Everywhere We Belong

The Home Advantage is a Belong original series where founders and industry experts explore the future of NRI finance, GIFT City investing, and the fintech innovations helping global Indians grow their wealth with trust and simplicity.

In this first episode, Ankur Choudhary, Co-Founder & CEO of Belong, joins @AswinOnFinance for a deep dive into the real, systemic hassles NRIs face when trying to invest in India, and how those challenges pushed him to build Belong.

Ankur shares how years of watching NRIs struggle with KYC hurdles, TDS issues, repatriation blocks, and INR depreciation led him to realise one thing: NRIs want to invest in India’s growth story, but the system wasn’t designed for them.That gap is what sparked Belong.

They discuss:

• Why NRI investing in India is so difficult today

• The four structural problems NRIs hit - KYC, TDS, repatriation, and INR depreciation

• How GIFT City changes the landscape with USD investments and offshore status

• Why NRIs need better infrastructure, not just more products

• How Belong solves NRI friction with digital KYC, USD FDs, and GIFT City Mutual Funds

• How global Indians can finally grow with India without NRO/NRE/PIS complications

Featuring:- Ankur Choudhary, Co-Founder and CEO, BelongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurc07/

- Aswin PS, Finance Creator and Business Educator LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aswinps/

Chapters:

(00:00) Opener

(01:01) Introduction

(02:01) How Belong Started: Solving NRI Banking & Investment Pain

(07:04) NRI Hassles Explained: Banking, Investing, Taxation Challenges

(12:23) GIFT City Deep Dive: Why It Fixes NRI Investing Issues

(23:15) Belong’s GIFT City USD FD: Returns, Process, Benefits

(27:15) FCNR vs GIFT City FDs: Which Is Better for NRIs?

(33:18) What Is IFSCA? Regulator for GIFT City Explained

(35:57) NRE vs NRO Accounts: Key Differences for NRIs

(41:08) When to Convert Savings to NRO: Simple Rule for NRIs

(45:50) NRI Banking + Investment Checklist (Must-Watch

(52:50) Closer

About Belong

Belong is a fintech platform built for NRIs who want to invest in India with clarity and confidence. From USD Fixed Deposits to GIFT City Mutual Funds, Belong connects global income with Indian opportunities without the NRO, NRE or PIS maze.

Explore Belong:

Website: https://getbelong.com

App: https://app.getbelong.com/LywZ/YT

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbelong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbelong

X: https://x.com/GetBelong

Join our WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNUCY6cgCfKIYaNivvbEOA

#TheHomeAdvantage #Belong #NRIFinance #AswinOnFinance #AnkurChoudhary #GIFTcity #NRIInvestment #Fintech #GlobalIndians

The Home Advantage is a Belong original series where founders and industry experts explore the future of NRI finance, GIFT City investing, and the fintech innovations helping global Indians grow their wealth with trust and simplicity.

In this first episode, Ankur Choudhary, Co-Founder & CEO of Belong, joins @AswinOnFinance for a deep dive into the real, systemic hassles NRIs face when trying to invest in India, and how those challenges pushed him to build Belong.

Ankur shares how years of watching NRIs struggle with KYC hurdles, TDS issues, repatriation blocks, and INR depreciation led him to realise one thing: NRIs want to invest in India’s growth story, but the system wasn’t designed for them.That gap is what sparked Belong.

They discuss:

NRI investing in India is so difficult today

The four structural problems NRIs hit - KYC, TDS, repatriation, and INR depreciation

GIFT City changes the landscape with USD investments and offshore status

Why NRIs need better infrastructure, not just more products

How Belong solves NRI friction with digital KYC, USD FDs, and GIFT City Mutual Funds

How global Indians can finally grow with India without NRO/NRE/PIS complications

Featuring:

- Ankur Choudhary, Co Founder and CEO, BelongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurc07/

- Aswin PS, Finance Creator and Business Educator LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aswinps/

Chapters:

(00:00) – Opener

(01:01) Introduction

(02:01) How Belong Started: Solving NRI Banking & Investment Pain

(07:04) NRI Hassles Explained: Banking, Investing, Taxation Challenges

(12:23) GIFT City Deep Dive: Why It Fixes NRI Investing Issues

(23:15) Belong’s GIFT City USD FD: Returns, Process, Benefits

(27:15) FCNR vs GIFT City FDs: Which Is Better for NRIs?

