भारतीय प्रततभूतत और तितिमय बोर्ड
Securities and Exchange Board of India
MASTER CIRCULAR
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF5/CIR/P/2018/109 July 10, 2018
All Mutual Funds, Asset Management Companies (AMCs)
and Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Sub: Master Circular for Mutual Funds
For effective regulation of the Mutual Fund Industry, Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI) has been issuing various circulars from time to time. In order
to enable the industry and other users to have an access to all the applicable
circulars at one place, Master Circular for Mutual Funds has been prepared.
This Master Circular is a compilation of all the circulars issued by SEBI on the
above subject, which are operational as on date of this circular
This Master Circular shall supersede the previous Master Circular
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2016/84 dated September 14, 2016.
Yours faithfully,
Harini Balaji
General Manager
Tel no.: 022-26449372
harinib@sebi.gov.in
MASTER CIRCULAR FOR MUTUAL FUNDS
BY
S E B I
ECURITIES AND XCHANGE OARD OF NDIA
1. This Master Circular includes circulars issued upto June 05, 2018.
2. In case of any inconsistency between the master circular and the applicable
circulars, the contents of the relevant circular shall prevail.
3. Master Circular is a compilation of all the existing/applicable circulars
issued by Investment Management Department of SEBI to Mutual Funds.
Efforts have been made to incorporate certain applicable provisions of
existing circulars (as on date ) issued by other Departments/Divisions of
SEBI relevant to Mutual Funds.
2 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
INDEX
ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................... 7
OFFER DOCUMENT FOR SCHEMES ................................................. 7
CHAPTER 2 .................................................................................. 22
CONVERSION AND CONSOLIDATION OF SCHEMES AND LAUNCH
OF ADDITIONAL PLAN .................................................................. 22
CHAPTER 3 .................................................................................. 33
NEW PRODUCTS ........................................................................... 33
CHAPTER 4 ................................................................................. 42
RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ....................................................... 42
CHAPTER 5 .................................................................................. 47
DISCLOSURES & REPORTING NORMS ........................................... 47
CHAPTER 6 .................................................................................. 64
GOVERNANCE NORMS .................................................................. 64
CHAPTER 7 .................................................................................. 94
SECONDARY MARKET ISSUES ...................................................... 94
CHAPTER 8 .................................................................................. 98
NET ASSET VALUE ........................................................................ 98
CHAPTER 9 ................................................................................ 110
VALUATION ................................................................................ 110
CHAPTER 10 ............................................................................... 133
LOADS, FEES AND EXPENSES ..................................................... 133
CHAPTER 11 ............................................................................... 146
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE ..................................... 146
CHAPTER 12 ............................................................................... 149
INVESTMENT BY SCHEMES ........................................................ 149
3 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 13………………………………………………………………………178
INVESTMENT BY FOREIGN INVESTORS IN MF SCHEMES ……….178
CHAPTER 14 ............................................................................... 191
ADVERTISEMENTS ..................................................................... 191
CHAPTER 15 ............................................................................... 197
INVESTOR RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS ........................................... 197
CHAPTER 16 ………………………………………………………………………215
CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF INTERMEDIARIES …... 215
CHAPTER 17 ............................................................................... 224
TRANSACTION IN MUTUAL FUNDS UNITS ................................... 224
CHAPTER 18 ............................................................................... 233
MISCELLANEOUS ........................................................................ 233
FORMATS ------------------------------------------- Refer the attachment
ANNEXURES --------------------------------------- Refer the attachment
4 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
ABBREVIATIONS
American Depository Receipt ADR
Asset Management Company AMC
Asset under Management AUM
Association of Mutual Funds in India AMFI
Authorized Dealer AD
Bombay Stock Exchange BSE
Central Board of Direct Taxes CBDT
Compliance Test Reports CTR(s)
Common Account Statement CAS
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge CDSC
Compound Annual Growth Rate CAGR
Depository Participant DP
External Commercial Borrowings ECB
Financial Action Task Force FATF
Foreign Exchange Management Act FEMA
Foreign Institutional Investor FII
Fixed Maturity Plans FMP(s)
Global Depository Receipt GDR
Gold Exchange Traded Fund GETF
Gold Monetization Scheme GMS
Hindu Undivided Family HUF
International Organization of Securities Commission IOSCO
Investor Service Center ISC
Key Information Memorandum KIM
Know Your Client KYC
Monthly Cumulative Report MCR
5 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Monthly Average Assets Under Management MAAUM
Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding MMOU
National Stock Exchange NSE
Net Asset Value NAV
New Fund Offer NFO
Non Performing Assets NPA(s)
Permanent Account Number PAN
Prevention of Money Laundering Act PMLA
Qualified Foreign Investor QFI
Regulation Reg.
Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme RGESS
SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996 Regulations
Securities and Exchange Board of India the Board
Scheme Information Document SID Offer
Statement of Additional Information SAI Document
Systematic Investment Plan SIP
Systematic Transfer Plan STP
Systematic Withdrawal Plan SWP
Trustee(s) Board of Trustee(s)/
Trustee Company
Uniform Client Code UCC
Unit Confirmation Receipt UCR
6 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 1
OFFER DOCUMENT FOR SCHEMES
1.1 Filing of Offer Document with the Board1
1.1.1 The Offer Document shall have two parts i.e. Scheme Information
Document (SID) and Statement of Additional Information (SAI). SID
shall incorporate all information pertaining to a particular scheme.
SAI shall incorporate all statutory information on Mutual Fund.
1.1.2 The Mutual Funds shall prepare SID and SAI in the prescribed
formats2. Contents of SID and SAI shall follow the same sequence as
prescribed in the format. The Board of the AMC and the Trustee(s)
shall exercise necessary due diligence, ensuring that the SID/SAI and
the fees paid3 are in conformity with the Mutual Funds Regulations4.
1.1.3 All offer documents (ODs) of Mutual Fund schemes shall be filed with
SEBI in terms of the Regulations5.
1.1.3.1 Filing of Draft SID:
a. Draft SID of schemes of Mutual Funds filed with the Board shall
also be available on SEBI’s website – www.sebi.gov.in for 21
working days from the date of filing.
b. AMC shall submit a soft copy of draft SID to the Board in HTML
or PDF format. For this purpose, AMC shall be fully responsible
1 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/ 126096/08 dated May 23,2008 and SEBI Circular
No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009
< 2 ,, For format of SID & SAI, please refer to the section on Formats
3 The filing fees was revised via gazette notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/2014-15/03/1089on
SEBI (Payment of Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014 dated 23 May, 2014, applicable from
May 23, 2014.
4 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997.
5 Regulation 28 (1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulation 1996
7 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
for the contents of soft copies of the SID. AMC shall also submit
an undertaking to the Board while filing the soft copy of draft
SID certifying that the information contained in the soft copy
matches exactly with the contents of the hard copy filed with the
Board.
c. In case of any inaccurate filing, the SID will be returned and
refiling will be required. 21 working days6 shall be calculated
from the date of refiling;7
d. If any changes to the SID are made after filing, the 21 working
day(s) period will recommence from the date of submission of
the last additional statement(s)8
1.1.3.2 Filing of SAI
a. A single SAI (common for all the schemes) can be filed with
Board along with first draft of SID or can be filed separately.
After incorporating the comments/observations, if any, from
the Board, AMC shall file a soft copy of SAI with the Board in
PDF format alongwith printed copy of the same9, upload the
SAI on its website and on AMFI website.
1.1.3.3 Filing of Final SID
a. Final SID (after incorporating comments of the Board) must
reach the Board before it is issued for circulation. Soft copy of
the final SID in PDF format along with a printed copy should
be filed with Board seven10 working days prior to the launch of
6 Regulation 29(3) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulation 1996
, 7 ,,, SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997.
,8,,, SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997, SEBI Circular No.
IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/844/97 dated May 5, 1997.
9 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009
10 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/68 dated August 10, 2016
8 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
the scheme. AMC shall also submit an undertaking to the
Board while filing the soft copy that information contained in
the soft copy of SID to be uploaded on SEBI website is current
and relevant and matches exactly with the contents of the hard
copy and that the AMC is fully responsible for the contents of
the soft copy of SID. The soft copy of SID should also be
uploaded on AMFI website two working days prior to launch of
the scheme 11. Failure to submit the printed SID to the Board
before it is issued for circulation shall invite penalties under
the Mutual Funds Regulations12.
b. In case of any difference, in nature of material alteration of the
suggestions made by the Board13 between the printed SID and
the SID filed with the Board, immediate withdrawal of the SID
from circulation will be ordered and such withdrawal shall be
publicized by the Board14.
1.2 Updation of SID & SAI
1.2.1 Updation of SID
1.2.1.1 For the schemes launched in the first half of a financial
year, the SID shall be updated within 3 months from the
end of the financial year. However, for the schemes
launched in the second half of a financial year, SID shall
be updated within 3 months of the end of the subsequent
financial year. (For example, for a scheme launched in May,
11 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009
12 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/844/97 dated May 5, 1997.
,1 3Regulation 29(2) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
14The existing schemes shall adopt the SID and KIM format as soon as possible but not later
than 12 months from the date of issuance of the circular- SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08
dated May 23, 2008. A confirmation in this regard shall be given in the half yearly trustee
report.
9 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2016 the SID shall be updated by June 30, 2017 and for a
scheme launched in December 2015, the SID shall be
updated by June 30, 2017) Thereafter, the SID shall be
updated once every year.
1.2.1.2 The procedure to be followed in case of changes to the
scheme shall be as under:
a. In case of change in fundamental attributes in terms of
Regulation15, SID shall be revised and updated
immediately after completion of duration of the exit option.
b. In case of other changes:
1. The AMC shall be required to issue an addendum and
display it on its website.
2. The addendum shall be circulated to the entire
distributors/brokers/Investor Service Centre (ISC) so
that the same can be attached to copies of SID already
in stock, till the SID is updated.
3. In case any information in SID is amended more than
once, the latest applicable addendum shall be a part of
SID. (For example, in case of changes in load structure the
addendum carrying the latest applicable load structure
shall be attached to all KIM and SID already in stock till
it is updated).
4. A public notice shall be given in respect of such changes
in one English daily newspaper having nationwide
circulation as well as in a newspaper published in the
language of region where the Head Office of the Mutual
Fund is situated.
1.2.1.3 A copy of all changes made to the scheme shall be filed with
Board within 7 days of the change. A soft copy of updated
15 Regulation 18 (15A) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulation, 1996
10 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
SID shall be filed with Board in PDF Format along with
printed copy of the same. AMC shall also submit an
undertaking to the Board while filing the soft copy that
information contained in the soft copy of SID to be
uploaded on SEBI website is current and relevant and
matches exactly with the contents of the hard copy and
that the AMC is fully responsible for the contents of the
soft copy of the SID16.
1.2.2 Updation of SAI
1.2.2.1 A printed copy of SAI shall be made available to the
investor(s) on request. SAI shall be updated within 3
months from end of financial year and filed with SEBI.
1.2.2.2 Any material changes in the SAI shall be made on an
ongoing basis by way of updation on the Mutual Fund and
AMFI website. SEBI shall be intimated of the changes made
in the SAI within 7 days. The effective date for such
changes shall be mentioned in the updated SAI.
