Finance Week and Finance Conclave 2025: “Navigating the Future of Investments in a Dynamic Landscape”

FINANCE WEEK 2025

From 8^th January 2025 to 13^th January 2025, Domain Forum Committee – Finance at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow, successfully hosted Finance Week 2025, a series of intellectually stimulating competitions and activities aimed at enhancing students' financial acumen, strategic thinking, and policy awareness. The week was well organized under the guidance of Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary (Faculty Coordinator: Domain Forum Committee – Finance) & Dr. Hemendra Gupta (Area Chair: Finance) and was well coordinated by Ms. Gargi Tiwari (Student Coordinator: Domain Forum Committee – Finance) with the support of Ms. Kaveri (Senior Member - Domain Forum Committee – Finance), Mr. Akshat Jain (Senior Member - Domain Forum Committee – Finance) and all the Senior Members & Junior Representatives.

The activities held throughout the week were:

Finance Face-Off – The Ultimate Money Challenge (8th February 2025)

The Finance Week commenced with an exhilarating three-round challenge, where students participated in a buzzer-based quiz, a financial matching challenge, and a startup investment pitch. The event tested participants' financial knowledge, analytical skills, and teamwork. The event was judged by Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary who motivated the participants to gain financial acumen to be successful managers.

Finance Forge – Case Study Challenge (11th February 2025)

Finance Forge saw teams of two analyzing real-world financial cases and presenting strategic solutions within a five-minute timeframe. Judged on creativity, feasibility, financial depth, and strategic insight, the event honed participants' problem-solving abilities. The activity was judged by Dr. Arti Chandani (Faculty – Finance Area).

Budget Blitz – A Budget Simulation and Policy Debate

The Budget Blitz was two - day event:

Day 1 (12^th February 2025): The budget Blitz commenced with The Budget Battle Debate wherein students engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on sectoral allocations, followed by a Sector Strategy Presentation, where they analyzed gaps in the Union Budget and proposed policy reforms.

Day 2 (13^th February 2025): On Day 2 the finalists from Day 1 showcased their expertise in economic policy by critically evaluating Union Budget 2025 allocations and suggesting innovative reforms before a panel of esteemed judges. The participants used PowerPoint presentations to interactively put the suggestions in front of the panel.

Budget Blitz was judged by Dr. Harshit Kumar Srivastava: (Faculty – Economics Area) & Dr. Ashutosh Pandey (Faculty – Economics Area), wherein they discussed the importance of budget for the country as well as for personal benefit.

Through these activities and competitions, Finance Week 2025 successfully provided students with hands-on experience in financial decision-making, investment strategies, and policy evaluation.

FINANCE CONCLAVE 2025: NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF INVESTMENTS IN A DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE

On 15^th February 2025, Domain Forum Committee – Finance of Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow, organized the Finance Conclave 2025, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the evolving world of investments amidst technological advancements, economic uncertainties, and global financial shifts.

The Conclave was well organized under the guidance of Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary (Faculty Coordinator: Domain Forum Committee: Finance) & Dr. Hemendra Gupta (Area Chair: Finance) and was well coordinated by Ms. Gargi Tiwari (Student Coordinator: Domain Forum Committee - Finance) with the support of Ms. Kaveri (Senior Member - Domain Forum Committee – Finance), Mr. Akshat Jain (Senior Member - Domain Forum Committee – Finance) and all the Senior Members and Junior Representatives.

Our esteemed guests at the conclave were: Mr. Gyanendra Agarwal (Director: Fund Administration - BNY) & Mr. Vinay Ghai (Director: Investment Banking - E&Y).

The Conclave was graced by the presence of Dr. Kavita Pathak (Director), Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary, Dr. Sushma Vishnani (Dean: Academics), Dr. Arti Chandani (Faculty: Finance Area), Dr. Dheeraj Misra (Faculty: Finance Area), Dr. Reena Agarwal (Faculty: Finance Area), Dr. Upendra Nath Shukla (Faculty: Finance Area) and Dr. Abha R. Dixit (Faculty: Business Communication).

The conclave commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by distinguished guests and dignitaries, followed by the presentation of Green Certificates to the guests for their honorable presence.

