Sarvjeet Virk is the co-founder and MD of Finvasia Group, a global financial company, also housing Shoonya, India's fastest-growing zero-commission trading platform offering financial services ranging from zero brokerage, zero clearing, zero account opening, zero AMC to name a few. With close to two decades of professional experience, Sarvjeet is responsible for formulating strategies and assessing risk for businesses across markets, like capital markets and investment banking, at Finvasia group level.

The financial services industry is going through a significant digital revolution that will affect how organizations operate on a broad scale. Banks, insurers, and other well-known financial services firms are being able to restructure their business processes and find new methods to provide for their customers thanks to new technologies. Simultaneously, the advent of these technologies opens doors for other companies like payment service providers. Additionally, the highly regulated environment in which financial services organizations operate forces them to manage digital change while also satisfying stakeholder needs for increased openness and confidence.

In conversation with Sarvjeet Singh Virk, Co-founder & MD, Shoonya by Finvasia

How can data-driven, signal based modeling approach help investors make informed investment decisions?
Data analytics has become a cornerstone of the modern financial services industry, which has also transcended to the capital markets space, helping investors make informed decisions. For instance, at Shoonya, we leverage AI-powered deep learning algorithms, platforms to analyze large volumes of market data and present actionable insights in a user-friendly format.

Towards the same, we process data from over 1,500 Indian scripts, covering large, mid, and small-cap stocks, along with major indices from NSE and BSE. The insights are distilled into color-coded signals, simplifying market analysis. The dark green and green colors indicate that the stock may show a positive trend in price , whereas, the dark red and red colours indicate that the stock price may go towards negative.

To enhance decision-making further, each analysis is accompanied by a confidence indicator that reflects the reliability of the prediction. This transparency allows investors to assess the strength of market movements and tailor their strategies accordingly.

Tools like heatmaps are also integral, offering a comprehensive view of market forecasts across different timeframes, from short-term (3-7 days) to long-term (up to a year). Such innovations ensure that investors, regardless of their expertise, can optimize their portfolios using reliable, AI-driven predictions.

In light of growing cybersecurity concerns, how are stock brokers ensuring e robust security procedures?
In today’s digital-first financial landscape, robust cybersecurity practices are essential to protecting sensitive customer information. The industry employs rigorous measures such as regular Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), annual audits by certified bodies, and real-time threat monitoring to safeguard data.

This is visible in our operations at Shoonya as well.

We prioritize security by conducting CERT-In certified audits, alongside quarterly internal checks to ensure our systems remain resilient against evolving threats. Our dedicated risk management team actively monitors and addresses vulnerabilities, ensuring proactive threat mitigation.

Moreover, advanced encryption technologies and AI-powered threat detection systems are integrated into our operations, ensuring customer data is protected at every level. As cyber risks evolve, it is crucial for financial institutions specifically, to stay ahead of potential threats while aligning with global best practices to maintain customer trust and system integrity.

How do you stock brokers evolve, concerning AI utility and tech integration?
The financial industry is rapidly embracing AI-driven solutions to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and innovate products tailored to diverse investor needs. This trend includes simplifying processes, leveraging data insights for personalization, and adopting cutting-edge technologies for operational efficiency.

At Shoonya, our focus aligns with these advancements. We are reimagining the user experience by implementing AI models for onboarding, such as signature verification, to make account openings seamless. AI tools for sentiment analysis are being developed to provide investors with actionable insights into market behavior, while real-time AI chatbots enhance customer support by addressing queries instantly.

With an NBFC license, Shoonya is also creating innovative financial products designed to meet the evolving needs of retail investors. AI-driven cognitive and predictive models are further being explored to improve asset management solutions. By analyzing customer behavior patterns, we aim to deliver hyper-personalized strategies and targeted engagement that empower users to achieve their financial goals.