1.2.2.3 A soft copy of updated SAI shall be filed with SEBI in PDF
format along with printed copy of the same. AMC shall also
submit an undertaking to SEBI while filing the soft copy
that information contained in the soft copy of SAI to be
uploaded on SEBI website is current and relevant and
matches exactly with the contents of the hard copy and
that the AMC shall be fully responsible for the contents of
soft copy of SAI17.
16 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009
17 SEBI Circular No – SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/178129/09 dated September 29,2009
11 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1.3 Validity of SEBI Observations on SID
1.3.1 The AMCs shall file their replies to the modifications suggested by
SEBI on SID as required under Regulation 29 (2), if any, within six
months from the date of the letter. In case of lapse of six-month
period, the AMC shall be required to refile the SID alongwith filing
fees.
1.3.2 The scheme shall be launched within six months from the date of
the issuance of final observations from SEBI. If the AMC intends to
launch the scheme at a date later than six months, it shall refile
the SID with SEBI under Regulation 28 (1) along with filing fees.
1.4 Undertaking from Trustees for new Scheme18
1.4.1 In the certificate submitted by Trustees with regard to compliance
of AMC with Regulations,19 the Trustees are required to certify as
follows:
“The Trustees have ensured that the (name of the scheme/Fund)
approved by them is a new product offered by (name of the Mutual
Fund) and is not a minor modification of any existing
scheme/fund/product.”
1.4.2 This certification shall be disclosed in the SID along with the date
of approval of the scheme by the Trustees.
1.4.3 This certification is not applicable to close ended schemes except
for those close ended schemes which have the option of conversion
into open ended schemes on maturity.
18SEBI Cir No IMD/CIR No.5/70559/06 dated June 30,2006
19Regulation 18 (4) of SEBI ( Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
12 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1.5 Standard Observations
1.5.1 Standard Observations have been prescribed to ensure minimum
level of disclosures in the SID and SAI20.
1.5.2 SEBI may revise the Standard Observations from time to time and
in that case the date of revision shall also be mentioned.
While filing the SID and SAI, AMC shall highlight and clearly
mention the page number of the SAI and SID on which each
standard observation has been incorporated.
1.6 KIM
1.6.1 Application forms for schemes of mutual funds shall be
accompanied by the KIM in terms of Regulation 29 (4). KIM shall be
printed at least in 7 point font size with proper spacing for easy
readability.
1.6.2 Format of KIM
1.6.2.1 Mutual Funds shall prepare KIM in the prescribed format21.
The contents of KIM shall follow the same sequence as
prescribed in the format.
1.6.3 Frequency of updation
1.6.3.1 KIM shall be updated at least once a year and shall be filed
with SEBI.
1.6.3.2 In case of changes in the SID other than changes in
fundamental attribute in terms of Reg 18 (15A), the addendum
20For Standard Observations, please refer to the section on Formats
21 For format of KIM please refer to the section on Formats
13 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
circulated to all the distributors/brokers/investor Service
Centre (ISC) shall be attached to KIM till the KIM is updated.
1.6.3.3 In case any information in SID is amended more than once,
the latest applicable addendum shall be a part of KIM (For
example, in case of changes in load structure the addendum
carrying the latest applicable load structure shall be attached
to all KIM and SID already in stock till it is updated).
1.7 Easy Availability of Offer Document
1.7.1 Trustees and AMCs shall ensure that the SID of the schemes and
SAI are readily available with all the distributors/ISCs and confirm
the same to SEBI in the half yearly trustee report.
1.8 Selection of Benchmarks22
1.8.1 In case of equity oriented schemes, mutual funds may
appropriately select any of the indices available, (e.g. BSE
(Sensitive) Index, S&P CNX Nifty, BSE 100, BSE 200 or S&P CNX
22SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/4/51/2000 dated June 5, 2000, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/16/400/02 dated March 26, 2002, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/01/071/02 April
15, 2002.
1 4 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
500 etc.) as a benchmark index depending on the investment
objective and portfolio.
1.8.2 Benchmarks for debt oriented and balanced fund schemes23
developed by research and rating agencies recommended by the
AMFI on a regular basis shall be used by the Mutual Funds.
1.8.3 In case of sector or industry specific schemes, Mutual Funds may
select any sectoral indices as published by the Stock Exchanges
and other reputed agencies.
1.8.4 These benchmark indices may be decided by the AMC(s) and
Trustees. Any change at a later date in the benchmark index shall
be recorded and reasonably justified24.
1.8.5 Examples of benchmarks are illustrated below25:
1.8.5.1 Growth funds maintaining minimum 65% of their investments
in equities shall always be compared against The Bombay
Stock Exchange Ltd. (BSE) Sensex or The National Stock
Exchange Ltd. (NSE) Nifty or BSE 100 or CRISIL 500 or similar
standard indices.
1.8.5.2 Income funds maintaining 65% or more of investments in debt
instruments shall be compared with a suitable index that is a
representative of the fund’s portfolio.
1.8.5.3 Balanced funds with equity investments of 40%-60% shall be
compared with a tailored index having 50% of its weight
23SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/01/071/02 dated April 15, 2002.
,2 4SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/16/400/02 dated March 26, 2002. Also please note that for
review of scheme performance with benchmark indices please refer to section on governance
norms.
25SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/4/51/2000 dated June 5, 2000
15 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
selected from any equity index as above and the other 50%
from an appropriate bond return index.
1.8.5.4 Money Market funds or liquid plans can be compared against
a suitable Money Market Instrument or a combination of such
instruments.
1.9 New Fund Offer (NFO) Period26
1.9.1 In case of open ended and close ended schemes (except ELSS
schemes), the NFO should be open for 15 days.
1.9.2 The NFO period in case of ELSS schemes shall continue to be
governed by guidelines issued by Government of India.
1.9.3 The maximum period for which initial offering of Mutual Fund
scheme eligible under RGESS shall be open for subscription shall
be thirty days27.
1.9.4 Mutual Funds/AMCs are allowed to deploy the NFO proceeds in
CBLO28 29 before the closure of NFO period. However, AMCs shall
not charge any investment management and advisory fees on funds
deployed in CBLOs during the NFO period. The appreciation
received from investment in CBLO shall be passed on to investors.
Further, in case the minimum subscription amount is not garnered
by the scheme during the NFO period, the interest earned upon
investment of NFO proceeds in CBLO shall be returned to investors,
26SEBI Circular no MFD/Cir.No 9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000. SEBI Circular No.
SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010. The provisions mentioned shall
be applicable for all NFOs launched on or after July 01, 2010
27 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/02/2013 dated February 6, 2013
28 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/42 dated March 18, 2016.
29 will be applicable for NFOs launched on or after April 1, 2016
16 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
in proportion of their investments, along-with the refund of the
subscription amount.
1.9.5 The mutual fund should allot units/refund of money and dispatch
statements of accounts within five business days from the closure
of the NFO and all the schemes (except ELSS, RGESS) shall be
available for ongoing repurchase/sale/trading within five business
days of allotment”. However, for Mutual Fund scheme eligible
under RGESS, the period within which Mutual Fund/ AMC
should allocate the units, refund money and issue statements of
accounts, shall be fifteen days from the closure of the initial
subscription30.
1.10 Restriction on Redemption in Mutual Funds31
1.10.1 Presently in terms of circular SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/126096/08
dated May 23, 2008, facility of restriction on redemption under any
scheme of the mutual fund can be made only after the approval
from the Board of Directors of the Asset Management Company
(AMC) and the Trustees. The provisions are general in nature and
do not specifically spell out the circumstances in which restriction
on redemption may be applied; leading to discretionary disclosures
and practices in the industry.
1.10.2 As a philosophy, restriction on redemption should apply during
excess redemption requests that could arise in overall market crisis
situations rather than exceptional circumstances of entity specific
situations. The circumstances calling for restriction on redemption
should be such that illiquidity is caused in almost all securities
30 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/02/2013 dated February 6, 2013
31 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/57 dated May 31, 2016
17 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
affecting the market at large, rather than in any issuer specific
securities.
1.10.3 Therefore, in order to bring more clarity and to protect the interest
of the investors, the following requirement shall be observed before
imposing restriction on redemptions:
1.10.3.1 Restriction may be imposed when there are
circumstances leading to a systemic crisis or event that
severely constricts market liquidity or the efficient
functioning of markets such as:
1.10.3.1.1 Liquidity issues - when market at large
becomes illiquid affecting almost all securities
rather than any issuer specific security. AMCs
should have in place sound internal liquidity
management tools for schemes. Restriction on
redemption cannot be used as an ordinary tool
in order to manage the liquidity of a scheme.
Further, restriction on redemption due to
illiquidity of a specific security in the portfolio of
a scheme due to a poor investment decision,
shall not be allowed.
1.10.3.1.2 Market Failures, exchange closures - when
markets are affected by unexpected events which
impact the functioning of exchanges or the
regular course of transactions. Such unexpected
events could also be related to political,
18 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
economic, military, monetary or other
emergencies.
1.10.3.1.3 Operational Issues - when exceptional
circumstances are caused by force majeure,
unpredictable operational problems and
technical failures (e.g. a black out). Such cases
can only be considered if they are reasonably
unpredictable and occur in spite of appropriate
diligence of third parties, adequate and effective
disaster recovery procedures and systems.
1.10.3.2 Restrictions on redemption may be imposed for a
specified period of time not exceeding 10 working days
in any 90 days period.
1.10.3.3 Any imposition of restriction would require specific
approval of Board of AMCs and Trustees and the same
should be informed to SEBI immediately.
1.10.3.4 When restriction on redemption is imposed, the
following procedure shall be applied:
1.10.3.4.1 No redemption requests upto INR 2 lakh shall
be subject to such restriction.
1.10.3.4.2 When redemption requests are above INR 2
lakh, AMCs shall redeem the first INR 2 lakh
without such restriction and remaining part over
19 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
and above INR 2 lakh shall be subject to such
restriction.
1.10.4 Disclosure: The above information to investors shall be disclosed
prominently and extensively in the scheme related documents
regarding the possibility that their right to redeem may be restricted
in such exceptional circumstances and the time limit for which it
can be restricted.
1.10.5 The circular shall be applicable immediately for (i) all schemes to
be launched on or after the date of this circular and (ii) all the
existing schemes with effect from July 01, 2016.
1.11 Discontinuation of the nomenclature – ‘Liquid Plus
Scheme(s)’32
1.11.1 The nomenclature “Liquid Plus Scheme(s)” has been discontinued
from January 2009 since it gives a wrong impression of added
liquidity.
1.12 Fundamental Attributes33
1.12.1 The words "fundamental attributes"34 are elaborated below:
1.12.1.1 Type of a scheme
a. Open ended/Close ended/Interval scheme
b. Sectoral Fund/Equity Fund/Balance Fund/Income Fund/Debt
Fund/Index Fund/Any other type of Fund
1.12.1.2 Investment Objective(s)
a. Main Objective - Growth/Income/Both.
32 SEBI/IMD/CIR No.13/150975 / 09 dated January 19, 2009
33 SEBI Circular No- IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/294/98 dated February 4, 1998
34 Clause (d) of sub-regulation (15) of Regulation 18 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
20 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. Investment pattern - The tentative Equity/Debt/Money Market
portfolio break-up with minimum and maximum asset
allocation, while retaining the option to alter the asset
allocation for a short term period on defensive considerations.
