Caribbean CBI Price Hike Caused “Disruptions”, Lowering Demand: 10 on the Weekend with Sachit Kumar

10 On The Weekend is a weekly (-ish) feature in IMI, the concept of which is simple: Each time, we ask the same ten questions of a different IMI Pro, letting readers get to know the interviewee on a more personal and informal level than they might during the ordinary course of business.

Our guest this week is Sachit Kumar Managing Director at Globe Detective Agency Pvt. Ltd.

How do you spend your weekends?

Spending time with my wife, Gaitri, and my daughter, Priyanshi, who has recently joined our company, is a top priority.

We make it a point to share meals together and often unwind with long walks, a movie, or a fun show whenever we get the chance. I also enjoy catching up with friends over a drink or a meal.

I reserve Sundays for relaxation through spa sessions, meditation, and yoga. I also take every opportunity to catch up on sleep, as these activities rejuvenate both my mind and body.

While I aim to unwind, I also use my weekends productively. I find it hard to disconnect entirely from work, so I spend some time reviewing our company’s key issues, communications, and projects. This helps me stay organized and maintain focus.

Maintaining this balance keeps me refreshed and motivated, ensuring I’m prepared to tackle the challenges of the week ahead.

What are your top three business goals this year?

My top three business goals for this year are:

Enhancing brand image:

Strengthening Globe Detective Agency (GDA) ‘s brand image is my top priority.

I am committed to reinforcing our reputation by focusing on customer retention through exceptional service and personalized solutions. Building lasting relationships requires consistently delivering high-quality services and exceeding client expectations.

I am also working on enhancing operational efficiency across all branches by streamlining processes, adopting advanced technologies, and fostering continuous improvement.

These efforts will help us optimize internal and external operations, improving service quality, speed, and reliability.

By combining customer-centric initiatives with operational excellence, I aim to create a stronger, more recognizable brand that solidifies our leadership in private investigations and corporate intelligence.

Consolidation and expansion:

This year, I am focusing on consolidating our operations by upgrading resources across all branches to enhance service delivery. At the same time, we have expanded into new global jurisdictions to strengthen our international presence.

I am directing my efforts toward streamlining investigative and operational processes, eliminating redundancies, and optimizing resource allocation to boost profitability.

These initiatives will position GDA more firmly as a leader in private investigations and corporate intelligence.

Launching new services:

I am also excited to launch a new vertical focused on designing, installing, managing, and harmonizing physical security systems with advanced technological capabilities on a global scale.

Our goal is to offer the highest quality integration and sophisticated security solutions. We are building a network of thoroughly vetted system integration partners whose work aligns with the same high standards we uphold at GDA.

What’s your biggest business concern right now?

Our business concern at the moment revolves around the recent regulatory changes in the CBI programs across Caribbean countries, which have created significant challenges for businesses involved in this sector.

These changes aim to align the programs with global trends, ensuring higher program integrity and appealing to high-net-worth investors.

The sudden rise in investment costs and tightened compliance processes, however, have caused temporary disruptions, reducing the volume of applications across the region.

As GDA provides enhanced due diligence services, this temporary slowdown has impacted our operational flow and revenue projections.

We are closely monitoring the situation and proactively engaging with stakeholders. Our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards in our due diligence processes while exploring new opportunities to diversify and sustain growth.

Which book is on your nightstand right now?

I don’t consider myself an avid reader, but I enjoy reading articles on management, global current events, economic affairs, and geopolitical developments.

How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?

I entered the investigation industry in 1987 by joining GDA after completing my MBA from Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow.

With over 37 years of experience, I have handled a wide range of investigative services, including background and integrity checks, asset tracing, and litigation support, among others.

GDA, founded in 1965, has since grown into a leading investigation firm in India, offering comprehensive solutions such as enhanced due diligence, corporate investigations, fraud detection, employment screening, and intellectual property protection.

I entered the investment migration industry in 2017 at the request of a close associate of mine who asked us to manage Due Diligence assignments for sanctioned countries.

This initial work gradually expanded to include other jurisdictions. Although the Due Diligence tasks began slowly, they have significantly increased over the years, allowing us to establish a strong presence in the due diligence and KYC space in the CBI industry.

What was your proudest moment as a service provider?

One of my proudest moments as a service provider was during the COVID-19 pandemic when GDA ensured seamless service delivery despite unprecedented challenges.

We adapted quickly to the evolving situation, maintained full operational efficiency, and upheld all client commitments without disruption.

What stands out most is that not a single employee was laid off during this difficult period.

Our ability to navigate such uncertainty while safeguarding both our workforce and business operations reflects the resilience and commitment of our organization.

Another proud moment for me was when my wife, Gaitri, following 35 years of distinguished service in the Indian diplomatic corps and her tenure as the Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, was appointed as the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Which investment migration market development has surprised you the most in the last year?

One of the most noteworthy developments in the investment migration market over the past year has been the increased demand for citizenship by investment programs, largely driven by geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty as individuals seek greater stability and security.

The recent addition of numerous countries offering citizenship and residency programs has further expanded options for investors.

India’s rising economic significance has also positioned it as a key player in this sector, with many Indian nationals exploring global mobility options.

Moreover, the introduction of streamlined processes and innovative investment opportunities has surprised industry observers, indicating a significant shift in global migration trends.

If you could go ten years back in time, what business decision would you change?

If I could go back ten years, I would have taken more calculated risks to expand GDA’s operations into new markets and business verticals. While we have grown steadily, greater boldness in diversifying our services and entering global jurisdictions earlier would have positioned us even more competitively.

Seizing those opportunities sooner could have accelerated our growth, enhanced market presence, and unlocked new revenue streams, allowing us to capitalize on emerging trends ahead of the curve.

What investment migration industry personality do you most admire?

In the investment migration industry, I admire all professionals equally, as each brings unique insights and expertise to the field.

There is so much to learn from everyone, whether it’s their approach to client service, adapting to market changes, or handling complex regulations.

The diverse experiences and perspectives across the industry inspire continuous learning and growth, which ultimately elevates the entire sector.

If all goes according to plan, what will you be doing five years from now?

If everything goes as planned, five years from now, I will continue leading GDA with unwavering dedication to delivering top-quality services while upholding the highest ethical standards.

Although I am 61 years old now, I don’t foresee retirement, as I carry the responsibility of 3,500 employees whose livelihoods depend on the agency’s success.

My focus will remain on maintaining operational excellence, expanding our global presence, and ensuring sustainable growth. By fostering integrity and professionalism, we aim to secure the long-term future of the organization and everyone connected to it.