Nippon Life India Asset Management (NAMI) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with DWS Group, a leading European asset manager, to establish a strategic collaboration in the domestic market focused on alternative, passive, and active asset management.
As part of the agreement, DWS intends to acquire a 40 percent stake in Nippon Life India AIF Management (NIAIF), which has successfully secured approximately $1 billion in commitments over its ten-year track record. This partnership aims to leverage both companies’ strengths in developing and launching passive investment products aimed at both the Indian and UCITS markets.
NAMI seeks to create a global distribution framework to rollout actively managed mutual funds that focus on strategies pertinent to India, utilizing DWS’s extensive global distribution network. NIAIF already boasts a diverse range of alternatives products, including Private Credit, Listed Equities, Real Estate, and Venture Capital. The joint venture is expected to enhance NIAIF’s product offerings and broaden its reach to international investors through DWS’s global footprint.
Currently, Nippon Life India Asset Management manages approximately $85 billion in assets and holds a market capitalization of $6 billion, while DWS Group oversees about $1,233 billion in assets with a market cap of $12 billion.
Introduced in 2012, Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) in India have attracted $171 billion in gross capital commitments, with projections estimating a 32 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), potentially reaching around $693 billion within the next five years.
Sundeep Sikka, Executive Director and CEO of NAMI, emphasized that alternatives represent a significant opportunity within India’s asset management sector, and this collaboration will fortify the Alternatives platform. He noted that besides strengthening ties with Japan, the partnership enhances NAMI’s position as a truly global asset manager.
Stefan Hoops, CEO of DWS, highlighted that India is a central growth market for global asset managers over the coming decades and has long been a strategic priority for DWS. The planned agreements focus on stimulating growth in Alternatives and Passive investments while leveraging strong partnerships across Asia.
Published on November 13, 2025.
