BRIC Team reports: Rahul Ghose, MD and CEO of Octanom Tech and Hedged.inWith AI revolutionizing financial services, the convergence of technology, trust, and investor sentiment is a major point of interest in India's fintech industry. Speaking to ET Digital, Rahul Ghose, MD and CEO of Octanom Tech and Hedged.in, detailed his company's strategy of using AI as a disciplined risk-management component to refine investor judgment, rather than to supersede it. Ghose offers his viewpoint on how AI-powered investment platforms can achieve a balance between innovation and transparency amidst volatile markets.
His insights span retail involvement, behavioural tendencies, hedging approaches, accountability, and the evolving psychology of wealth generation. How is Hedged ensuring that algorithm-driven investment guidance builds trust rather than skepticism among Indian retail investors?Rahul Ghose (RG): I don’t think Indian investors are skeptical of AI for the wrong reasons. In fact, I would be more concerned if they trusted it too quickly.
Background
Retail investors have already seen too many versions of “easy money” like tips, calls, Telegram groups, screenshots of profits, and influencer-led confidence. So, when a new technology claims it can help them invest better, skepticism is natural.At Hedged, we are very clear that AI is not a fortune teller. We use it more as a discipline layer.
Key facts
- Ghose offers his viewpoint on how AI-powered investment platforms can achieve a balance between innovation and transparency amidst volatile markets.
- His insights span retail involvement, behavioural tendencies, hedging approaches, accountability, and the evolving psychology of wealth generation.
- In fact, I would be more concerned if they trusted it too quickly.
- Retail investors have already seen too many versions of “easy money” like tips, calls, Telegram groups, screenshots of profits, and influencer-led confidence.
- So, when a new technology claims it can help them invest better, skepticism is natural.At Hedged, we are very clear that AI is not a fortune teller.
What this means
It can analyse market data without emotion, identify changing risk conditions faster, and help investors avoid decisions driven purely by panic or excitement. However, trust will not come from simply saying something is “AI-powered.” Trust comes from showing the logic, explaining the risks, and being honest when the system does not have certainty.ET: With only about 3.5% of Indians participating directly in equities, what are the biggest psychological and structural barriers and how does Hedged’s model specifically address them?RG: The biggest barrier today is no longer access. Access has improved dramatically.
The bigger challenge is confidence. Most Indians understand saving. They understand gold, real estate, and fixed deposits.
