Morgan Stanley has appointed Aniket Bhatia as Director in Mumbai, where he will cover traditional equity products and engage with buy-side investors. With experience at Ikigai Asset Manager, LSEG, and ICICI Bank, Bhatia brings deep market expertise and research-driven insight to the firm’s equity platform.
Aniket Bhatia’s appointment as Director at Morgan Stanley marks a significant professional milestone and reflects the growing emphasis global financial institutions are placing on deep market expertise, client-centric advisory, and high-quality research-driven insights in India’s rapidly evolving capital markets. Based in Mumbai, Bhatia’s new role positions him at the intersection of traditional equity products, investment strategy evaluation, and buy-side engagement, strengthening Morgan Stanley’s ability to deliver nuanced market intelligence and actionable perspectives to institutional clients across equity markets.
In his capacity as Director, Bhatia is responsible for covering traditional equity products while working closely with leading buy-side fund managers to understand their investment philosophies, portfolio construction approaches, and evolving risk appetites. His role also involves evaluating investment strategies across market cycles and translating in-depth research into insights that are both relevant and actionable for clients navigating increasingly complex market conditions. As equity markets contend with global macroeconomic uncertainty, shifting interest rate regimes, and structural changes driven by technology and regulation, such roles have become critical in helping investors make informed decisions grounded in rigorous analysis.
Morgan Stanley’s decision to appoint Bhatia underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its on-the-ground expertise in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and a market of increasing importance to global investors. Mumbai, as the country’s financial capital, serves as a hub for domestic and international asset managers, making it a strategic base for delivering timely equity research, market perspectives, and client engagement. Bhatia’s presence adds depth to the firm’s equity coverage capabilities, particularly in the context of India’s expanding investor base and growing participation from global funds.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, Bhatia was associated with Ikigai Asset Manager, where he served as Senior Investment Analyst and Portfolio Specialist. At Ikigai, he played a key role in supporting investment decision-making and portfolio communication, bridging the gap between investment research and client-facing strategy articulation. His experience at a boutique asset management firm known for its focused investment approach provided him with hands-on exposure to portfolio construction, long-term investing philosophies, and the nuances of engaging with sophisticated investors who value clarity, conviction, and disciplined analysis.
Prior to his tenure at Ikigai, Bhatia built a strong track record at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), where he worked in Sales and Account Management. His time at LSEG was marked by exceptional performance, culminating in his recognition among the top 0.1 percent globally under the CEO Circle, an elite group that acknowledges outstanding contributors across the organisation. This recognition not only highlighted his commercial acumen but also reflected his ability to build strong client relationships, understand complex financial products, and deliver value in a highly competitive, global environment.
At LSEG, Bhatia gained exposure to global financial markets, data-driven decision-making, and the importance of aligning client needs with sophisticated market solutions. Working within an international organisation with a diverse client base helped him develop a global perspective on market structure, investor behaviour, and the role of high-quality information in driving investment outcomes. These experiences have proven valuable as he transitions into a senior role at Morgan Stanley, where global insights must be contextualised for local markets and client requirements.
Earlier in his career, Bhatia worked with ICICI Bank, one of India’s leading financial institutions, where he gained strong exposure to corporate banking, relationship management, and capital markets. His time at ICICI Bank laid a foundational understanding of how corporates access capital, manage balance sheets, and interact with financial institutions. This grounding in corporate finance and banking complemented his later roles in asset management and financial markets, enabling him to develop a well-rounded skill set that spans investments, client advisory, and market strategy.
Across these roles, Bhatia has demonstrated an ability to move seamlessly between analytical rigour and client engagement, a combination that is increasingly valued in today’s financial services landscape. As markets become more interconnected and information flows accelerate, investors are seeking partners who can not only interpret data and research but also contextualise insights within broader market narratives. Bhatia’s background across banking, market infrastructure, asset management, and global financial services positions him well to meet these expectations.
His professional credentials further reinforce his expertise. Holding the CMT (Chartered Market Technician), CFTe (Certified Financial Technician), and CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designations, Bhatia brings a blend of technical market analysis, financial planning knowledge, and investment strategy expertise to his role. These qualifications signal a deep commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence, attributes that are particularly important in an industry characterized by constant change and innovation.
At Morgan Stanley, Bhatia’s role is expected to contribute to the firm’s broader objective of delivering differentiated equity insights and strengthening relationships with institutional investors. By engaging closely with buy-side clients, he will play a part in ensuring that research outputs are aligned with real-world investment challenges and opportunities. His ability to translate complex research into clear, actionable insights will be central to helping clients navigate volatility, identify structural trends, and position portfolios effectively.
The appointment also reflects a broader trend of global financial institutions investing in talent that combines local market understanding with global experience. As India’s equity markets continue to deepen, with increasing participation from domestic investors and sustained interest from overseas funds, the demand for high-quality market intelligence and trusted advisory relationships is expected to grow. Professionals like Bhatia, who can bridge global perspectives with local insights, are well placed to add value in this environment.
For Bhatia, the move to Morgan Stanley represents the next step in a career defined by progressive responsibility and diverse exposure. From his early days in corporate banking to his achievements in global sales and asset management, each phase of his journey has contributed to a comprehensive understanding of financial markets and client needs. His new role offers an opportunity to leverage this experience at a leading global investment bank, while continuing to engage with some of the most sophisticated investors in the market.
As Morgan Stanley continues to expand its presence and capabilities in India, appointments such as this signal confidence in the country’s long-term growth story and the importance of building strong, experienced teams on the ground. With his appointment as Director, Aniket Bhatia joins a cohort of professionals tasked with shaping how global investment insights are delivered to the Indian market, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to excellence, research depth, and client-focused engagement in one of the world’s most dynamic equity markets.
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