The Conclave moved further with the welcome address of Dr. Kavita Pathak, who highlighted the institute’s AACSB accreditation and emphasized The Brand Jaipuria’s growing global presence with this Quality Hallmark. She further welcomed the guests and thanked them for their presence. She highlighted the rapidly evolving finance domain and its impact on financial functions, emphasizing how technology, global conflicts, and other factors continuously shape the landscape. She stressed that while finance adapts to change, its core principle—creating shareholder value through strategic investments and decisions—remains constant, regardless of technological advancements.

Further, Dr. Hemendra Gupta set the stage by highlighting the shift from traditional to modern investments driven by AI, blockchain, data analytics, and ESG integration. He discussed the balance between globalization and localization, the impact of climate concerns and cybersecurity threats, and the rise of alternative asset classes like cryptocurrency. He also noted the evolving investment mindset, with more individuals actively engaging in financial markets, while SIPs remain a long-term wealth-building strategy.

The conclave arrived at its first keynote address by Mr. Gyanendra Agarwal who shared his perspectives on navigating investments in a dynamic landscape. He discussed the rapid technological advancements transforming the financial sector and how investor preferences are evolving amid heightened economic uncertainties. He further explored key themes shaping modern investment strategies, including alternative asset classes, ESG investing, blockchain, AI, and the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on global markets.

Moving further, Mr. Vinay Ghai then took the stage to emphasize the importance of filtering market noise while making investment decisions. He explained that investment banking serves as a critical platform for navigating complex financial landscapes, underscoring the need for meticulous planning, as investments are not just about financial capital but also about long-term strategic commitments. He highlighted the role of derivatives and advanced financial instruments in shaping market trends, reinforcing the importance of well-informed, data-driven investment decisions.

The Conclave moved further with an Interactive Q&A Session moderated by Mr. Sanket Chandra (Student: Batch 2023 -2025) which allowed students to engage with the speakers, discussing the future of investments and gaining expert perspectives on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in finance.

Moving further, a Kahoot quiz was organized based on the insights from Conclave which tested students’ active listening and financial skills. The quiz featured cash prizes for the top 10 best-performing students. The prize distribution was as follows: ₹1,000 for 1st place, ₹750 for 2nd place, and ₹500 for 3rd place. The remaining top 10 students received ₹300 each.

Further, Prize Distribution ceremony was held where the best-performing students from competitions of finance week were appreciated with certificates. Further, the guests were acknowledged with a memento for their valuable presence.

The conclave concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Gargi Tiwari, who expressed gratitude to the esteemed speakers, moderator, faculty, and management for their contributions. She also acknowledged the coordinators and team for their efforts and thanked the audience for their active participation.

The best-performing students were:

1. Finance Face Off:

1^st Position: Ms. Shivi Tandon & Mr. Sunand Agrawal (Team Wealth Wizards)

2^nd Position: Mr. Yash Deep Agarwal & Ms. Shreya Srivastava (Team Finance Wizards)

3^rd Position: Ms. Shristi Pal & Ms. Shraddha Pandey (Team SP Square)

1. Finance Forge:

1^st Position: Ms. Shreya Srivastava & Mr. Sunand Agarwal (Team Cents and Sense)

2^nd Position: Mr. Anuj Srivastava & Mr. Aadesh Singh (Team Dividend Dynamos)

3^rd Position: Mr. Yash Bhadoria & Mr. Yashdeep Agarwal (Team Finance Wizards)

1. Budget Blitz:

1^st Position:  Ms. Shreya Srivastava, Mr. Yashdeep Agarwal & Ms. Shivi Tandon (Team Bullseye)

2^nd Position: Mr. Anuj Srivastava, Mr. Ayush Agarwal & Mr. Ayushman (Team Dynamos)

3^rd Position: Mr. Bhaskar Srivastava, Mr. Dipankar Chatterjee, & Ms. Kavya Singh (Team MBA)

1. Kahoot Quiz

1^st Position:  Ms. Bhargavi

2^nd Position: Ms. Ridhi Gandhi

3^rd Position: Ms. Tanishka Singh

The Finance Conclave 2025 successfully provided a platform for aspiring finance professionals to gain valuable industry insights and a deeper understanding of the dynamic investment landscape.

Team Media Relations Committee for the Workshop coverage:
Under the guidance of Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Reeti Agarwal

Writer: Mr. Shubham Kumar Pandey

Photographer: Mr. Syed Amaan Ali, Mr. Mohd. Amir, Mr. Aryan Tiwari & Mr. Shubham Kumar Pandey

Graphic Designer: Mr. Shubham Kumar Pandey