Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Varun  Kesarkar

Varun Kesarkar

Option Strategist, Trader, and Investor
Mumbai

Summary

TRADING PHILOSOPHY


“ You can afford to be on the wrong side of the price, but never to be on the wrong side of the IV ”


ABOUT ME


I am an option strategist, trader, and investor who helps high net worth individuals and investors design hedging and risk management strategies in capital markets. To accomplish this, I focus on designing an unconventional action plan model that safeguards the portfolio from persisting downside risk in the capital market.


TRYST WITH CAPITAL MARKETS AND RISK MANAGEMENT


I have been an investor and trader in the Indian capital markets since 2016 where I learned my first important investment lesson and the concept of beginner’s luck after having lost my initial trading capital along with the 20 percent returns made on my initial trades. Capital markets, synonymous with life, are great levelers offering you rewards for the attribute of discipline while failure for the lack of it.


A moment of epiphany came in the year 2020 when I was introduced to risk management and portfolio hedging strategies by an international investment advisor with a decade-long experience in hedge funds consultation and portfolio management of high-net-worth individuals. A year of experience in trading and designing hedging strategies with him motivated me to pursue this career path.


In the same year, the market regulator for Indian capital markets reduced the margin requirements for portfolio hedging by 70 percent which enhanced market participation. This allowed traders and investors in capital markets like me to aggressively design various low to moderate - risk hedging strategies using risk management principles resulting in a better overall ROI (return on investment).

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Option Strategist and Trader

Powertech Funds
04.2020 - Current


MY CURRENT ROLE


I create strategies and oversee development of various algorithms designed for the US and Indian markets, right from conceptualization of a strategy to its implementation in live market. I also oversee execution and risk management post execution

Our approach centers on crafting unique strategies that cater to different implied volatility (IV) regimes in US and Indian markets. Our portfolio includes a diverse range of strategies such as Flat Delta, Delta Neutral, Long Vega, Short Vega, Tail Risk Hedging, Directional Long Short, and Technical-based strategies. Our primary goal is to outperform market returns annually while maintaining minimal drawdowns.


WHAT DO WE DO?


Powertech Funds is a technology driven firm that provides Trading Consultancy to Hedge Funds, Family Offices, High Net worth Individuals. We provide Algorithmic Trading consultancy and assist our clients in Developing High Alpha Trading Strategies using Options that beat the market while leveraging cutting edge technology across all leading global liquid markets. Hedging, Risk Management and Creating Antifragile Portfolios is our niche!


MISSION & VISION


Pioneering algorithmic excellence through scientific rigor and innovation. We crack the code of market complexity by harnessing cutting-edge technology, big data analytics, and machine learning to develop proprietary trading algorithms that automate decision-making free from human biases. Our commitment is delivering stable, uncorrelated returns across global markets by continuously pushing boundaries and adapting to evolving conditions, providing clients a competitive edge in quantitative finance.


SOME OF OUR POPULAR STRATEGIES


US Markets

In the US markets, our approach includes a range of strategies tailored for each day of the week, from Monday Double Calendars to Daredevil Straddles set for Fridays. Among our favored tactics are the Morning Double Calendar Syndicate, boasting an impressive MAR of 26.2, and the 0DTE Condor, known for its high CAGR of 183.8%, among other strategies.


Indian Markets

In India, one of our standout strategies involves Long & Short Momentum plays on hourly and daily time frames for Indices. Utilizing 2.5x leverage, these strategies have been generating remarkable annualized returns of 134%, alongside a solid MAR of 5.2. Additionally, we engage in non-directional tactics such as short straddles, Reverse Butterflies, and Iron Condors throughout the week.

Education

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering -

Mumbai University
04.2001 -

Diploma in CAD/ CAM Designs -

Milestone Institute of Technology
04.2001 -

Certification in Injection And Blow Mould Design -

MSME Technology Center Indo German Tool Room
04.2001 -

NISM Series XVI - Commodity Derivatives -

NISM
04.2001 -

CMT Level 1 Certification Candidate -

CMT Association
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Directional and non directional hedging
  • undefined

    Timeline

    Option Strategist and Trader

    Powertech Funds
    04.2020 - Current

    Diploma in Mechanical Engineering -

    Mumbai University
    04.2001 -

    Diploma in CAD/ CAM Designs -

    Milestone Institute of Technology
    04.2001 -

    Certification in Injection And Blow Mould Design -

    MSME Technology Center Indo German Tool Room
    04.2001 -

    NISM Series XVI - Commodity Derivatives -

    NISM
    04.2001 -

    CMT Level 1 Certification Candidate -

    CMT Association
    04.2001 -
    Varun Kesarkar Option Strategist, Trader, and Investor