(33:18) What Is IFSCA? Regulator for GIFT City Explained

(35:57) NRE vs NRO Accounts: Key Differences for NRIs

(41:08) When to Convert Savings to NRO: Simple Rule for NRIs

(45:50) NRI Banking + Investment Checklist (Must-Watch)

(52:50) Closer

About Belong

Belong is a fintech platform built for NRIs who want to invest in India with clarity and confidence. From USD Fixed Deposits to GIFT City Mutual Funds, Belong connects global income with Indian opportunities without the NRO, NRE or PIS maze.

Explore Belong:

Website: https://getbelong.com

App: https://app.getbelong.com/LywZ/YT 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbelong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbelong

X: https://x.com/GetBelong

Join our WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNUCY6cgCfKIYaNivvbEOA

#TheHomeAdvantage #Belong #NRIFinance #AswinOnFinance #AnkurChoudhary #GIFTcity #NRIInvestment #Fintech #GlobalIndians

How do you scale an investment powerhouse from ₹4,000 Cr to ₹1.6 Lakh Cr? In this exclusive conversation, Varun Sanan (Senior VP & Zonal Head, Edelweiss) reveals the blueprint for hyper-growth and why Indians abroad are looking at global markets all wrong.

Global investing isn't just about diversification, it’s about strategy. Varun Sanan joins us to break down his journey at Edelweiss, the evolution of the Indian investor, and a masterclass on how NRIs and global Indians should navigate the 2026 market landscape.

Whether you are "chasing returns" or looking for long-term equity growth, this insider look is your playbook.

About Varun Sanan

Varun Sanan is the Senior VP and Zonal Head at Edelweiss. With decades of experience in the financial sector, he has been a pivotal part of one of India’s biggest institutional success stories.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:02) Mr. Varun Sanan & Mr. Pallav Nayak

(01:46) Overview

(02:46) A look back at Global Market

(04:05) How Different is an Indian Investor, HNI, and Institutional Investor

(06:04) How do Investors Approach Risk and Opportunities

(11:34) How Varun Sanan Approaches Investing

(14:36) What is Price to Earnings Ratio?

(16:11) The India Growth Story

(22:11) India’s Next Big Bet

(24:35) The Long-Term Effect of Geopolitical Issues on India

(28:25) Insights into The Global Market

(32:47) Why Indian Investors Should Look at Global Investments

(37:53) Why Edelweiss Introduced Global Investment Products

(40:23) How Global Investment is Becoming More Accessible

(42:38) How GIFT City Funds are Different from Indian Offshore Funds

(45:14) Why is China a Good Market for Investments?

(54:36) Why NRIs are More Emotional towards Investments into India

(56:11) The India Multi Manager Advantage

(01:03:48) The Risk in Global Investments

(01:05:10) Varun's Ideal Equity Allocation

About Belong

Belong is a fintech platform built for NRIs who want to invest in India with clarity and confidence. From USD Fixed Deposits to GIFT City Mutual Funds, Belong connects global income with Indian opportunities without the NRO, NRE or PIS maze.

Explore Belong:

Website: https://getbelong.com

App: https://app.getbelong.com/LywZ/vqhplj7t

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbelong

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbelong

X: https://x.com/GetBelong

Join our WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNUCY6cgCfKIYaNivvbEOA

Welcome to  Episode 9 of Everywhere We Belong. We particularly enjoyed this one, as Parmita's take on life is a very unique one. Her NRI story and insights on creativity, finance in the midst of transition (from Canada to India; Schneider Electric to being self-employed) and thoughts on general direction in life are sure to be of value to all listeners. Enjoy. 

(00:00) Introduction to Parmita Chakrabarti
(01:42) Cultural Reflections on Abu Dhabi
(03:51) Transitioning to India: A Cultural Shift
(06:22) Experiencing Boarding School in India
(07:08) University Life in Canada
(09:20) Career Beginnings at Schneider Electric
(10:03) Navigating the Corporate World
(12:08) Financial Independence and Budgeting
(21:51) Budgeting and Saving
(24:40) Influences of Family on Financial Habits
(28:14) The Impact of Growing Up in a Musical Household
(29:56) Financial Decisions: Accounts and Investments
(32:32) Real Estate: Her Journey of Property Ownership
(34:13) Leaving Corporate Life
(39:28) Artistry and Expression; Creative Path
(40:19) The Art of Keeping Ideas Close
(41:14) Finding Your True Path
(42:02) Embracing Change and Evolution
(42:53) Understanding Indian Culture in the West
(52:57) Navigating Competition and Personal Space
(53:00) The Dichotomy of Urban and Rural Interactions
(56:00) Cultural Perceptions of Safety and Freedom
(59:33) The Search for Belonging in a Globalised World
(01:03:53) Embracing Identity and Acceptance
(01:06:13) The Power of Choice in Reactions
(01:07:42) The Constant of Creativity
(01:10:39) Navigating the Relationship with Art
(01:14:18) The Healing Journey of Creation
(01:18:25) Intuition vs. Logic in Life Decisions
(01:19:48) Reflections on Life Choices and Regrets