1.12.1.3 Terms of Issue
a. Liquidity provisions such as listing, repurchase, redemption.
b. Aggregate fees and expenses charged to the scheme.
c. Any safety net or guarantee provided.
21 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 2
CONVERSION AND CONSOLIDATION OF SCHEMES AND LAUNCH
OF ADDITIONAL PLAN
PART I - CONVERSION OF SCHEMES
2.1 Conversion of Close Ended Scheme(s) to Open Ended
Scheme(s)35
2.1.1 Although the procedure for conversion of close ended scheme(s)
to open ended scheme(s) has been clearly enumerated in the
Mutual Funds Regulations36, following requirements are clarified
again:
2.1.1.1 Since the scheme(s) would reopen for fresh subscriptions,
disclosures contained in the SID shall be revised and updated. A
copy of the draft SID shall be filed with the Board as required
under Regulation 28(1) of the Mutual Funds Regulations along
with filing fees prescribed under Regulation 28(2) of the Mutual
Funds Regulations. Instructions issued by the Board37 for filing
of the SID shall also be followed.
2.1.1.2 A draft of the communication to be sent to unit holders shall be
submitted to the Board which shall include the following:
a. Latest portfolio of the scheme(s) in the prescribed format38
35 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.22/2311/03 dated January 30, 2003.
,3, 6 Regulation 33(3) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996.
, 3 , 7 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008
38 Refer to format of half yearly portfolio disclosure under section on formats.
2, 2 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. Details of the financial performance of the scheme(s) since
inception in the format prescribed in SID39 along with
comparisons with appropriate benchmark(s)40.
c. The addendum to the SID detailing the modifications (if any)
made to the scheme(s).
2.1.1.3 The letter to unit holders and revised SID (if any) shall be issued
only after the final observations as communicated by the Board
in terms of Regulation 29(3) of the Mutual Funds Regulations
have been incorporated therein and final copies of the same have
been filed with the Board.
2.1.1.4 Unit holders shall be given at least 30 days to exercise exit option.
During this period, the unit holders who opt to redeem their
holdings in part or in full shall be allowed to exit at the NAV
applicable for the day on which the request is received, without
charging exit load.
39 Please refer to format of SID under section on Formats.
40 For examples of Benchmarks, refer to chapter on SID
23 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
<,
PART II – CONSOLIDATION OF SCHEMES
2.2 Consolidation of Schemes41
2.2.1 Any consolidation or merger of Mutual Fund schemes will be
treated as a change in the fundamental attributes of the related
schemes and Mutual Funds shall be required to comply with the
Mutual Funds Regulations in this regard42.
2.2.2 Further, in order to ensure that all important disclosures are
made to the investors of the schemes sought to be consolidated or
merged and their interests are protected; Mutual Funds shall take
the following steps:
2.2.2.1 Approval by the Board of the AMC and Trustee(s):
a. The proposal and modalities of the consolidation or merger shall
be approved by the Board of the AMC and Trustee(s), after they
ensure that the interest of unit holders under all the concerned
schemes have been protected in the said proposal.
2.2.2.2 Disclosures:
a. Subsequent to approval from the Board of the AMC and
Trustee(s), Mutual Funds shall file the proposal with the Board,
along with the draft SID, requisite fees (if a new scheme emerges
after such consolidation or merger) and draft of the letter to be
issued to the unit holders of all the concerned schemes.
41 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.5/12031/03 dated June 23, 2003.
, 4 2 Regulation 18(15A) of the Mutual Funds Regulations.
24 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. The letter addressed to the unit holders, giving them the option
to exit at prevailing NAV without charging exit load, shall
disclose all relevant information enabling them to take well
informed decisions. This information will include, inter alia:
1. Latest portfolio of the concerned schemes43.
2. Details of the financial performance of the concerned schemes
since inception in the format prescribed in SID44 along with
comparisons with appropriate benchmarks.
3. Information on the investment objective, asset allocation and the
main features of the new consolidated scheme.
4. Basis of allocation of new units by way of a numerical
illustration
5. Percentage of total NPAs and percentage of total illiquid assets
to net assets of each individual scheme(s) as well the
consolidated scheme.
6. Tax impact of the consolidation on the unit holders.
7. Any other disclosure as specified by the Trustees.
8. Any other disclosure as directed by the Board.
2.2.2.3 Updation of SID shall be as per the requirements for change in
fundamental attribute of the scheme45.
2.2.2.4 Maintenance of Records:
a. AMC(s) shall maintain records of dispatch of the letters to the
unit holders and the responses received from them. A report
giving information on total number of unit holders in the
schemes and their net assets, number of unit holders who opted
to exit and net assets held by them and number of unit holders
43 Refer format of half yearly portfolio disclosure under section on Formats
< 4 4 Please refer to SID Format under section on Formats
45 Please refer to SID chapter for further details
25 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
and net assets in the consolidated scheme shall be filed with the
Board within 21 days from the date of closure of the exit
option46.
2.2.2.5 Merger or consolidation shall not be seen as change in
fundamental attribute of the surviving scheme if the following
conditions are met47:
a. Fundamental attributes48 of the surviving scheme do not
change. The ‘surviving scheme’ means the scheme which
remains in existence after the merger.
b. Mutual Funds are able to demonstrate that the circumstances
merit merger or consolidation of schemes and the interest of the
unitholders of surviving scheme is not adversely affected.
c. After approval by the Boards of AMCs and Trustees, the mutual
funds shall file such proposal with SEBI. SEBI would
communicate its observations on the proposal within the time
period prescribed49.
d. The letter to unitholders shall be issued only after the final
observations communicated by SEBI have been incorporated
and final copies of the same have been filed with SEBI.
46 SEBI Circular No- SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009
47 SEBI Circular No- Cir / IMD / DF / 15/ 2010 dated October 22, 2010
48 SEBI Circular No-IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/294/98 dated February 4, 1998
49 Regulation 29(3) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
26 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART III – LAUNCH OF ADDITIONAL PLANS50
2.3 Launch of Additional Plans
2.3.1 Additional plans sought to be launched under existing open ended
schemes which differ substantially from that scheme in terms of
portfolio or other characteristics shall be launched as separate
schemes in accordance with the regulatory provisions.
2.3.2 However, plan(s) which are consistent with the characteristics of
the scheme may be launched as additional plans as part of
existing schemes by issuing an addendum. Such proposal should
be approved by the Board(s) of AMC and Trustees. In this regard
please note that:
2.3.2.1 The addendum shall contain information pertaining to salient
features like applicable entry/exit loads, expenses or such other
details which in the opinion of the AMC/ Trustees is material.
The addendum shall be filed with SEBI 21 days in advance of
opening of plan(s).
2.3.2.2 AMC(s) shall publish an advertisement or issue a press release
at the time of launch of such additional plan(s).
50 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15, 2009
27 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2.4 Single Plan51
2.4.1 Mutual funds/AMCs shall launch schemes under a single plan
and ensure that all new investors are subject to single expense
structure.
2.4.2 Existing schemes with multiple plans based on the amount of
investment (i.e. retail, institutional, super-institutional, etc) shall
accept fresh subscriptions only under one plan.
2.4.3 Other plans will continue till the existing investors remain
invested in the plan.
2.5 Direct Plan52
2.5.1 Mutual funds/AMCs shall provide a separate plan for direct
investments, i.e., investments not routed through a distributor,
in existing as well as new schemes.
2.5.2 Such separate plan shall have a lower expense ratio excluding
distribution expenses, commission, etc., and no commission shall
be paid from such plans. The plan shall also have a separate NAV.
51 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012
52 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012
28 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART IV – CATEGORIZATION AND RATIONALIZATION OF
MUTUAL FUND SCHEMES53
It is desirable that different schemes launched by a Mutual Fund are clearly
distinct in terms of asset allocation, investment strategy etc. Further, there
is a need to bring in uniformity in the characteristics of similar type of
schemes launched by different Mutual Funds. This would ensure that an
investor of Mutual Funds is able to evaluate the different options available,
before taking an informed decision to invest in a scheme.
In order to bring the desired uniformity in the practice, across Mutual
Funds and to standardize the scheme categories and characteristics of each
category, it has been decided to categorize the MF schemes as given below:
2.6 Categories of Schemes, Scheme Characteristics and
Type of Scheme (Uniform Description of Schemes):
2.6.1 The Schemes would be broadly classified in the following groups:
i. Equity Schemes
ii. Debt Schemes
iii. Hybrid Schemes
iv. Solution Oriented Schemes
v. Other Schemes
53 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2017/114 dated October 06, 2017
29 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
The details of the scheme categories under each of the aforesaid
groups along with their characteristics and uniform description are
given in the Annexure 8.
2.6.2 As per the annexure, the existing ‘type of scheme’ (presently
mentioned below the scheme name in the offer documents/
advertisements/ marketing material/etc.) would be replaced with
the type of scheme (given in the third column of the tables in the
Annexure) as applicable to each category of scheme. This will
enhance the existing disclosure.
2.6.3 In case of Solution oriented schemes, there will be specified period
of lock in as stated in the Annexure 8.
However, the said lock- in period would not be applicable to any
existing investment by an investor, registered SIPs and incoming
STPs in the existing solution oriented schemes as on the date on
which such scheme is getting realigned with the provisions of this
circular.
2.6.4 The investment objective, investment strategy and benchmark of
each scheme shall be suitably modified (wherever applicable) to
bring it in line with the categories of schemes listed above.
2.7 Definition of Large Cap, Mid Cap and Small Cap:
2.7.1 In order to ensure uniformity in respect of the investment universe
for equity schemes, it has been decided to define large cap, mid cap
and small cap as follows:
i. Large Cap: 1st -100th company in terms of full market
capitalization
30 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
ii. Mid Cap: 101st -250th company in terms of full market
capitalization
iii. Small Cap: 251st company onwards in terms of full market
capitalization
2.7.2 Mutual Funds would be required to adopt the list of stocks prepared
by AMFI in this regard and AMFI would adhere to the following points
while preparing the list:
i. If a stock is listed on more than one recognized stock exchange,
an average of full market capitalization of the stock on all such
stock exchanges, will be computed;
ii. In case a stock is listed on only one of the recognized stock
exchanges, the full market capitalization of that stock on such
an exchange will be considered.
iii. This list would be uploaded on the AMFI website and the same
would be updated every six months based on the data as on the
end of June and December of each year. The data shall be
available on the AMFI website within 5 calendar days from the
end of the 6 months period.
iv. While preparing the single consolidated list of stocks, average
full market capitalization of the previous six month of the stocks
shall be considered54.
2.7.3 Subsequent to any updation in the list, Mutual Funds would have to
rebalance their portfolios (if required) in line with updated list, within
a period of one month.
54 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2017/126 dated December 04, 2017
31 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2.8 Process to be followed for categorization and
rationalization of schemes:
2.8.1 Only one scheme per category would be permitted, except:
i. Index Funds/ ETFs replicating/ tracking different indices;
ii. Fund of Funds having different underlying schemes; and
iii. Sectoral/ thematic funds investing in different sectors/ themes
32 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 3
NEW PRODUCTS
3.1 Fund of Funds Scheme55
3.1.1 The SID and the advertisements pertaining to Fund of Funds
Scheme56 shall disclose that the investors are bearing the
recurring expenses of the scheme, in addition to the expenses of
other schemes in which the Fund of Funds Scheme makes
investments.
