Have you ever come across the name Jay Thakkar while watching Zee Business and wondered who he really is and what makes his market insights so impactful?
Jay Thakkar is not just a regular face on business news channels. He is a seasoned financial market professional with a deep understanding of technical analysis, derivatives, and quantitative research.
Over the years, he has worked with some of India’s leading brokerage firms, consistently contributing his analytical skills to guide investors and traders.
Let’s take a detailed look at his background, professional milestones, education, career evolution, and personal interests, all derived from verified sources and updated to reflect 2025 insights.
Who Is Jay Thakkar In Zee Business?
Jay Thakkar is widely recognised as a market expert frequently featured on Zee Business, one of India’s leading business news channels. With his precise market predictions and deep technical insights, he has become a reliable voice for retail investors and traders.
In 2025, Jay Thakkar holds the position of Head of Derivatives and Quant Research & Vice President at ICICIDirect. In this role, he leads advanced analytical teams focused on derivatives, equity research, and quantitative strategies. His expertise covers:
- Elliott Wave Theory: One of his signature specialisations.
- Options Strategies: Building multi-leg and customised derivatives strategies.
- Quantitative Models: Developing predictive models for mutual funds and equities.
His presence on Zee Business is not limited to just commentary. He breaks down complex market trends into understandable insights, often providing actionable ideas based on data-driven strategies.
He is also known for previously being part of channels like CNBC TV18, ET NOW, and CNBC Awaaz, where he contributed significantly to technical discussions.
What Is Jay Thakkar’s Educational Background And Certifications?
Jay Thakkar’s impressive credentials play a significant role in shaping his analytical edge. He comes with strong academic and professional certifications that give him both theoretical and practical insights into financial markets.
Educational Qualifications
| Qualification | Institution | Years Attended | Location |
| B.Com in Finance | Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) | 2001 – 2006 | Mumbai |
| MBA in Finance | N.L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research | 2007 – 2009 | Mumbai |
In college, he was active in several societies, including E-Cell and the Rotary Club, which shows his well-rounded personality and leadership skills.
Certifications
Jay Thakkar has earned some of the most reputed global certifications in the financial analysis domain:
- Chartered Market Technician (CMT) – Acquired in 2014.
- EPAT® Certificate of Excellence from QuantInsti – Issued in September 2024.
These certifications reflect his deep commitment to continuously upgrading his skills, particularly in algorithmic trading and technical forecasting.
Where Was Jay Thakkar Born And What Was His Early Life Like?
While specific details about Jay Thakkar’s birthplace aren’t publicly listed, his long-standing professional presence in Mumbai, Maharashtra, suggests that he has spent a significant part of his personal and professional life in India’s financial capital.
From an early age, Jay showed interest in financial systems, economics, and analytical thinking. These early curiosities eventually led him to pursue finance as a formal discipline.
His academic and extracurricular involvement during college, including events like UMANG at NMIMS and participation in English literary groups, reflect a balanced and inquisitive upbringing.
He is also known to speak multiple languages including Hindi, Gujarati, English, and French, which further adds to his versatile communication skills, a trait essential for someone frequently appearing in media.
What Inspired Jay Thakkar To Pursue A Career In Technical Analysis?
Jay Thakkar’s career in technical analysis wasn’t accidental. His fascination with market patterns, asset behavior, and predictive tools gradually drew him to the study of Elliott Waves, which would later become one of his signature areas of expertise.
His early career, starting in 2009 as a Technical Analyst at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, gave him hands-on exposure to applying classical and modern technical analysis techniques on Indian equities and global markets.
Over time, he started exploring socio-economic behaviors, market psychology, and advanced charting methods, reinforcing his belief in a systematic approach to market predictions.
The turning point was his adoption and mastery of Elliott Wave Theory, which he continues to use as a primary forecasting tool. This, combined with practical experience in derivatives and options, helped him carve a niche in a competitive industry.
What Are Jay Thakkar’s Key Work Experiences Over The Years?
Jay Thakkar’s career spans over 16 years, during which he has held leadership positions in multiple financial institutions. Here’s a structured look at his professional journey:
Career Timeline of Jay Thakkar
| Years | Company | Role |
| 2024 – Present | ICICIDirect | Head of Derivatives and Quant Research & Vice President |
| 2023 – 2024 | Mirae Asset Sharekhan | Head of Alternate Research – Vice President |
| 2020 – 2023 | Marwadi Shares & Finance Ltd. | Head of Research – Vice President |
| 2017 – 2020 | Anand Rathi Financial Services | Head of Derivatives & Technical Research – AVP |
| 2014 – 2017 | Mirae Asset Sharekhan | Senior Technical Research Analyst |
| 2011 – 2014 | Way2Wealth Securities | Technical and Derivatives Analyst |
| 2009 – 2011 | Mirae Asset Sharekhan | Technical Analyst |
In each role, Jay consistently worked on creating value-driven research products, building teams, and introducing innovative research models that catered to all types of investors.