This is our third episode with a guest! Maria is an exceptionally well-travelled NRI who has studied and worked at some of our world's most prestigious institutions and organisations and is currently transitioning into a phase in which she is the teacher, the leader. 

We couldn't have caught her at a more exciting time and we hope that you feel the same while you watch/listen. Enjoy.

(00:00) Maria Joss: A Journey Through Education and Career
(01:46) Navigating Finances as an International Student
(04:01) Choosing the UAE: A Strategic Move
(06:38) Cultural Dynamics: Work and Life in Dubai
(08:41) Visa and Residency: The Golden Visa Experience
(11:24) Cultural Integration: The Multicultural Fabric of Dubai
(19:21) Cultural Perspectives on National Identity
(20:34) Rapid Transformation in the Middle East
(22:12) Women in the Workforce: Progress and Challenges
(23:15) Navigating Life in the UAE: Documentation and Banking
(24:01) Evolving Personal Finance Strategies
(32:16) Building a Startup: Emotional Health in Dating
(39:36) Navigating Loneliness in Dating
(40:47) The Shift from Traditional to Digital Dating
(42:06) The Leap into Entrepreneurship
(44:08) Working with Family: A Unique Dynamic
(45:23) Setting Up a Business in the UAE
(47:28) Advantages and Disadvantages of Being an NRI
(49:04) Future Aspirations and Embracing Uncertainty
(50:00) Rapid Fire: Personal Insights and Cultural Reflections

Our seventh episode is the second with a guest, and another true NRI at that between Ishaan Goel (guest) and Micah, our host.

Ishaan was born in India but his family moved to Malaysia when he was just 6 years old. Most of his childhood and schooling post that was spent in Singapore before he moved back to Gurgaon, where he stayed for a few years before he left for his further studies in Canada, at the University of Toronto.

This conversation broaches several deeply-experienced topics including the cultural differences between the countries Ishaan has lived in (in terms of general behaviour, dating and relationships), how people perceive Indians abroad, and how he has learnt to be resilient over the years to ever-changing seasons.

We might be biased, but this was a frankly brilliant episode. Enjoy.

(00:00) Introduction to Ishaan Goel and His Journey
(01:12) Experiencing Change in India
(03:21) The Dichotomy of India
(05:43) The Identity Crisis of NRIs
(07:45) Civic Sense and Responsibility in India
(10:01) Schooling Experience in Singapore
(12:45) Cultural Acceptance in Singapore
(15:03) Education Systems: India vs. Canada vs. Singapore
(21:03) Work Culture Differences
(22:15) Corporate Culture and Employee Well-being
(24:57) Budgeting and Financial Literacy
(27:48) Challenges of Immigration and Education
(33:01) Cultural Integration and Stereotypes
(37:45) Dating Scene in Canada
(38:12) The Dating Scene: Cultural Dynamics and Challenges
(39:53) Stereotypes and Perceptions: The Indian Male Experience
(41:48) Navigating Loneliness: Mental Resilience Abroad
(44:21) Experiencing Racism: Reflections on Identity
(47:15) Cultural Stereotypes in Media: The Impact of Representation
(48:49) Building Mental Resilience: Techniques and Strategies
(55:28) The Importance of Community Engagement and Connection
(57:34) Exploring India's Hidden Gems
(58:33) The Startup Landscape in India
(01:00:12) Cultural Uniqueness and Challenges
(01:00:57) Future Aspirations and Social Impact
(01:03:05) Rapid Fire Insights

Our sixth episode is the first one that facilitates a conversation between a true global Indian and an NRI at heart, Ved Shankar, and our host, Micah

Ved was born in Ranchi, but largely grew up in Dubai. He studied there in Dubai Modern High and BITS Pilani, Dubai, before spending a chapter of his life in Europe, studying in France and subsequently working in Germany. 