3.1.2 AMCs shall not enter into any revenue sharing arrangement with
the underlying funds in any manner and shall not receive any
revenue by whatever means/head from the underlying fund. Any
commission or brokerage received from the underlying fund shall
be credited into concerned scheme’s account57.
3.1.3 Fund of funds mutual fund schemes shall adopt the total expense
structures laid out in Regulations58, which Asset Management
Companies shall clearly indicate in the SIDs.
55 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR. No.04/11488/2003 dated June 12, 2003.
56 Regulation 2(ma) of the Mutual Funds Regulations introduced vide Gazette Notification No.
S.O 632(E) dated May 29, 2003.
57 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010
58 Regulation 52(6)(a) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
33 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.2 Gold Exchange Traded Fund Scheme59
3.2.1 A Gold Exchange Traded Fund (GETF) Scheme60 shall invest
primarily in:
3.2.1.1 Gold and
3.2.1.2 Gold related instruments61. However investments in gold related
instruments shall be done only after such instruments are
specified by the Board62
3.2.1.3 Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS)63 of banks had been designated as
one such gold related instrument. However, as per RBI
notification dated October 22, 2015, the Gold Monetisation
Scheme, 2015 (GMS) will replace the Gold Deposit Scheme, 1999.
Accordingly, it has been decided that GMS will also be designated
as a gold related instrument64, in line with GDS of Banks.
Investment in GDS and GMS by Gold ETFs of mutual funds will
be subject to following conditions:
a. The cumulative Investment by Gold ETF in GDS and GMS will
not exceed 20% of total AUM of such schemes.
b. Before investing in GDS of Banks and GMS , mutual funds
shall put in place a written policy with regard to investment
in GDS and GMS with due approval from the Board of the
Asset Management Company and the Trustees. The policy
59 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR. No.4/58422/06 dated January 24, 2006, SEBI Circular
No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR
No.14/84243/07 dated January 15, 2007.
60 Regulation 2(mb) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 introduced vide Gazette
Notification No. S.O. 38(E) dated January 12, 2006.
61 Regulations 2(mc) of the Mutual Funds Regulations introduced vide Gazette Notification No.
S .O. 38(E) dated January 12, 2006.
62 SEBI Ci rcular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/58422/06 dated January 24, 2006.
63 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/DF/04/2013 dated February 15, 2013
64 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/11/2015 dated December 31, 2015
34 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
should have provision to make it necessary for the mutual funds
to obtain prior approval of their trustees for each investment
proposal in GDS and GMS. The policy shall be reviewed by
mutual funds, at least once a year.
c. Certificates issued in respect of investments made by Gold ETFs in
GDS of Banks and GMS can be held by the mutual funds in
dematerialized or physical form65.
3.2.1.4 Existing investments by Gold ETFs of Mutual Funds under the
GDS will be allowed to run till maturity unless these are
withdrawn prematurely.
3.2.2 Valuation:
3.2.2.1 Gold shall be valued based on the methodology provided in
Clause 3A of, Schedule Eight of the Mutual Funds Regulations66.
3.2.3 Determination of Net Asset Value67
3.2.3.1 The NAV of units under the GETF Scheme shall be calculated up
to four decimal points as shown below:
Market or Fair Value of Scheme's investments + Current
-
Assets Current Liabilities and Provision
NAV (in Rs. terms) = ______________________________________________
Number of Units outstanding under Scheme on the
Valuation Date
65 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/16/2013 dated October 18, 2013
66 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.14/84243/07 dated January 15, 2007 read with Gazette
Notification F. No. SEBI/LAD/DoP/82534/2006 dated December 20, 2006.
67 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006.
3 5 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.2.4 Recurring Expenses68
3.2.4.1 The recurring expenses limits applicable to equity schemes69
shall be applicable to GETF Scheme(s).
3.2.5 Benchmarks for GETF Scheme70
3.2.5.1 GETF Scheme(s) shall be benchmarked against the price of gold.
3.2.6 Half yearly report by Trustees71
3.2.6.1 Physical verification of gold underlying the Gold ETF units shall
be carried out by statutory auditors of mutual fund schemes and
reported to trustees on half yearly basis.
3.2.6.2 The confirmation on physical verification of gold as above shall
also form part of half yearly report72 by trustees to SEBI.
3.3 Capital Protection Oriented Scheme73
3.3.1 The SID, KIM and advertisements pertaining to Capital Protection
Oriented Scheme74 shall disclose that the scheme is “oriented
towards protection of capital” and not “with guaranteed returns.”
It shall also be indicated that the orientation towards protection
68 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006.
69 Regulation 52(6) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
70 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/65348/06 dated April 21, 2006.
71 SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/20/2010 dated December 06, 2010
72 Please refer to the section on Formats for the disclosures in the Half Yearly Trustee Report
w.r.t physical verification of Gold. This will be effective from the half yearly report ending April
2011 by Trustees to SEBI.
7 3 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.9/74364/06 dated August 14, 2006.
74 Regulat ion 2(ea), 33(2A) and 38A of the Mutual Funds Regulations introduced vide Gazette
Notification No. S.O. 1254(E) dated August 3, 2006.
36 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
of capital originates from the portfolio structure of the scheme and
not from any bank guarantee, insurance cover etc.
3.3.2 The proposed portfolio structure indicated in the SID and KIM
shall be rated by a Credit Rating Agency registered with the Board
from the view point of assessing the degree of certainty for
achieving the objective of capital protection and the rating shall
be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
3.3.3 The Trustees shall continuously monitor the portfolio structure of
the scheme and report the same in the Half Yearly Trustee
Reports75 to the Board. The AMC(s) shall also report on the same
in its bimonthly (CTR(s)76to the Board.
3.3.4 It shall also be ensured that the debt component of the portfolio
structure has the highest investment grade rating.
3.4 Real Estate Mutual Funds77:
3.4.1 A real estate mutual fund scheme78 can invest in real estate assets
in the cities mentioned in:
3.4.1.1 List of Million Plus Urban Agglomerations/Cities; or
3.4.1.2 List of Million Plus Cities
3.4.2 Such list appears in Census Statistics of India (2001) at
www.censusindia.gov.in. A printout of cities which appear in the
75 For format of Half Yearly Trustee Report please refer section on Formats
< 7 6 For format of bimonthly CTR please refer section on Formats
77 SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.4/124477/08 May 2,2008
78Regulation 49 A(a)(i) of SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996
37 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
foresaid categories taken from the said website is attached for
ready reference at Annexure 4.
3.5 Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme79, 2012
3.5.1 As announced in the Union Budget 2012-13, the Finance
Act 2012 has introduced a new section 80CCG on ‘Deduction
in respect of investment made under an equity savings scheme’
to give tax benefits to new investors who invest up to Rs.
50,000 and whose gross total annual income is less than or equal
to Rs. 10 lakhs. The objective of the scheme is to encourage flow
of savings in the financial instruments and improve the depth
of the domestic capital market.
3.5.2 Vide notification 51/2012 dated November 23, 2012, the scheme
has been notified by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of
Finance (MoF). The notification is available on the website of
Income Tax Department under section “Notifications”.
3.5.3 AMCs / Trustees shall ensure that RGESS eligible Exchange
Traded Funds (ETFs) and Mutual Funds (MFs) schemes are in
compliance with the aforementioned notification.
3.5.4 With regard to implementation of the MoF notification, the
following is clarified:
a. For RGESS eligible close-ended Mutual Funds schemes,
advice given by AMCs to the depository for extinguishment of
units of close-ended schemes considered as settled through
depository mechanism and therefore RGESS compliant.
b. AMCs shall disclose that the concerned RGESS eligible
Exchange Traded Funds and Mutual Fund schemes is in
79 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MRD/DP/32/2012 dated December 6, 2012
38 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
compliance with the provisions of RGESS guidelines notified
by Ministry of Finance vide notification no. 51/2012 F. No.
142/35/2012-TPL dated November 23, 2012, in Scheme
Information Document (SID), in case of new fund offer, or by
way of addendum, in case of existing RGESS eligible
Exchange Traded Funds and Mutual Fund schemes.
c. Para 6(c) of the notification states that the eligible securities
brought into the demat account will automatically be subject to
lock-in during the first year, unless the new investor specifies
otherwise and for such specifications, the new retail investors
shall submit a declaration indicating that such securities are
not to be included within the above limit of investment. It is
clarified that such declaration shall be submitted by an
investor to its Depository Participant within a period of one
month from the date of transaction.
d. For transactions undertaken by investors through their
RGESS designated demat account, Depositories may seek
necessary transactional details from stock exchanges viz.
Actual Trade value, Trading date, Settlement number, etc, for
the purpose of enforcing lock-in and for generating reports
mandated vide MoF notification on RGESS. On receipt of such
request from depositories, stock exchanges shall provide the
details to depositories on an immediate basis. It shall also be
ensured that a uniform file structure is used by stock exchanges
and depositories for such intimation of transaction details.
e. With regard to the securities held in the RGESS designated
account, treatment of the corporate actions shall be given in the
prescribed format80.
80 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats
39 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
3.5.5 Mutual Funds / AMCs shall communicate list of RGESS eligible
MF schemes / ETFs to the stock exchanges.
3.5.6 Mutual Funds / AMCs are directed to create wide publicity of the
scheme among the investors, including displaying details on their
website.
3.6 Infrastructure Debt Schemes81
3.6.1 Placement Memorandum:
3.6.1.1 Private Placement to less than 50 investors has been permitted
as an alternative to New Fund Offer to the public, in case of
Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDF). In case of private placement,
the mutual funds would have to file a Placement Memorandum
with SEBI instead of a Scheme Information Document and a Key
Information Memorandum. However, all the other conditions
applicable to IDFs offered through the NFO route like kind of
investments, investment restrictions, etc. would be applicable to
IDFs offered through private placement.
3.6.1.2 In terms of regulation 49-OA of the SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulations, 1996, the Placement Memorandum shall be filed
with SEBI as per the prescribed format82.
3.6.2 The Asset Management Companies shall ensure that the
Placement Memorandum is uploaded on their respective websites
after allotment of units, and on the website of such recognized
81 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/7/2013 dated April 23, 2013
82 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite Formats
40 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Stock Exchange, where it is proposed to be listed, at the time of
listing of the scheme.
3.6.3 FPIs which are long term investors
3.6.3.1 The universe of strategic investors in the IDF has been expanded
to include, inter alia, FPIs registered with SEBI which are long
term investors subject to their existing investment limits. With
reference to regulation 49L of the SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulations, 1996 the following categories of FPIs are designated
as long term investors only for the purpose of IDF:
a. Foreign Central Banks
b. Governmental Agencies
c. Sovereign Wealth Funds
d. International/Multilateral Organizations/ Agencies
e. Insurance Funds
f. Pension Funds
g. Foreign feeder funds, having at all times, at least 20% of their
assets under management held by investors belonging to one
of more of the above categories of FPIs83
3.6.4 Investments by the IDF scheme
3.6.4.1 With reference to regulation 49P (1) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulations, 1996, the investments in bank loans shall be made
only through the securitization mode.