How Did Jay Thakkar Contribute To Marwadi Shares And Finance Ltd.?
Jay’s tenure at Marwadi Shares & Finance Ltd. from April 2020 to January 2023 was among his most impactful career phases. As the Head of Research and Vice President, he played a pivotal role in transforming the research division.
Key Contributions at Marwadi Shares
Team Leadership: Led a 14-member research team including equity, fundamental, quant, commodities, and data analysts.
Product Innovation:
- Launched 9 equity and derivatives products.
- Developed 5 currency and commodity products.
- Created 2 fundamental research-based investment tools.
Mutual Fund Strategies: Introduced 4 unique MF research tools including NAV projections and optimisers.
Algorithmic Trading:
- Designed and back-tested an intraday Auto Long-Short Product using a 9-year historical dataset.
- Automated the product on the Symphony platform for real-time trading signals.
His representation of the company on television and print media enhanced the brand’s visibility and credibility.
What Makes Jay Thakkar A Recognised Name In Financial Media?
Jay Thakkar has earned widespread recognition for his insights and appearances on Zee Business, but his media presence goes far beyond a single platform.
Media Contributions
- Frequently appears on Zee Business, CNBC TV18, ET NOW, CNBC Awaaz, and CNBC Bajar.
- His views are often quoted in digital publications like Moneycontrol and Traders Gurukul.
- Known for delivering sharp, actionable market strategies and predictions during live segments.
His ability to simplify technical jargon and present it in a clear, relatable way makes him a favourite among retail investors and financial media.
Which Awards And Achievements Has Jay Thakkar Earned?
Jay Thakkar’s consistent performance and public recognition have earned him multiple awards over the years. These accolades reflect both his market acumen and his contributions to public investor education.
Major Awards & Achievements
| Award | Platform | Year |
| India’s Best Technical Analyst – Equity | Zee Business | 2014 |
| IPL Quarterly Winner – Equity | CNBC Awaaz | 2015 |
| IPL Monthly Winner | CNBC Awaaz | 2015 |
| Star Trader – Equity | CNBC Bajar | 2015 |
These awards were given based on competitive formats, analytical excellence, and the impact of his trading recommendations.
What Is Jay Thakkar’s Net Worth And Public Influence?
While Jay Thakkar’s exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, his career achievements, high-ranking roles, and consistent media presence suggest that he enjoys a well-established professional stature.
Influence & Recognition
- Holds leadership roles in some of India’s most respected brokerage firms.
- Frequently consulted by the media for stock market trends.
- Popular among both retail and institutional investors for his strategic outlook.
His net worth, while private, is likely to be significant considering his professional trajectory, roles, and long-standing market presence.
What Are Jay Thakkar’s Personal Interests Outside The Financial World?
Outside of his professional life, Jay Thakkar is known for maintaining a balanced lifestyle. He has a variety of personal interests that offer a glimpse into his personality beyond the markets.
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading Books: Particularly enjoys literature related to economics, philosophy, and self-growth.
- Yoga Enthusiast: Practices yoga regularly to stay centred and focused.
- Movies: Enjoys watching films as a form of relaxation.
- Family Time: Values spending quality time with his loved ones.
This well-rounded approach to life is perhaps one of the reasons behind his consistent career performance and grounded personality.
Conclusion
Jay Thakkar stands as a distinguished figure in India’s financial ecosystem. With an academic foundation in finance, globally respected certifications, and experience at top financial institutions, he brings a holistic approach to market research and analysis.
His presence on Zee Business, combined with his role at ICICIDirect, keeps him closely connected with both market movements and investor sentiment. More than just an analyst, he is a thought leader who continually adapts and evolves in a dynamic market.
Whether you’re a retail investor seeking actionable insights or a financial professional tracking industry trends, Jay Thakkar’s guidance and viewpoints are worth following in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs About Jay Thakkar
What Is Jay Thakkar’s Current Role In 2025?
Jay Thakkar is currently the Head of Derivatives and Quant Research and Vice President at ICICIDirect.
What Are Jay Thakkar’s Main Areas Of Expertise?
His expertise lies in Elliott Wave theory, options strategies, and quantitative research models.
Has Jay Thakkar Worked With Zee Business?
Yes, he is a regular market expert on Zee Business and several other financial news channels.
What Are Some Awards Won By Jay Thakkar?
He has received multiple awards including India’s Best Technical Analyst by Zee Business and trading championship titles on CNBC platforms.
Which Companies Has Jay Thakkar Worked With?
His past employers include ICICIDirect, Marwadi Shares, Mirae Asset, Anand Rathi, and Way2Wealth.
What Are Jay Thakkar’s Educational Qualifications?
He holds an MBA in Finance from N.L. Dalmia and a B.Com in Finance from NMIMS, along with certifications like CMT and EPAT.
What Personal Interests Does Jay Thakkar Have?
He enjoys yoga, reading, watching movies, and spending time with his family.