This conversation covers the aspects of what it was like growing up in Dubai, why he chose to travel in the first place, how his family felt about it, his resultant perspective of India and Indians, and the cultural differences between all the countries he's spent a good amount of time, amongst several other topics very relevant to any NRI.

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Ved Shankar
(01:11) When and why Ved went abroad
(06:16) What Ved studied at HEC, Paris
(07:18) The differences observed while studying between France and Dubai
(09:11) Micah's observations on differences in prioritisation while studying in the east and west
(13:19) How Ved got his first job in France
(15:06) Ved's move to Germany (to work with Bayer)
(16:10) Whiffs of stoicism (Marcus Aurelius and Ryan Holiday)
(17:18) Other job opportunities and processing healthily 
(19:45) Work culture differences between France and Germany 
(22:42) The similarities in culture between India and France
(23:31) Balancing long-term and short-term thinking when planning the future (post degree)
(25:11) Driving discipline in Dubai vs. Gurgaon
(26:08) Reverse culture shock as a concept
(26:47) Whether or not Ved felt discrimination while in Europe
(27:49) Job hunting in Europe as an NRI
(29:26) Similarities in the Middle Eastern job market
(29:46) How Ved managed language barriers while in Europe
(31:33) Mouth shapes required to speak French 
(31:02) French is two languages 
(33:40) Do NRIs have a false perspective of India? 
(35:04) How do people make friends in France, Germany and India?
(38:00) Ved's budget distribution in Germany 
(38:40) Mental currency conversion (and whether that's a good idea)
(41:16) Primary modes of spending in Europe 
(41:58) Whether or not Ved had to spend money in India 
(42:46) Saving/investing in Europe 
(43:40) The worst financial mistakes Ved made while travelling
(46:16) Why Ved decided to come back to India
(46:55) Where Ved plans to be in the future
(47:54) What he would change about India if he had a magical wand
(48:37) The most European thing about Ved (post living there)
(48:59) Whe strangest thing Ved ate abroad 
(49:34) What's changed about India between the last time Ved was here and, now
(50:34) Changes to India that would convince Ved to move back for good 
(52:06) Conclusion

Our fifth episode covers the burgeoning wave of digital currencies (that aim to rival the emergence of cryptocurrency on the side of governments), the new Dirham logo, Air India's efforts to undercut their rivals prices and the lowering yearly departure rate of the wealthy in India. Micah also discusses an experience he had in Kenya that was comparable to a recent debacle concerning a very loud Indian family on a very quiet Finnish train.

Also, this week's community highlights section involves real audio notes and conversation! 

(00:00) Introduction
(00:06) The Dirham rebrand + digital currencies all over the world
(02:05) Air India's diaspora focus
(03:51) The slowing millionaire exodus out of India
(05:41) Scandinavian train drama (Cultural Highlights)
(09:33) Ved's audio note (Community Highlights)
(10:43) Savitri's audio note (Community Highlights)
(12:39) NRI Tip
 

Our third episode's covers the possibility and implications of Starlink (from SpaceX) being introduced to India via partnerships with Airtel and Jio.  

The News Bulletin covers our recent ICC victory (and the political conditions that surrounded it), the US' Gold Card Visa program and NYDailyNews' new 'Desi News' section. All of this is followed by our curated and relevant Community Highlights section and NRI Tip, designed to make your life easier. 

(00:00) Introduction
(00:10) ICC Victory
(01:22) Internet connectivity while flying commercial
(02:06) US visa retrogression & Gold Card Visa 
(03:16) NYDailyNews 'Desi News' section
(04:50) Starlink coming to India? 
(08:58) Community Highlights
(12:28) NRI Tip

The third episode of "Everywhere We Belong" covers the implications of PayTM and the DPIIT's partnership and the centre's proposal to retain an additional percentage of tax revenue, typically allocated to states, in the new bulletin section.

Our main discussion covers GIFT City and how it functions, and foreign data embassies in India, followed by our community highlights (taken this week from the NRI subreddit), and finally, our curated weekly tip for NRI life that's super relevant to the preceding discussion on NRE accounts.

(00:00) Introduction
(00:22) DPIIT and PayTM's partnership 
(01:35) Central government's proposal to reduce tax revenue allocation to states
(03:02) GIFT City, Gujarat 
(06:07) Data embassies, in India 
(09:08) Community Highlights 
(09:27) Indian income reports in the UK, for NRIs?
(11:18) NRI Tip 
(11:28) Belong's USD FD!
(12:20) Conclusion