83 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/20/2013 dated November 29, 2013
41 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 4
RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM84
4.1 An Operating Manual85 for Risk Management has been developed to ensure
minimum standards of due diligence and Risk Management Systems for all
the Mutual Funds in various operational areas (for e.g. Fund Management,
Operations, Customer Service, Marketing and Distribution, Disaster
Recovery and Business Contingency, etc.) and is enclosed herewith as
Annexure 2.
4.2 The Risk Management practices covered in the Operating Manual are
under three categories as detailed below:
4.2.1 Existing Industry Practices:
4.2.1.1 Under each head of risk, the Manual covers the exemplary practices
followed by some / most of Mutual Funds in India. However, the
extent and degree of observance of these practices differs among the
Mutual Funds. Mutual Funds shall accordingly develop their systems
and follow these practices.
4.2.2 Practices to be followed on Mandatory Basis:
4.2.2.1 Mutual Funds shall follow the practices which have been indicated as
mandatory in the operating manual. These are Risk Management
function that shall be assigned to Compliance Officer or Internal Risk
Management Committee or to an external agency
a. Disaster Recovery and Business Contingency plans, and
b. Insurance cover against certain risks.
8 4 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/15/19133/2002 dated September 30, 2002.
85 The Manua l has been developed by AMFI in association with Pricewaterhouse Coopers as a
part of Indo-US Financial Institutions Reforms and Expansion Project.
42 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
4.2.3 Best Practices to be followed by Mutual Funds:
4.2.3.1 Mutual Funds shall adopt these practices as a part of their due
diligence exercise after considering the size of their operations.
4.3 Implementation of the Risk Management System
4.3.1 Mutual Funds shall adopt the following approach to implement the Risk
Management System:
4.3.2 Identification of observance of each recommendation:
4.3.2.1 Mutual Funds shall identify areas of current adherence as well as
non-adherence of various Risk Management practices under each of
the three categories. They shall examine the areas where development
or improvement of systems is required.
4.3.2.2 After identifying the same, Mutual Funds shall review the progress
made on implementation of the systems on a monthly basis and place
the progress report in periodical meetings of the Board of the AMC
and Trustees.
4.3.3 Review of Progress of implementation by Board of AMC and Trustee(s):
4.3.3.1 The Board of the AMC and Trustee(s) shall review the progress made
by the Mutual Funds with regard to Risk Management practices and
the same shall be reported to the Board at the time of sending CTR(s)
and Half Yearly Trustee Reports.
4.3.4 Review by Internal Auditors:
4.3.4.1 The review of Risk Management Systems shall be a part of internal
audit and the auditors shall check their adequacy on a continuing
basis. Their reports shall be placed before the Board of the AMC and
43 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Trustee(s) who shall comment on the adequacy of systems in the CTRs
and Half Yearly Reports filed with the Board.
4.4 Stress Testing of Liquid Fund and Money Market Mutual Fund
Schemes 86
4.4.1 As a part of risk management framework, Mutual Funds (MFs) carry out
stress testing of their portfolio, particularly for debt schemes. In order
to standardize this practice across industry, AMFI came out with Best
Practice Guidelines dated September 12, 2014 on stress testing of Liquid
Funds and Money Market Mutual Fund Schemes (MMMFs).
4.4.2 In order to further strengthen the risk management practices and to
develop a sound framework that would evaluate potential vulnerabilities
on account of plausible events and provide early warning on the health
of the underlying portfolio of Liquid Fund and MMMF Schemes, it has
been decided to stipulate the following guidelines:
4.4.2.1 As a part of the extant risk management framework, AMCs
should have stress testing policy in place which mandates
them to conduct stress test on all Liquid Fund and MMMF
Schemes.
4.4.2.2 The stress test should be carried out internally at least on
a monthly basis, and if the market conditions require so,
AMC should conduct more frequent stress test.
8 6 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/03/2015 dated April 30, 2015.
44 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
4.4.2.3 The concerned schemes shall be tested on the following
risk parameters, among others deemed necessary by the
AMC:
a) Interest rate risk;
b) Credit risk;
c) Liquidity & Redemption risk.
4.4.2.4 While conducting stress test, it will be required to evaluate
impact of the various risk parameters on the scheme and
its Net Asset Value (NAV). The parameters used and the
methodology adopted for conducting stress test on such
type of scheme, should be detailed in the stress testing
policy, which is required to be approved by the Board of
AMC.
4.4.2.5 Further, in the event of stress test revealing any
vulnerability or early warning signal, it would be required
to bring it to the notice of the Trustees and take corrective
action as deemed necessary, to reinforce their robustness.
Each AMC should also be required to have documented
guidelines, to deal with the adverse situation effectively.
4.4.2.6 Such stress-testing policy shall be reviewed by the Board
of AMC and Trustees, at least on an annual basis, in light
of the evolving market scenarios and should cover the
following aspects:
i. Adequacy of the documentation for various elements of
the stress testing framework
ii. Scope of coverage of the stress testing policy and the
levels of stress applied
iii. Integration of the stress testing framework in the day-
to-day risk management processes
45 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
iv. Adequacy of the corrective actions and the efficacy of the
systems for their activation.
4.4.2.7 Further, Trustees shall be required to report compliance
with this circular and steps taken to deal with adverse
situations faced, if any, in the Half Yearly Trustee Report
submitted to SEBI.
4.5 Internal Credit Risk Assessment 87, 88:
4.5.1 In order to ensure that MFs / AMCs are able to carry out their own credit
assessment of assets and reduce reliance on credit rating agencies, all
MFs/ AMCs are required to have an appropriate policy and system in
place to conduct an in-house credit risk assessment / due diligence
before investing in fixed income products.
8 7 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/2016/42 dated March 18, 2016.
8 8 Will be effe ctive from May 01, 2016.
46 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 5
DISCLOSURES & REPORTING NORMS
PART I – DISCLOSURES
5.1 Portfolio Disclosures89
5.1.1.
a) Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall disclose portfolio (along with ISIN) as
on the last day of the month / half-year for all their schemes on
their respective website and on the website of AMFI within 10 days
from the close of each month/ half-year respectively in a user-
friendly and downloadable spreadsheet format.
b) In case of unitholders whose e-mail addresses are registered, the
Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall send via email both the monthly and
half-yearly statement of scheme portfolio within 10 days from the
close of each month/ half-year respectively.
c) Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall publish an advertisement every half-
year disclosing the hosting of the half-yearly statement of its
schemes portfolio on their respective website and on the website of
AMFI and the modes such as SMS, telephone, email or written
request (letter) through which a unitholder can submit a request
for a physical or electronic copy of the statement of scheme
portfolio. Such advertisement shall be published in the all India
edition of at least two daily newspapers, one each in English and
Hindi.
d) Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall provide a physical copy of the
statement of its scheme portfolio, without charging any cost, on
specific request received from a unitholder.
89 SEBI Cirular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012 and
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/92 dated June 05, 2018
47 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.1.2. The format for monthly portfolio disclosure90 shall be same as that
of half yearly portfolio disclosures. The format91 for disclosure for
monthly and half yearly portfolio is placed at format section.
5.1.3. Mutual funds/AMCs may disclose additional information (such as
ratios, etc.) subject to compliance with the Advertisement Code.
5.1.4. The format for disclosure for monthly and half yearly portfolio is
placed at format section.
5.2 Disclosure of derivatives in Half Yearly Portfolios92
5.2.1 A format93 for the purpose of uniform disclosure of investments
in derivative instruments by Mutual Funds in half yearly portfolio
disclosure, annual report or in any other disclosures is
prescribed.
5.2.2 Further, while listing net assets, the margin amounts paid should
be reported separately under cash or bank balances.
5.3 Unaudited Half Yearly Financials94
5.3.1 The publication of the unaudited half-yearly results shall be made
in line with provisions of the Regulations95, in the format prescribed
in Twelfth Schedule.
5.3.2 The half yearly disclosures96 of the unaudited financial results
on respective website should be made in a user-friendly and
downloadable format (preferably in a spreadsheet).
90 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite Formats
91 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR
No.10/310/01 dated September 25, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/18337/2002 dated
September 19, 2002, SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR 8/132968/2008 dated July 24, 2008
92 SEBI Circular Cir/ IMD/ DF/ 11/ 2010 dated August 18, 2010
93 For formats on disclosure of derivatives, please refer to the section on Formats
94 SEBI Circular MFD/CIR/1/200/2001 dated April 20, 2001 & SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR
No.8/132968/2008 dated July 24, 2008
95 Regulation 59 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
96 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012
48 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.4 Providing Annual Report or Abridged Summary 97
For providing annual report98 or abridged summary thereof, the
following shall be adhered
5.4.1 The scheme wise annual report shall be hosted on the website of the
Mutual Funds/ AMCs and on the website of AMFI. The Mutual
Funds/ AMCs shall display the link prominently on their websites
and make the physical copies available to the unitholders, at their
registered offices at all times.
5.4.2 Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall e-mail the scheme annual reports or
abridged summary thereof to those unitholders, whose email
addresses are registered with the Mutual Fund.
5.4.3 In case of unitholders whose email addresses are not registered with
the Mutual Fund, the Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall undertake an
exercise of communicating to the unitholders, through a letter
enclosing self-addressed envelope enabling unitholders to 'opt-in'
within 30 days, to continue receiving a physical copy of the scheme-
wise annual report or abridged summary thereof.
5.4.4 To ensure that unitholders get sufficient opportunity to communicate
their preference of ‘opt-in’ or ‘opt-out’ with respect to receiving the
annual report or abridged summary thereof in physical copy, Mutual
Funds/ AMCs shall conduct one more round of similar exercise for
those unitholders who have not responded to the ‘opt-in’
communication as stated at paragraph 5.4.3 above, after a period of
not less than 30 days from the date of issuance of the first
communication. Further, a period of 15 days from the date of
97 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR No.8/132968/2008 dated July 24, 2008, Circular
No.Cir/IMD/DF/16/2011 dated September 8, 2011 and SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/92
dated June 05, 2018
98 For format of abridged schemewise report, please refer the section on formats
49 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
issuances of the second communication may be given to unitholders
to exercise their option of ‘opt-in’ or ‘opt-out’.
5.4.5 Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall publish an advertisement every year
disclosing the hosting of the scheme wise annual report on their
respective website and on the website of AMFI and the modes such
as SMS, telephone, email or written request (letter), etc. through
which unitholders can submit a request for a physical or electronic
copy of the scheme wise annual report or abridged summary thereof.
Such advertisement shall be published in the all India edition of at
least two daily newspapers, one each in English and Hindi.
5.4.6 Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall provide a physical copy of the abridged
summary of the Annual Report, without charging any cost, on
specific request received from a unitholder.
5.4.7 The ‘opt-in’ facility to receive physical copy of the scheme-wise
annual report or abridged summary thereof shall be provided in the
application form for new subscribers.
5.4.8 These websites should also be linked with AMFI website so that the
investors and analyst(s) can access the annual reports of all mutual
funds at one place99. However, as per the Regulations100, a copy of
99 SEBI Cir No – MFD/CIR/15/041/2002 dated March 14,2002
100 Regulation 56(1) & 56(3) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
50 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Scheme wise Annual Report shall be also made available to
unitholder(s) on payment of nominal fees.
5.5 Disclosure of large unit holdings101
5.5.1 The number of investors holding over 25 % of the NAV102 in a scheme
and their total holdings in percentage terms shall be disclosed in the
Statement of Accounts issued after the NFO and also in the Half
Yearly and Annual Results103.
5.6 Asset Under Management (AUM) disclosure104
5.6.1 Wherever the Mutual Funds discloses the AUM figures for the fund,
disclosure on bifurcation of the AUM into debt/equity/ balanced etc,
and percentage of AUM by geography (i.e. top 5 cities, next 10 cities,
next 20 cities, next 75 cities and others) shall be made. The Mutual
Funds shall disclose the aforesaid data on their respective websites
& to AMFI and AMFI shall disclose industry wide figures on its
website.
5.6.2 Mutual Funds shall disclose the following on monthly basis on their
website and also share the same with Association of Mutual
Funds in India (AMFI)105:
a. Monthly AAUM106 from different categories of schemes such as
equity schemes, debt schemes, etc.
101 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.3/211/2001 dated April 30, 2001.
, 1 02 For further details, refer Section II – Scheme Governance in the Chapter on Governance
Norms
,1 03 Please refer the section on Formats for requisite formats
104 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011
105 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014
106 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/07/2014 dated April 2, 2014
51 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from B-30107 cities (i.e. other than
top 30 cities as identified by AMFI) and T-30 cities (Top 30 cities).
c. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from sponsor and its associates.
d. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from entities other than sponsor
and its associates.
e. Contribution to Monthly AAUM from investors type (retail,
corporate, etc.) in different scheme type (equity, debt, ETF, etc.).
f. Monthly AAUM garnered through sponsor group/ non-sponsor
group distributors.
g. State-wise/Union Territory-wise contribution to MAAUM.
5.6.3 In order to have a holistic picture, Mutual Fund wise and
consolidated data on the above parameters shall also be disclosed on
AMFI website. The above shall be disclosed as per the format108.
5.6.4 AMCs shall disclose the above on their website (in spreadsheet
format) and forward to AMFI within 7 working days from the end
of the month. AMFI in turn shall disclose the consolidated data in
this regard on its website (in spreadsheet format).
5.7 Commission disclosure109
5.7.1 Mutual Funds / AMCs shall disclose on their respective websites the
total commission and expenses paid to distributors who satisfy one
or more of the following conditions with respect to non-institutional
(retail and HNI) investors:-
5.7.1.1 Multiple point of presence (More than 20 locations)
107 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/16 dated February 02, 2018.
108 For formats, please refer to chapter on Formats
109 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011
52 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.7.1.2 AUM raised over Rs.100 crore across industry in the non
institutional category but including high networth individuals
(HNIs).
5.7.1.3 Commission received of over Rs.1 crore p.a. across industry
5.7.1.4 Commission received of over Rs.50 lakh from a single Mutual
Fund/AMC.
5.7.2 Mutual Fund / AMCs shall, in addition to the total commission and
expenses paid to distributors, make additional disclosures110
regarding distributor-wise gross inflows (indicating whether the
distributor is an associate or group company of the sponsor(s) of the
mutual fund), net inflows, average assets under management and
ratio of AUM to gross inflows on their respective website on an
yearly basis.
In case the data mentioned above suggests that a distributor has an
excessive portfolio turnover ratio, i.e. more than two times the
industry average, AMCs shall conduct additional due-diligence of
such distributors.
5.7.3 Mutual Funds / AMCs shall also submit the data mentioned in
5.7.1 and 5.7.2 to AMFI and the consolidated data in this regard shall
be disclosed on AMFI website.
5.8 Scheme Related Disclosures 111
In order to improve transparency as well as ease of access to Mutual
Fund (MF) scheme related information, it has been decided that: 112
5.8.1 Mutual Funds shall provide the following additional disclosures in
the offer documents (Scheme Information Document (SID) / Key
110 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012.
111 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/42 dated March 18, 2016
112 Effective from June 30, 2016
53 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Information Memorandum (KIM)) of Mutual Fund scheme (for
existing scheme / new scheme, as applicable):
5.8.1.1 The tenure for which the fund manager has been managing
the scheme shall be disclosed, along with the name of
scheme’s fund manager(s);
5.8.1.2 Scheme’s portfolio holdings (top 10 holdings by issuer and
fund allocation towards various sectors), along with a
website link to obtain scheme’s latest monthly portfolio
holding;
5.8.1.3 In case of FoF schemes, expense ratio of underlying
scheme(s);
5.8.1.4 Scheme’s portfolio turnover ratio.
5.8.2 Further, the following additional disclosures shall be provided in SID
of the MF scheme:
5.8.2.1 The aggregate investment in the scheme under the following
categories:
a) AMC’s Board of Directors
b) Concerned scheme’s Fund Manager(s) and
c) Other key managerial personnel.
5.8.2.2 Illustration of impact of expense ratio on scheme’s returns
(by providing simple example).
5.8.3 Separate SID / KIM for each MF scheme managed by AMC shall also
be made available on MFs / AMCs website.
5.8.4 Each MF is required to have a dashboard on their website providing
performance and key disclosures pertaining to each scheme
managed by AMC. The information should include scheme’s AUM,
54 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
investment objective, expense ratios, portfolio details, scheme’s past
performance, among others. Such information shall be provided in a
comparable, downloadable (spreadsheet) and machine readable
format.
5.9 Annual report of the AMC 113
5.9.1 Annual report containing accounts of the asset management
companies should be displayed on the website of the mutual funds.
It should also be mentioned in the annual report of the mutual fund
schemes that the unitholders, if they so desire, may request for a
copy of the annual report of the asset management company.
5.10 Submission of bio data of key personnel114
5.10.1 AMCs are required to submit the bio data of all key personnel to
Trustees and the Board. For this purpose, ‘key personnel’ would be
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), fund manager(s), dealer(s) & heads
of other departments of the AMC115.
5.11 Disclosure Of Executive Remuneration116
With the underlying objective to promote transparency in
remuneration policies so that executive remuneration is aligned with
the interest of investors, MFs /AMCs shall make the following
disclosures pertaining to a financial year on the MF/AMC website
under a separate head – 'Remuneration':
113 MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000
114 IIMARP/CIR /08/845/97 dated May 7,1997,IIMARP/MF/CIR/05/788/97 date April 28,1997
115 For format of bio-data of key personnel, please refer the section on Formats
116 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/42 dated March 18, 2016 and
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/35 dated April 28, 2017
55 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.11.1 Name, designation and remuneration of Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Chief Operations Officer
(COO) or their corresponding equivalent by whatever name called.
5.11.2 Name, designation and remuneration received by top ten
employees in terms of remuneration drawn for that financial year.
5.11.3 Name, designation and remuneration of every employee of
MF/AMC whose:
5.11.3.1 Annual remuneration was equal to or above one crore and
two lakh rupees for that financial year;
5.11.3.2 Monthly remuneration in the aggregate was not less than
eight lakh and fifty thousand rupees per month, if the
employee is employed for a part of that financial year.
5.11.4 The ratio of CEO's remuneration to median remuneration of
MF/AMC employees.
5.11.5 MF's total AAUM, debt AAUM and equity AAUM and rate of growth
over last three years.
For this purpose, remuneration shall mean remuneration as defined in
clause (78) of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013. The AMCs/MFs shall
disclose this information within one month from the end of the respective
financial year (effective from FY 2016-17).
5.12 Disclosure of investor complaints with respect to
Mutual Funds117
5.12.1 Mutual Funds shall disclose118 on their websites, on the AMFI
website as well as in their Annual Reports, details of investor
complaints received by them from all sources. The said details should
117 SEBI Circular No. Cir /IMD/DF/2/2010 dated May 13, 2010
118 For disclosure format please refer to section on Formats.
56 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
be vetted and signed off by the Trustees of the concerned Mutual
Fund.
5.12.2 The Mutual Funds are advised to:
5.12.2.1 Upload the report for the financial year within 2 months of the
close of the financial year.
5.12.2.2 Include the report in their annual reports, as part of the Report of
the Trustees.
5.13 Brokerage and commission paid to associates119
5.13.1 Regulations120 govern payment of brokerage or commission if any, to
the sponsor or any of its associates, employees or their relatives.
5.13.2 Disclosures on brokerage and commission paid to associates/related
parties/group companies of sponsor/Asset Management Company in
the unaudited half yearly financial results, the abridged scheme wise
annual report and the SAI, shall be made in the format as
prescribed121.
5.14 Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall make continuous efforts to update email
ID and mobile number of all unitholders. The said contact details
shall be used for sending e-mails and SMS as envisaged in the
circular. 122
119 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18/198647/2010 dated March 15, 2010
120 Regulation 25 (8) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
121 Please refer to the section on Formats
122 SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/92 dated June 05, 2018
57 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART II – REPORTS
5.15 Monthly Cumulative Report (MCR)123
5.15.1 Date and Mode of Submission:
5.15.1.1 MCR124 shall be submitted to the Board by 3rd working day of each
month by way of an email. Hard copy should also be sent by hand
delivery/courier.
5.15.2 Other Guidelines:
5.15.2.1 Details of the new schemes launched shall be reported in the MCR
for the month in which the allotment is done. For example, if an
NFO closes in the month of July and the allotment is done in the
month of August, then, the details of the new scheme shall be
reported in the MCR for the month of August that will reach SEBI
by 3rd of September.
5.15.2.2 Further, additional report on overseas investment125 by Mutual
Funds in ADRs/GDRs, foreign securities and overseas exchange
traded funds (ETFs) shall also be provided as per the prescribed
format. For format please refer to the section on formats.
123 SEBI circular MFD/CIR/07/206/2001 dated July 19, 2001, SEBI circular No IMD/Cir
No.15/87045/2007 dated February 22, 2007, SEBI circular SEBI/IMD/CIR No 3/124444/08
dated April 30, 2008, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/42 dated March 18,
2016
124 For format of MCR please refer to section on Formats.
125 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR NO 15/87045/07 dated February 22,2007
58 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.15.2.3 Compliance officers of all the Mutual Funds are advised to take
due care while forwarding the MCR data to SEBI. Compliance
Officers shall confirm that the data forwarded is correct and does
not require any revision.
5.16 New Scheme Report (NSR)126
5.16.1 All Mutual Funds shall submit the NSR to SEBI complete in all
respects within 10 working days from the date of allotment in the
prescribed format127.
5.17 Bi–monthly Compliance Test Reports128
5.17.1 AMCs’ shall do exception reporting on a bi-monthly basis. The details
sought in the annexures of the CTR shall be furnished to the Board
in case of non-compliance only along with exception report. This
exception report shall also be placed before the Trustee(s).
