Everywhere We Belong

Belong

Welcome to 'Everywhere We Belong', a podcast from Belong, a finance technology company from Bangalore, India. We cover topics relevant to NRIs and global Indians everywhere.

  1. 3D AGO

    Why Smart NRIs are Skipping Large-Caps and Buying This Instead | Belong

    Most NRIs investing in India default to large caps. But the data tells a different story. In this video, we break down why Indian mid-caps have consistently outperformed large caps and small caps across multiple market cycles, in average returns, median returns, and probability of double-digit outcomes. Here's what we cover: Why mid-cap PAT-to-GDP grew nearly 3x faster than Nifty 100 companies How mid-cap earnings growth has outpaced large caps over full market cycles Why cleaner balance sheets and improving ROE make mid-caps a compelling long-term bet How NRIs can access Indian mid-caps tax-free through the GIFT City structure The fund featured in this video: Sundaram India Midcap GIFT Fund: A feeder fund built specifically for NRIs and global investors. Minimum investment $5,000 USD. Fully repatriable. No rupee conversion. No local tax filing. Click here to know more: https://getbelong.com/tools/gift-city-mutual-funds/sundaram-india-mid-cap-fund-gift/ Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:16 - The Mid-Cap Potential 03:30 - Mid-Caps: The NRI Growth Engine 04:22 - The Sundaram Mid-Cap GIFT Fund 05:26 - The GIFT City Advantage 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://community.getbelong.com/

    6 min
  2. 5D AGO

    From Banker to Oxford's EdTech Partner | XED’s IPO That NRIs Should Know About

    What if you could study at Oxford, Cornell, or Harvard without leaving your career behind? That's exactly what XED has been quietly building for over a decade. And now, they're going public. In this exclusive interview with John Kallelil, (CEO & Founder, XED), we talk about: How XED partners with the world's top universities Why they charge $28,000 per seat (and still have a waitlist) The B2B & B2C model fueling their growth Post-IPO plans: AI, acquisitions & global expansion Why NOW is the right time to go public If you're an investor, executive, or simply curious about the future of premium education — this one's for you. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:34 - Early Life and the Birth of XED 03:40 - What is XED? 06:57 - Is XED an ED-Tech? 09:18 - How Does XED Approach Executive Education? 14:49 - What Does it Take to Partner with the World's Top Universities? 18:02 - Real-World Learning vs Classroom Learning 23:52 - Is XED a B2B or B2C? 31:59 - Long-Term Plans for B2B & B2C 33:53 - How XED is Positioning itself Against the Competitors? 38:13 - How Scalable is XED? 42:25 - Long-Term Plans for XED 46:34 - What Makes XED Sustainable in the Long-Term? 49:49 - What are the Post-IPO Plans for XED? 53:13 - Rapid Fire Questions 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://community.getbelong.com/

    58 min
  3. MAR 5

    The Expensive NRE & FCNR Myth Nobody Warns You About

    Most NRIs assume their NRE interest stays tax-free until the deposit matures. And honestly? That assumption makes sense. Nobody told you otherwise. But here's the truth — the moment your intent shifts from visiting India to staying in India, your tax-free status starts a countdown. And that countdown doesn't wait for your FD to mature. That assumption can cost you. A lot. In today’s episode of The Offshore Advantage, CA Sagar Soman, breaks down exactly what happens to your NRE and FCNR deposits the moment you return to India. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:08 The Two Clock Analogy 01:45 NRE vs. NRO vs. FCNR: Key Differences 02:02 Understanding FEMA Regulations 02:33 Two Clocks, Two Residency Tests 03:03 Bank Procedures on Return 04:44 Debunking the Biggest NRE Myth 05:41 What Happens to NRE FDs? 07:07 The Truth About NRE FD Tax 08:07 FCNR(B): The Clean Exit Strategy 09:00 Tax Implications for FCNR 10:10 Managing RFC at FCNR Maturity 10:49 3 Essential Tasks Upon Returning 11:38 Critical TDS Warning 12:06 Summary & Final Thoughts 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://community.getbelong.com/

    13 min
  4. FEB 26

    NRE Investing Is NOT Tax-Free! The Shocking Truth Every NRI Must Know | Belong

    Is your NRE account actually saving you tax on mutual funds, stocks, or property? The answer might surprise you. Many NRIs believe the idea that routing any investment through an NRE account makes the gains tax-free. In this episode of The Offshore Advantage, Sagar Soman (CA & Cross-Border Wealth Strategist) breaks down why this mistake happens and what the Income-tax Act actually says. In this video, we cover: The NRE vs. NRO Reality Check: Why two NRIs with the same profit pay the same tax regardless of the account used. Section 10(4)(ii) & 10(15)(iv)(fa): Understanding the only specific exemptions for NRE and FCNR(B) interest. Asset Class Breakdown: How taxation works for NRI investments in Mutual Funds, Equity, and Real Estate. Withholding vs. Final Tax: Why your bank statement might be lying to you about your actual tax liability. Repatriation Rules: Why the "funding trail" matters more for FEMA than for the Income Tax department. Don't let marketing myths dictate your financial strategy. Learn how to distinguish between Taxability (Income-driven) and Withholding (Documentation-driven). Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:07) The Basics (01:43) The NRE Myth (03:18) The FCNR Exemption (04:06) Does the Bank Account Change the Tax? (05:34) Mutual Funds Taxation & Repatriation (06:21) Equity Share Taxation (06:48) Real Estate (07:38) The NRO Myth (08:34) Where NRO, NRE & FCNR Differ (09:58) The Simple Answer (10:33) Repatriation (11:45) Conclusion 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://community.getbelong.com/

