Podcast
Everywhere We Belong
Hosted by Belong · EN
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.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
NRE Investing Is NOT Tax-Free! The Shocking Truth Every NRI Must Know | Belong
Feb 2600:12:25Tap to summarizeIs 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) ConclusionAbout BelongBelong 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/
Transcribe →NRIs! Don't send money to India until you watch this! (NRE vs NRO) | The Offshore Advantage Ep 7
Feb 2400:11:30Tap to summarizeChoosing between an NRE and NRO account shouldn't feel like a math exam. If you’re living abroad but still have financial ties to India, making the wrong choice can lead to unnecessary taxes or even legal headaches with the RBI or FEMA.In this video, Sagar Soman explains the critical differences every NRI needs to know to keep their finances tax-efficient and FEMA-compliant.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(00:56) NRE + NRO Dilemma(02:02) Basic Principles(03:34) NRO Account Explained(06:46) NRE Account Explained(08:26) The "Resident Account" Trap(09:18) FCNR Explained(09:59) How to Choose the Right AccountAbout BelongBelong 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/
Transcribe →8 Mistakes Every NRI Should Avoid! (And How To Fix Them)
Feb 2300:08:05Tap to summarizeAre 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) TakeawayAbout BelongBelong 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/
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What NRIs Need to Know About Inbound Mutual Funds | The Offshore Advantage
Feb 1700:18:21Tap to summarizeThe 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, BelongLinkedIn: 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 InformationAbout BelongBelong 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.comApp: https://app.getbelong.com/LywZ/YT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbelongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbelongX: https://x.com/GetBelongJoin our WhatsApp community: https://community.getbelong.com/
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How NRIs Can Invest in India: Accounts, Taxes & GIFT City
Feb 1600:35:10Tap to summarizeInvesting 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 AIFsFeaturing:Ankur Choudhary, Co-Founder & CEO, BelongNeil Borate, Deputy Editor, MintAmrendra Bhushan Shukla, Growth Manager – User, Mint (Host)Powered by Mint, India’s leading business and finance news platform: https://www.livemint.com/About BelongBelong 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.comApp: https://app.getbelong.com/LywZ/YT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbelongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbelongX: https://x.com/GetBelongJoin our WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNUCY6cgCfKIYaNivvbEOASubscribe for more helpful videos on NRI investing, taxation, and financial planning.
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Belong X Tata AMC GIFT City Mutual Fund Launch | Tax Free NRI Entry to India's Growth Story
Feb 1300:21:49Tap to summarizeA historic launch day for global Indians. Tata Asset Management, with Belong as its digital launch partner, has introduced the Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund at GIFT City (GIFT IFSC, Gujarat). This is the first inbound retail mutual fund for NRIs and overseas investors, giving you direct access to Indian equities starting at just USD 500.What makes it a true game changer is the tax exemption. Income from this fund is completely tax free in India. NRIs will only be taxed according to the laws of their home country, making this one of the most efficient and transparent ways to invest in India’s markets.The fund uses a dynamic equity strategy. It combines broad-based index funds with tactical bets in sectors like technology, energy, and healthcare to balance stability with growth. With full repatriability, zero exit load, and seamless onboarding via Belong, it offers NRIs a simple USD-denominated route into India’s growth story.In this exclusive video you will hear from:👤 Ankur – Co-Founder, Belong LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ankurc07/ | X: www.x.com/ankurc07👤 Neil Borate – Editor-in-Chief, Thefineprynt | Former Editor, Personal Finance at Mint LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/neil-borate-1a435a57/ | X: www.x.com/ActusDei | Website: www.thefynprint.comTogether they unpack:- Why the Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund at GIFT IFSC is historic for NRIs- How GIFT City is becoming India’s Wall Street and a global financial hub- What $500 entry and tax-free returns mean for your portfolio- Why this launch signals India’s multi decade growth opportunityIf you are an NRI, OCI, or global investor looking for the simplest and most tax efficient way to invest in Indian equities, this conversation gives you everything you need to know.Chapters:(00:00) Opener | Belong x Tata AMC Fund Launch(00:32) Why This Mutual Fund is a Game Changer for NRIs(02:30) NRIs Investing Scenario in India Today (05:55) What is GIFT City and Why it Matters for NRI Mutual Funds(14:15) Tata India Dynamic Equity Fund Explained | First Retail Inbound MF(19:13) India’s Growth Story Through GIFT City | The Next 5 YearsAbout BelongBelong 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.comApp: https://app.getbelong.com/LywZ/YT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getbelongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbelongX: https://x.com/GetBelongJoin our WhatsApp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNUCY6cgCfKIYaNivvbEOASubscribe for more videos on NRI investing, tax filing, and financial planning.
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NRI News, The Dubai Blue Visa & Community Highlights - Episode 2
Feb 19, 202500:12:37Tap to summarizeOur second episode introduces the news segment, which covers renewed hope for the IMEC Corridor and the progress therein, Modi's comments at the AI Action Summit and tardiness shenanigans with regard to the Bangalore Aero Show 2025. We also cover in some depth the new Dubai Blue Visa, before introducing our other new segment, Community Highlights (for which we want you to write in to us at micah@getbelong.com)!
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The Budget Update 2025 - Episode 1
Feb 3, 202500:05:27Tap to summarizeOur first episode covers key takeaways (relevant to NRIs and global Indians) from the Union Budget, 2025, that was released on the first of February.
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