5.17.2 The CTRs129 should be submitted by the AMC to the Board once in
every two months so as to reach within 21 days of completion of the
two months period. As a compliance of SEBI Regulations is a
continuous process, AMCs are advised to incorporate the
modifications/additions under the relevant sections of the format,
126 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR NO 13/118899/08 dated February 29, 2008, SEBI Circular
No MFD/CIR/12/16588/02 dated August 28, 2002 & SEBI Circular No
IIMARP/MF/CIR/05/788/97 dated April 28, 1997, SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/10772/93 dated
July 14,1993,
127 For details on format of NSR please refer the section on Formats.
128 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR NO 6/98057/07 dated July 5, 2007, SEBI Circular No
MFD/CIR/11/36222/2005 dated March 16,2005, SEBI Circular No
IIMARP/MF/CIR/10/1076/97 dated June 05,1997 & SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/5/360/2000
dated July 4, 2000,
129For CTR format, please refer the section on Formats.
59 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
based on amendments to the Regulations/guidelines issued in the
future from time to time.
5.18 Annual Statistical Report (ASR)130
5.18.1 AMC should submit the annual statistical report to SEBI in the
prescribed format by 30th of April each year131.
5.19 Daily Transaction Report132
5.19.1 All Mutual Funds shall submit details of transactions in secondary
market on daily basis in the prescribed format133. Accordingly,
Mutual Funds are advised to make necessary arrangements with
their custodians for the submission of reports on a daily basis. The
report is to be submitted to the Board in both hard as well as soft
copy.
5.19.2 It must be ensured by the compliance officers of the custodians as
well as that of Mutual Funds that the information submitted is
correct and reaches the Board by 3.00 p.m. on the following working
day (T+1).
130 IIMARP/CIR /08/845/97 DATED May 7,1997, MFD/CIR/02/110/02 dated April 26,2002, SEBI
Cir No- IMD/CIR No 6/72245/06 dated July 20,2006,
131 For format of ASR refer the section on Formats
Quarterly Movement of Net Assets- SEBI CIR – IIMARP/MF/CIR/05/788/97 dated April 28,
1997 required mutual funds to submit the statement for quarterly movement of net assets.
However, SEBI circular MFD/CIR/12/16588/02 dated August 28,2002 stated that such
Statement of movement of net assets /portfolios are no more to be submitted
132SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/07/384/99 dated December 17, 1999 and MFD/CIR/08/23026/99
dated December 23, 1999
133 For format of daily transaction report, please refer the section on formats
60 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.20 Responsibilities of AMC(s) and Trustees134
5.20.1 All information and documents relating to the compliance process
shall be authenticated and/or adopted by the Board of the AMC(s) to
strengthen the compliance mechanism.
5.20.2 The Trustee(s) shall also review all information and documents
received from the AMC(s) as required under the compliance process.
5.20.3 AMC(s) shall develop a suitable Management Information System for
reporting to the Trustees. The report shall contain specific comments
on all issues related to the operation of the Mutual Fund as
undertaken by the AMC including those provided in the format for
reporting by AMC to Trustees135.
5.20.4 The half-yearly report on the activities of the mutual fund to be
submitted by the trustees to the Board under the Mutual Funds
Regulations136 shall cover all issues mentioned in the prescribed
format as well as any other issue relevant to the operation of the
Mutual Fund137. The Trustees may mention in their report, if they so
desire, that they have relied on the reports obtained from the
independent auditor or internal/ statutory auditors or the
Compliance Officer as the case may be. The report shall mention that
the Trustees have satisfied themselves about the adequacy of
compliance systems in the Mutual Fund.
134SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000, SEBI Circular No.
SEBI/MFD/CIR/10/039/2001 dated February 9, 2001.
135 Please refer the formats section for format for reporting by AMC to Trustees
136 Regulation 18(23)(a) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996
137 For format of Trustee Report, please refer to the formats section.
6<< 1 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.20.5 AMC(s) and the Trustees shall update the reporting formats including
relevant provisions of amendments made to the Mutual Funds
Regulations and/or guidelines and/or circulars issued by the Board
and shall specifically comment on their compliance.
5.21 Filing of Annual Information Return by Mutual
Funds138
5.21.1 Mutual Funds are required to submit the Annual Information Return
under section 285 BA in the Income-tax Act. As per this requirement,
Trustees of Mutual Funds or such other person managing the affairs
of the Mutual Funds (as may be duly authorized by the trustees in
this behalf) have to report specified financial transactions in
electronic media to Income Tax Department giving PAN of the
transacting parties in an Annual Information Return (AIR).
5.21.2 Some common errors in these returns have been pointed out by the
Directorate of Income Tax (Systems) as:
5.21.2.1 Not mentioning PAN or mentioning invalid PAN.
5.21.2.2 Entering incomprehensible/ incomplete names of transacting
parties, e.g. names of 2 or 3 letters.
138 SEBI cir no IMD/CIR No.8/73580/06 dated August 4,2006
It may be noted that Annual Information Returns (AIRs) constitute an important source of
information to Income Tax Department and, as such, it is imperative that the data furnished to
them is complete and accurate in all respects. It is therefore advised that to re-check the
accuracy of the data furnished by your office for the Financial Year 2004-05 and ensure that all
the columns are correctly filled-in and submit a ‘Supplementary Information Report’, if need be,
to the Income Tax Department.
The AIRs for the financial year 2005-2006 are required to be filed before August 31, 2006.
62 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
5.21.2.3 Entering incomprehensible/ incomplete addresses of transacting
parties, e.g. ‘Nil’, ‘N/A’, ‘_’, in all address fields, incomplete postal
addresses, names of buildings split into separate fields, names of
two cities in address fields, wrong PIN codes, etc.
5.21.2.4 Incorrect district and state codes.
5.21.2.5 Incorrect transaction codes.
5.21.2.6 Wrongly showing transaction as of ‘Govt.’ party.
5.21.3 In this regard, AIRs are required to be filed only by the Mutual Fund
and no separate AIR has to be furnished for each scheme of the
Mutual Fund.
63 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 6
GOVERNANCE NORMS
PART I - FUND GOVERNANCE
6.1 Formation of Audit and Valuation Committees by the
Trustees and/or AMC139
6.1.1 Audit Committee
6.1.1.1 Trustees shall constitute an audit committee, comprising of the
Trustees and chaired by an Independent Trustee to review the
internal audit systems and recommendations of the internal and
statutory audit reports and ensure that the rectifications as
suggested by internal and external auditors are acted upon.
6.1.2 Valuation Committee
6.1.2.1 The AMC shall constitute an in-house valuation committee
consisting of senior executives including personnel from accounts,
fund management and compliance departments. This committee
shall, on a regular basis review the systems and practices of
valuation of securities.
139 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/2000 dated January 17, 2000.
6< 4 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.2 Review and Reporting of Transactions140
6.2.1 Reporting of transactions
6.2.1.1 Transaction(s) by directors of the AMC
a. Directors of the AMC shall file with the trustees on a quarterly basis
details of transactions in securities exceeding Rs.1 lac141.
6.2.1.2 Trustee(s) Directors
a. Trustees are required to report to Mutual Funds only those
transactions in securities that exceed Rs.1 lac in value142.
6.2.2 Review of transactions
6.2.2.1 Trustees shall review all transactions of the Mutual Fund with the
associates as defined below on a regular basis and ensure that
Regulations are complied with143.
6.3 Role of Independent Director on the Board of the AMC
and Independent Trustees144
6.3.1 An Independent Trustee shall not be associated in any manner with
the Sponsor(s)145. The independent directors on the Board of the
140 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR No.010/024/2000 dated January 17, 2000, SEBI Circular No.
SEBI/MFD/CIR/10/039/2001 dated February 9, 2001.
1 41 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR/10/039/2001 dated February 9, 2001.
1 42 Regulation 18(11) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996 and SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000.
143 Regulations 18(6) and 18(7) of SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996 and SEBI Circular
No. MFD/CIR No.010/024/2000 dated January 17, 2000.
,1, 44 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/11/354/2001 dated December 20, 2001, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/13/16799/2002 dated August 29, 2002, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/17/21105/2002 dated October 28, 2002.
145 Regulation 16(5) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
6 5 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
AMC shall not be associate of, or associated in any manner with, the
sponsor or any of its subsidiaries or the trustees146.
6.3.2 An ‘associate’ shall be defined as:
6.3.2.1 Relatives147 of Sponsor(s) or directors of the Sponsor Company or
relatives of Associate Directors of the AMC(s) and Trustee.
6.3.2.2 Persons providing any type of professional service to the Mutual
Funds, the AMC and the Trustees and the Sponsor(s). Also, persons
having a material pecuniary relationship with the above mentioned
entities that may, in the judgment of the Trustees, affect their
independence.
6.3.2.3 Nominees of the companies who are stakeholders in the Sponsor
company or AMC(s) (even if they are not deemed sponsors by virtue
of holding less than 40% of net worth of AMC(s)).
6.3.3 Cooling off Period
6.3.4 An “Associate”148 as defined above cannot be appointed as
Independent Director even after he ceases to be an “Associate”
unless a cooling off period of three years has elapsed from the date
of his disassociation.
6.3.5 Mutual Funds are required to have a minimum of 50 per cent and
two-third independent directors on the Board of the AMC(s) and
Trustees respectively149. In case the composition of the directors
does not meet these requirements, Mutual Funds are required to
146 Regulation 21(d) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
147 As defined under Section 6 of the Companies Act 1956
148 Regulation 2(c) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
< 1 49 Regulation 21(d) and Regulation 16(5) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
66 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
inform the Board along with the steps proposed to ensure
compliance.
6.3.6 AMC(s) or Trustees shall appoint Independent Directors in place of
the resigning director(s) within a period of 3 months from the date
of resignation. Where Mutual Funds are unable to meet this time
limit, they shall report to the Board explaining the reasons for non
compliance. Mutual Funds may maintain a panel of eligible persons
who can be appointed as Independent Directors150 as and when
required. They may also consider appointing more than the required
minimum number of Independent Directors to enhance the
standards of corporate governance and also to meet the regulatory
requirements in case of resignation of an independent director.
6.3.7 On appointment of new directors of the AMC or Trustee, their bio-
data151 shall be filed with the Board for information or approval
respectively.
6.4 Tenure of independent trustees and independent
directors152
6.4.1 Regulation 16 (5) and Regulation 21 (1) (d) of SEBI (Mutual
Funds) Regulations, 1996 mandate appointment of independent
trustees of MFs(“independent trustees”) and independent
directors of AMCs(“independent directors”) respectively. With
respect to tenure of independent trustees and independent
directors, it has been decided that:
6.4.1.1 An independent trustee and independent director shall hold
office for a maximum of 2 terms with each term not exceeding
a period of 5 consecutive years.
150 For biodata of directors (AMC and Trustee), please refer to section on Formats
151 For biodata of directors (AMC and Trustee), please refer to section on Formats
152 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/125 dated November 30, 2017.
67 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.4.1.2 No independent trustee or independent director shall hold office
for more than two consecutive terms, however such individuals
shall be eligible for re-appointment after a cooling-off period of 3
years. During the cooling-off period, such individuals should not
be associated with the concerned MF, AMC & its subsidiaries and
/ or sponsor of AMC in any manner whatsoever.
6.4.1.3 Existing independent trustees and independent directors shall
hold office for a maximum of 10 years (including all preceding
years for which such individual has held office). In this respect,
the following may be noted:
a. Individuals who have held office for less than 9 years (as on
November 30, 2017) may continue for the residual period of
service.
b. Individuals who have held office for 9 years or more (as on
November 30, 2017) may comply the aforesaid provision in a phase
manner, within a period of 2 years. 153
c. Such individuals shall subsequently be eligible for re-appointment
after a cooling-off period of 3 years, in terms of Para 6.4.1.1
and Para 6.4.1.2 above.
