (IFSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of JioBlackRock Asset Management, has announced the launch of its new open-ended fund, the Advantage World Equity Fund (IFSC).

The newly introduced Fund of Fund will primarily invest in the BlackRock Advantage World Equity Fund. Structured as a feeder fund, the offering aims to broaden investment opportunities for Indian investors by providing a gateway to international markets through GIFT City.

According to the fund house, the underlying fund has a track record of over eight years. It is designed to complement investors' domestic portfolios by offering exposure to global companies, sectors, and long-term growth themes across developed markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan.

While noting that India remains a strong engine for long-term wealth creation, the fund house stated that global equities open access to an expansive investment universe spanning leading economies and innovative companies. The underlying strategy utilizes a combination of human expertise, systematic research, advanced data analytics, machine learning, alternative data, and disciplined risk management.

The underlying portfolio is managed by BlackRock’s Systematic Active Equity team, which brings over four decades of experience in systematic investing. The strategy maintains broad exposure across developed markets, with significant allocations to the US alongside investments in Europe and Japan.

Sid Swaminathan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JioBlackRock Asset Management, noted that the fund launch in GIFT City marks a step in providing pathways for investors to participate in growth opportunities beyond India. He added that global diversification will form an increasingly important component of long-term wealth creation, marking the beginning of the firm's ambition to build an investing platform from GIFT City.

The fund will invest 90 to 100 percent of its assets in units of the underlying BlackRock Advantage World Equity Fund. The minimum initial investment is set at $5,000. Additionally, the indicative total expense ratio is 0.90 percent for the direct plan and 1.40 percent for the regular plan.

"The launch of the Advantage World Equity Fund by JioBlackRock International AMC in GIFT City highlights the growing maturity of India's financial corridors and cross-border investment infrastructure. By facilitating access to developed international markets through a structured feeder-fund model, asset managers are responding to the demand for portfolio diversification. For investors, integrating global exposure alongside domestic holdings can be a strategic approach to long-term asset allocation, provided they evaluate the associated expense ratios and currency movements carefully." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes