Financial advisory services encompass a spectrum of professional assistance provided by financial experts or advisory firms, aiding individuals, businesses, or organizations in making well-informed financial decisions. These services are designed to optimize financial strategies, manage risks, and attain specific financial goals. Financial advisors, frequently licensed and regulated professionals, extend advice and guidance across various financial areas. Key aspects of financial advisory services include investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, risk management, tax planning, debt management, cash flow management, and financial education.
Government agencies procure financial advisory services for diverse reasons, playing a pivotal role in aiding the government’s informed and strategic financial decision-making process. The reasons for seeking financial advisory services by government agencies encompass complex financial decision-making, debt management, optimization of investment portfolios, risk mitigation, engagement in public-private partnerships (PPP), adherence to compliance and regulations, development of economic and fiscal policies, effective stakeholder communication, and long-term financial planning. Government agencies not only obtain financial advisory services but also acquire specialized monitoring agency and financial risk management services.
This study aims to analyze tenders released for financial advisory services, specialized monitoring agency services, and financial risk management services by government agencies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India during the preceding year, 2023. Out of 8,000+ government agencies, 251 entities spanning various states collectively issued 1,124 financial advisory tenders. Maharashtra took the lead by publishing 298 tenders, followed by Delhi with 178 tenders and Gujarat with 132 tenders. Among these 251 agencies, prominent financial institutions such as Bank of Baroda (132 tenders), State Bank of India (85 tenders), and Punjab National Bank (40 tenders) emerged as key buyers of these services.
Out of the 1,124 financial advisory tenders mentioned earlier, 83 tenders specifically pertained to the procurement of agencies for Specialized Monitoring (ASM). Specialized Monitoring, or ASM, denotes an entity appointed to oversee and supervise specific activities or compliance within a particular sector or industry. Regulatory bodies or government agencies typically appoint ASMs to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and industry standards, covering areas such as financial transactions, regulatory compliance, or specialized domains like environmental or social responsibility. The banking sector, in particular, witnessed a substantial number of ASM tenders. Notably, Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Gujarat issued a tender seeking the appointment of agencies for specialized monitoring (ASM), while Bank of Baroda (BOB) in Maharashtra published a tender for the selection of an agency for specialized monitoring (ASM).
Tenders were released for diverse financial advisory services in the banking sector, given their crucial role in enhancing the overall financial well-being of clients, be they individuals or businesses. These services are tailored to meet the diverse financial needs and goals of clients, aiding them in navigating complex financial landscapes and making informed decisions. As an illustration, the Bank of Baroda in Maharashtra issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) tender for conducting financial and tax due diligence of the Nainital Bank Ltd (NBL), a subsidiary of Bank of Baroda.
These tenders encompass not only the procurement of financial advisory services but also financial audit services. Over 250 tenders were issued specifically for financial audit services. Financial audits involve a retrospective analysis of financial performance, ensuring precision and compliance, whereas financial advisory services take a forward-looking approach, offering strategic guidance to assist clients in attaining their financial objectives. Various departments advertised these audit tenders. For instance, the Gujarat Agriculture Cooperation Department issued a tender for Financial Audit Services, covering the review of financial statements, audit reports, and financial reporting frameworks by a Chartered Accountant (CA) firm. Similarly, the Social Welfare (Sanik Kalyan) Department in Uttar Pradesh published a tender for Financial Audit Services, encompassing the review of financial statements, financial reporting frameworks, and audit reports by a CA firm.
A total of 37 tenders were released by the education sector, seeking the procurement of both financial advisory and audit services. Financial advisory and audit services in the education sector collaborate to offer guidance on financial strategy, risk management, and compliance. While financial advisory services concentrate on forward-looking planning, financial audits ensure the accuracy, compliance, and transparency of past financial activities. Collectively, these services contribute to the overall financial well-being and sustainability of educational institutions. For example, the Department of School Education and Literacy in Uttar Pradesh issued a tender for Offsite Financial Advisory Services, including Actuary Service. In a parallel context, the Department of Higher Education in Bihar invited a tender for Financial Audit Services, encompassing the review of financial statements and audit reports, open to CAG Empaneled Audit or a Chartered Accountant (CA) Firm.
The government owned industries issued a significant number of tenders for financial advisory services, playing a vital role in strategic financial decision-making, risk management, and the overall financial health. The expertise offered by financial advisors is essential for navigating the intricacies of industrial finance and fostering sustainable growth. As an illustration, the Gujarat Industries Mines Department issued a tender for Onsite Financial Advisory Services, including pre audit service. Similarly, the Industries Commerce Department in Assam published a tender for the appointment of a financial advisor.
Government agencies also procured financial risk management services, which are focused on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that may impact the financial well-being of an individual or organization. While financial advisory services offer guidance for general financial well-being and goal attainment, financial risk management is distinctly oriented toward recognizing and handling risks to safeguard against potential financial losses. Both are indispensable elements of proficient financial management. Over 200 financial risk management tenders were issued, aiming primarily to shield against potential financial losses stemming from diverse risks, including market fluctuations, credit risk, interest rate risk, and operational risk. As an illustration, the United India Insurance Corporation has issued a tender to enlist consultants offering risk management consultancy services. Their objective is to identify a technology partner for the implementation of risk management software. Likewise, the New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL) in Maharashtra has released a tender soliciting application for the appointment of a risk management auditor specifically for the investment department.
As of January 18, 2024, there are currently 37 active tenders for financial advisory services spread across different states. Delhi leads the list with 15 tenders, constituting 41% of the total. Following closely, Maharashtra has 7 tenders, Gujarat has 5, while Himachal Pradesh and Haryana each have 3 tenders. Additionally, Tamil Nadu and Kerala each have 2 tenders in this category.
This study highlights that the substantial volume of financial advisory tenders published by government agencies reflects a strong desire to obtain strategic financial guidance. With organizations and governmental bodies actively pursuing expertise in financial advisory services, the competitive landscape of tendering emphasizes the crucial role of this service. It is vital for individuals or firms offering these services to proactively engage in monitoring and participating in relevant tenders. Seizing this opportunity can contribute to business growth by navigating intricate financial scenarios, facilitating informed decision-making, and fostering sustainable financial well-being.