CEO Speak August 2026

Investing in Digital Age

Investing and managing money have never been easier.

What once required multiple forms, branch visits and lengthy processing times can now be completed in minutes. Today, with just a few taps on a smartphone, investors can open accounts, complete KYC, invest in mutual funds, monitor portfolios, redeem investments and receive instant updates. Digital platforms have made investing faster, simpler and far more accessible than ever before.

We at HSBC Mutual Fund have always strived to create a better experience for our investors through our digital capabilities.

However, while technology has reduced paperwork and waiting time, it has also created new opportunities for fraudsters.

Cyber frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Criminals no longer rely on force—they rely on deception. A convincing phone call, a fake investment link, a message that appears to come from a trusted institution or a request to share an OTP can be enough to compromise an investor's finances.

Security Remains a Priority

As digital adoption grows, so does the importance of protecting investors.

Across the industry Financial Institutions continue to strengthen cybersecurity, secure authentication processes, encryption technologies and fraud monitoring systems to safeguard investor accounts and transactions. While institutions continue to enhance these protections, investors also play an important role by remaining vigilant and following safe digital practices.

The good news is that many of these frauds are preventable. A few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk.

Simple Habits That Keep Your Investments Safe

• Never share confidential information: Your Login ID, OTPs, PINs, CVV numbers, passwords and internet banking credentials should never be shared with anyone—not even someone claiming to represent your bank, AMC or regulator. doing so can enable unauthorised access and lead to financial loss.
• Verify before you act: Fraudsters often create urgency. Before clicking on links or responding to calls or messages, verify the source through the official website or customer care number. You can also check with your investment advisor.
• Download apps only from official app stores: Avoid installing applications sent through messaging platforms or unknown links.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication: A unique password for financial accounts, combined with an additional layer of authentication (example- OTP/PIN), provides significantly better protection.
• Monitor your accounts regularly: Update your phone number in your bank accounts and investments for alerts. Review account statements, transaction alerts and portfolio updates. If fraud is suspected stop the transaction, change account passwords and contact immediately on the official communication channel or customer care number.
• Be cautious of investment scams: Promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns, unsolicited investment advice and pressure to invest immediately should always be treated with caution. Be cautious of unsolicited investment offers received through emails, social media/social messaging platforms, or phone calls. Conduct your own due diligence before investing.
• Report any suspicious activity: Report any suspicious emails, messages, or websites immediately via official channels Contact HSBC Asset Management - Mutual Funds India, which will help us investigate and take prompt remedial action. Reporting suspicious activity promptly can help limit potential losses. Additionally, SEBI also insist to immediately report suspected cyber fraud by calling 1930 or filing a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Digital investing has made wealth creation more convenient than ever before. The same technology that enables seamless investing also requires investors to remain alert and informed.

Staying safe does not require technical expertise. It simply requires developing a few consistent habits—verifying information, protecting confidential credentials and remaining cautious whenever something feels unusual.

Digital Convenience Comes with Digital Responsibility

Invest wisely. Stay digitally secure.

SEBI Registered Name/Number-HSBC Mutual Fund/MF/046/02/5

Views provided above are personal and based on information in public domain and subject to change. Investors are requested to consult their financial advisor for any investment decisions.

Source:HSBC MF Research. Data as on July end, 2026 or as latest available

Disclaimer: This document has been prepared by HSBC Asset Management (India) Private Limited (HSBC) for information purposes only and should not be construed as i) an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities, commodities, currencies or other investments referred to herein; or ii) an offer to sell or a solicitation or an offer for purchase of any of the funds of HSBC Mutual Fund; or iii) an investment research or investment advice. It does not have regard to specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this document. Investors should seek personal and independent advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any of the funds, securities, other investment or investment strategies that may have been discussed or referred herein and should understand that the views regarding future prospects may or may not be realized. In no event shall HSBC Mutual Fund/HSBC Asset management (India) Private Limited and / or its affiliates or any of their directors, trustees, officers and employees be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of information / opinion herein.

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The above information is for illustrative purposes only. The sector(s) mentioned in this document do not constitute any research report nor it should be considered as an investment research, investment recommendation or advice to any reader of this content to buy or sell any stocks / investments.

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SEBI Registered Name/Number-HSBC Mutual Fund/MF/046/02/5

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