    12 min
  5. FEB 23

    8 Mistakes Every NRI Should Avoid! (And How To Fix Them)

    Are you still using a regular Savings Account in India? If so, you might be breaking the law without even knowing it! Most NRI financial mistakes don't happen because of bad intent, they happen because of "familiarity." We move abroad, but we keep the same bank accounts, the same FD habits, and the same investment styles that worked when we lived in India. In this episode of The Home Advantage, Aswin breaks down the 8 most common financial traps NRIs fall into, from FEMA non-compliance and massive tax leakages to the "hidden" currency depreciation that eats your returns. Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:54) Mistake #1: NOT Updating Your NRI Status (01:50) Mistake #2: Overlooking Currecy Exchange Risks (02:48) Mistake #3: Over-Reliance on Fixed Deposits (03:32) Mistake #4: Ignoring the Tax Impact (04:49) Mistake #5: Non-filing of Income Tax Returns in India (05:36) Mistake #6: Not Adding Nominees (06:33) Mistake #7: Buying Property Early (07:04) Mistake #8: Buying Insurance for the Wrong Reasons (07:41) Takeaway 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://community.getbelong.com/

    8 min
  6. What NRIs Need to Know About Inbound Mutual Funds | The Offshore Advantage

    FEB 17

    What NRIs Need to Know About Inbound Mutual Funds | The Offshore Advantage

    The Offshore Advantage is Belong’s webinar series that explains offshore investing for NRIs and the new opportunities emerging from GIFT City. Each episode breaks down complex regulations and products into simple, practical guidance for global Indians. In Episode 1, Ankur Choudhary, Co-Founder and CEO of Belong, introduces inbound mutual funds, how they are structured in GIFT City, and how feeder fund models unlock complete capital gains tax exemption along with no TDS and no Indian ITR filing. He also explains how GIFT City gives NRIs a practical and tax efficient offshore route to invest in India’s growth story, why India remains a strong long-term market for global investors and why diversification across geographies matters for NRIs. Ankur also talks about different MFs available in India, different investment approaches, eligibility, minimum ticket size, fee cap and the key considerations NRIs should keep in mind. If you are an NRI looking for a clean and compliant way to invest in India with tax efficiency, this episode gives you the clarity you need. Featuring:Ankur Choudhary, Co-Founder & CEO, Belong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurc07/ X: https://x.com/ankurc07/ Chapters: (00:03) Welcome and Introduction to Offshore Advantage (00:15) What is GIFT City? (00:35) Why NRIs Should Invest in India (The Core Reasons) (00:52) India's Growth Story and Diversification (01:52) Inbound Mutual Funds: Two Types and Taxation Basics (03:08) Taxation for Funds Investing Directly in Stocks (03:23) The Tax Exemption for Feeder Funds (Fund of Funds) (04:44) Zero TDS and No Indian ITR Filing (05:41) Retail Mutual Funds & Growth of GIFT City Ecosystem (06:37) Introducing Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund (07:21) Fund Structure and Core-Satellite Investment Strategy (08:38) Minimum Investment and Eligibility Criteria (09:42) Expense Ratio and Exit Loads (11:08) Summary of Tax Benefits (11:29) How to Invest via the Belong App (Digital KYC Process) (13:08) Investment Risks (Expense Ratio & Currency Depreciation) (14:58) Current Limitations and Developing Ecosystem (15:53) Final Recap of GIFT City Investment Benefits (17:54) Closing Remarks and Contact Information 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://community.getbelong.com/

    18 min
  7. How NRIs Can Invest in India: Accounts, Taxes & GIFT City

    FEB 16

    How NRIs Can Invest in India: Accounts, Taxes & GIFT City

    Investing in India as an NRI can feel complicated. Bank accounts, taxation, PFIC rules, and even the country you live in can change your strategy. In this episode of Mint ExtraClass with Belong, experts break it all down and share clear, practical insights. Here’s what you’ll learn: Investment strategies for NRIs returning to India vs. those staying abroadWhy RNOR (Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident) status matters for tax planningNRO vs. NRE bank accounts and when to use eachThe impact of PFIC rules for US-based NRIs and how to invest around themCapital gains taxation for NRIs and the role of DTAA agreementsHow GIFT City offers a tax-efficient, USD-denominated route for NRI investmentsComparison of NRI investment options: mutual funds, US-based ETFs, and GIFT City AIFsThese insights will help you avoid unnecessary taxes, manage compliance, and invest smarter across borders. Chapters: (00:03) Introducing Belong: Investment app for NRIs (01:52) Understanding why NRIs should invest in India (diversification) (03:54) Exploring investments via NRE or NRO accounts (07:47) Learning how to invest in mutual funds (09:07) Understanding PFIC rules for US-based NRIs (12:41) Setting up NRI Demat accounts: PIS or Non-PIS (16:40) Calculating capital gains tax on Indian investments (after 23 July 2024) (18:55) Reducing tax liabilities with DTAA (23:20) Considering offshore investment options for NRIs: GIFT City (24:40) Examining GIFT City benefits for NRIs (26:20) Reviewing GIFT City India feeder funds (AIFs) (28:25) Comparing India-based MFs, US-based India ETFs, and GIFT City-based AIFs Featuring: Ankur Choudhary, Co-Founder & CEO, Belong Neil Borate, Deputy Editor, Mint Amrendra Bhushan Shukla, Growth Manager – User, Mint (Host) Powered by Mint, India’s leading business and finance news platform: https://www.livemint.com/ 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 Subscribe for more helpful videos on NRI investing, taxation, and financial planning.

    35 min

About

Welcome to 'Everywhere We Belong', a podcast from Belong, a finance technology company from Bangalore, India. We cover topics relevant to NRIs and global Indians everywhere.