Capstocks to set up knowledge centre

In an effort to educate stock market investors and the general public on the intricacies of financial market activities, Kerala-based stock broking major Capstocks and Securities India is setting up a knowledge centre in the state.

Talking to Business Standard, Rajive NP, who will be heading the Capsocks Knowledge Centre, said the initiative was aimed at providing awareness relating to the stock market and the financial markets as a whole. "We have envisioned the knowledge centre in such a way that it would have three functional areas "� a training centre, publications division and wealth management services," he said.

The knowledge centre would initially function as a division of Capstocks, managing director V Rajendran said. It would be unveiled on February 9 by RK Nair, executive director, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

The training centre would offer short-term courses and conduct seminars based on all financial activities in the market. "The courses offered will be of use to students who appear for the examinations conducted by NCFM (NSE Certified Financial Management), AMFI and the like," Rajive said, adding, "The company plans to get the message across to the students through various campaigns and seminars in various educational institutions as well as business hubs such as Technopark."

The second functional area, publications division, would bring out titles that would help in educating prospective investors and students on the stock market as well as other personal finance options. The research wing of this division would launch a tri-monthly magazine for investors, which will feature in-depth analyses and articles on the bourses, mutual funds and initial public offerings.

The third wing will be the wealth management services division. It will be powered by the research wing of the parent company and would offer personalised investment solutions. "

One unique feature of this wing would be the singe window option offering advice on financial matters," Rajive added.

The knowledge centre, with its base in Thiruvananthapuram, would offer services in centres such as Kochi, Kozhikode and Thrissur in the initial phase. It would be expanded to all the centres, in the state and outside, where Capstocks has a presence in another six months, he added.