Singapore, 8 May 2025 — It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Nels Radley Friets, a treasured member of Smartkarma’s Board of Directors, who passed away on Saturday, 3rd May 2025.
Nels played a pivotal role in Smartkarma’s journey. With a rare combination of vision, wisdom, and unwavering integrity, he helped guide our growth and strengthen our foundation. As a board director, Nels upheld the highest standards of governance—championing principled decision-making, ethical conduct, and long-term stewardship that shaped both our direction and culture.
Beyond his distinguished career in business and finance, Nels was a man of deep humanity and reflection. A prolific poet and firm believer in the power of humour, he brought warmth, clarity, and moral conviction into every conversation. His intellect inspired us. His mentorship shaped us. His laughter reminded us to stay humble and grounded.
Raghav Kapoor, CEO of Smartkarma, shared:
“Nels was more than a colleague—he was a guiding presence and a pillar of our Board. His counsel was steady, his convictions principled, and his expectations uncompromising in the best sense. He held us to a higher standard—with grace, humility, and an unwavering belief in doing what’s right. We will miss his voice, his humour, and his integrity—but his values remain deeply woven into how we think, act, and lead.”
In honour of his enduring legacy, Smartkarma is proud to launch the Nels Radley Friets Smartkarma Fellowship for Future Finance Leaders. This Fellowship celebrates Nels’ lifelong commitment to mentorship, integrity, and leadership. It will be awarded annually to outstanding university-level students aspiring to pursue careers in business, entrepreneurship, or finance, offering recipients five years of complimentary access to the Smartkarma Research Platform — equipping them with the tools and insight to thrive in the capital markets.
As we mourn this profound loss, we also reaffirm our commitment to the values Nels championed: curiosity, courage, mentorship, and grace. His legacy lives on in our work, in those we support, and in the standards we strive to uphold.
In His Own Words:
“Our legacy is what we do with our talents, that is understood. What matters is not what is said on Sunday, but done in the week. That is where our stewardship legacy is defined, so to speak. Of our finances, talents, opportunities, and self we are responsible. When we are good stewards of these, the results will be incredible.”
— Nels, 29 September 2013, ENCS
For more information on the Fellowship and how to apply, please visit https://thenrfsmartkarmafellowship.com.
