Jefferies CEO Visits India to Expand Asset Management

Rich Handler, CEO of Jefferies Financial Group Inc., is visiting India this week to lead the firm's strategic expansion in the region. The Wall Street firm plans to increase staffing and launch a dedicated asset management company to enter India's 900 billion dollar industry. Additionally, Jefferies intends to grow its private credit business.

Handler's visit includes meetings with major clients and coincides with a leadership change. Aashish Agarwal, the current country head for Jefferies India, is scheduled to depart the firm in February 2027 to become the CEO of 360 ONE WAM Ltd.

Jefferies has maintained operations in India since 2007. The firm currently employs approximately 150 people across its investment banking, fixed income, equities, and asset management divisions.