6.5 Auditors of Mutual Funds154:
6.5.1 The auditor of a MF, appointed in terms of Regulation 55 (1)
of SEBI (MFs) Regulations shall be a firm, including a limited
liability firm, constituted under the LLP Act, 2008.
6.5.2 Period of appointment: With respect to appointment of auditors
in terms of Regulation 55 (1) of SEBI (MFs) Regulation, 1996, it
has been decided that:
153 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/19 dated February 07, 2018.
154 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/125 dated November 30, 2017.
68 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.5.2.1 No MF shall appoint an auditor for more than 2 terms of maximum
five consecutive years. Such auditor may be re-appointed after
cooling off period of 5 years.
6.5.2.2 Further, during the cooling-off period of five years, the incoming
auditor may not include:
a. Any firm that has common partner(s) with the outgoing audit
firm
b. Any associate / affiliate firm(s) of the outgoing audit firm
which are under the same network of audit firms wherein
the term “same network” includes the firms operating or
functioning, hitherto or in future, under the same brand name,
trade name or common control.
6.5.2.3 Existing auditors may be appointed for a maximum of 10
years(including all preceding years for which an auditor has been
appointed in terms of Regulation 55 (1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulation, 1996). In this respect, the following may be noted:
a. Auditors who have conducted audit of the Mutual Fund for less
than 9 years (as on November 30, 2017) may continue for the
residual period of service.
b. Auditors who have conducted audit of the Mutual Fund
for 9 years or more may continue till the end of F.Y. 2018-
19155.
c. Such auditors shall subsequently be eligible for re-
appointment after a cooling-off period of 5 years, in terms
of Para 6.5.2.1 and Para 6.5.2.2.
155 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/19 dated February 07, 2018.
69 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.6 Investment and/or for / Trading in Securities by the
employees of the AMC(s) and Trustee(s)156
The guidelines enumerated below specify the minimum requirements
that have to be followed. The AMC(s) and Trustees are free to set more
stringent norms for investment and/or trading in securities by their
employees. The Board of the AMC and Trustees shall ensure
compliance with these Guidelines on a continuous basis and shall
report any violations and remedial action taken by them in the
periodical reports submitted to the Board157.
6.6.1 Guidelines for Investment and/or Trading in Securities by Employees
of AMC(s) and Trustees:
6.6.1.1 Applicability
a. These Guidelines shall be applicable to all employees of AMC(s)
and Trustees and shall form a part of the Code of Conduct for
employees adopted by the AMC(s) and/or Trustees. New
employees shall be bound by these Guidelines from the date of
joining the AMC(s) and/or Trustees.
b. These Guidelines shall cover transactions for sale or purchase
of securities made158:
i. In the name of employees, either individually or
jointly,
156 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.4/216/2001 dated May 8, 2001, SEBI Circular No.
SEBI/IMD/CIR No.7/13391/03 dated July 11, 2003.
157 Regulation 25(9) & 23(b) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996
158 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/124 dated November 17, 2016.
70 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
ii. In the name of the employees’ spouse,
iii. As a member of HUF,
iv. In the name of employees’ parent, sibling and child of
such employee or of the spouse, any of whom is
either dependent financially on such employee, or
consults such employee in taking decisions relating to
trading in securities.
6.6.1.2 The objectives and principles of these Guidelines are:
a. To ensure that all securities transactions made by employees
in their personal capacity are conducted in consonance with
these Guidelines and in such manner as to avoid any actual or
potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s
position of trust and responsibility.
b. The employees of AMC(s) and Trustees especially Access
Persons shall not take undue advantage of any price sensitive
information that they may have about any company. Access
Person for the purpose of these Guidelines shall mean the
Head of the AMC (designated as CEO/Managing
Director/President or by any other name), the Fund
Managers, Dealers, Research Analysts, all employees in the
Fund Operations Department, Compliance Officer and Heads
of all divisions and/or departments or any other employee as
decided by the AMC(s) and/or Trustees.
c. To guide employees of AMC(s) and Trustees in maintaining a
high standard of probity that one would expect from an
employee in a position of responsibility.
71 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.6.2 General
6.6.2.1 Investments Covered:
a. 159 These Guidelines cover transactions for purchase or sale
of any securities such as shares, debentures, bonds,
warrants, derivatives and units of schemes floated by
Mutual Funds / AMCs where the concerned persons (in
terms of the applicability stated at 6.6.1.1 (a) above) are
employed.
b. These Guidelines do not apply to the following investments
by the employees:
1. Investments in fixed deposits with banks/financial
institutions/companies, life insurance policies,
provident funds (including public provident fund)
or Investment in savings schemes such as
National Savings Certificates, National Savings
Schemes, Kisan Vikas Patra, or any other
similar investment.
2. Investments of a non-financial nature such as gold
etc., where there is no likely conflict between the
Mutual Fund’s interest and the employees’ interest.
3. Investments in government securities, money market
instruments, money market mutual fund schemes,
liquid schemes and schemes floated by other
Mutual Funds/ AMCs..
159 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/124 dated November 17, 2016.
72 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.6.2.2 No employee shall pass on information to anybody inducing him
to buy/sell securities which are being bought and/or sold by the
Mutual Fund of which the AMC is the investment manager.
6.6.2.3 Prior approval of personal investment transactions:
a. All access persons except Compliance Officer shall apply in
the form prescribed by the AMC(s) and/or Trustees to the
Compliance Officer for prior approval of transactions for sale
or purchase of securities other than those expressly stated to
be exempt under these guidelines. The Compliance Officer
shall apply to the Head of the AMC(s). The decision of the
Compliance Officer shall be final and binding on the
employee.
b. In these Guidelines, in the case of the Compliance Officer’s
own transactions for purchase or sale of securities or
disclosure or any other related matter, the term "Compliance
Officer" wherever it appears, shall be read as "Head of the
AMC."
c. The Compliance Officer may coordinate with the Fund
Management Department of the Mutual Fund, wherever
necessary, to clear requests of investment and/or trading in
securities by the employees.
d. The approval of Compliance Officer for carrying out a
transaction of sale or purchase of a security by the
access person shall not be valid for more than 7 trading
days from the date of approval. If a transaction approved
by the Compliance Officer has not been effected within 7
trading days from the date of its approval, the access
person shall be required to obtain approval once again
73 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
from Compliance Officer prior to effecting the
transaction160.
e. If a transaction approved by Compliance Officer has not been
effected within seven161 calendar days from the date of its
approval, the access person shall be required to obtain
approval once again from Compliance Officer prior to
effecting the transaction.
f. All employees shall refrain from profiting from the purchase
and sale or sale and purchase of any security within a period
of 30 calendar days from the date of their personal
transaction162. However, in cases where it is done, the
employee shall provide a suitable explanation to the
Compliance Officer, which shall be reported to the Board of
the AMC and the Trustees at the time of review.
6.6.3 Investments in Shares and/or Debentures and/or Bonds and/or
Warrants and/or Derivatives
Investments in securities shall broadly be classified into investments
through (a) primary markets and (b) secondary markets.
6.6.3.1 Investments through the primary markets:
a. An employee including access person is permitted to apply to a
public issue of shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or
warrants of any company, as long as the application is made in
the normal course of the public issue. Such an application may
be made without seeking the clearance from the Compliance
160 SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/124 dated November 17, 2016
161 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009
162 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.7/13391/03 dated July 11, 2003.
74 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Officer. Employees of AMC(s) and Trustees are prohibited from
applying in any reserved quota such as promoters’ quota,
employees’ quota etc. Employees shall not participate in any
private placement of equity by any company.
b. Notwithstanding anything stated in (a) above, an employee of
an AMC(s) and/or Trustees may apply for shares and/or
debentures and/or bonds and/or warrants in a preferential
offer, in cases where such a preferential offer is being made by
a company that belongs to the same industrial group as the
company in which the employee already has an investment,
provided that such a preferential offer is made to all
shareholders and/or debenture holders of such companies.
Details of such applications made shall be intimated to the
Compliance Officer.
c. The employees of the AMC(s) and/or Trustees including access
person may apply for any rights offer of any company in which
they are already shareholders. Applications for additional rights
(over and above the normal rights entitlement) shares may be
made by the employees including access person without getting
the clearance from the Compliance Officer. An employee
including access person may also sell and/or renounce his
rights entitlement without getting the clearance from the
Compliance Officer. However, if an access person wishes to
purchase the “Rights renunciations” he shall get the clearance
of the Compliance Officer for the same. Such purchases shall
be done only at market prices. Details of any applications made
in any rights issue, whether in the normal course, or through
purchase of rights renunciations, shall be intimated to the
Compliance Officer.
75 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.6.3.2 Investments through the secondary markets:
a. An access person who wishes to make a secondary market
transaction shall submit a written application to that effect to
the Compliance Officer. Such an application shall specify the
name of the company whose securities the employee wishes to
buy and/or sell, type of security, and the number of shares
and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or warrants and/or
derivatives that the access person wishes to buy/sell.
b. The Compliance Officer shall clear these requests if the
following conditions are met:
1. If the shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or
warrants of the company or derivatives specified by the
access person are not held by any scheme of the Mutual
Fund of which the AMC is the investment manager;
2. 163If the shares and/or debentures and/or bonds and/or
warrants of the company or derivatives specified by the
employee are held by any Scheme of the Mutual Fund of
which the AMC is the investment manager, there should
be a "cooling off" period of 15 calendar days. The
Compliance Officer shall ensure that the last
transaction in that particular security was done by
the Mutual Fund at least 15 calendar days prior to
the date of the written application by the access
person. In other words, an application for a purchase
/sale transaction on a personal basis would be cleared
only if the Mutual Fund has not transacted in that
particular security for at least 15 calendar days. However,
163 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/124 dated November 17, 2016.
76 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
trades executed pursuant to a trading plan submitted by
the employees in terms of SEBI (PIT) Regulations,
2015, shall be exempt from the requirement of a
“cooling off” period, provided that such trading plan:
i. Is in compliance with the norms prescribed in SEBI
(PIT) Regulations, 2015.
ii. Is publicly disclosed on the website of the concerned
Mutual Fund
The Compliance Officer shall also properly monitor
trades of the MF scheme and that of the access
person, as per the trading plan, in order to ensure
that such trading plan does not entail trading in
securities for market abuse.
c. The Compliance Officer shall keep a track of the transactions of the
employees and transactions of the Mutual Fund to ensure that there
is no conflict of interest between them i.e. the Compliance Officer
should track whether the Mutual Fund has transacted in the same
securities either before or after the employee’s transaction(s).
d. The Compliance Officer shall maintain a record of all requests for pre
clearance regarding the purchase or sale of a security, including the
date of the request, the name of the access person, the details of the
proposed transaction and whether the request was approved or
denied and waivers given, if any, and its reasons.
e. No employee shall purchase any security (including derivatives) on a
“Carry Forward” basis or indulge in “Short Sale” of any security
(including derivatives) i.e. employees who effect any purchase
transaction(s) shall ensure that they take delivery of the securities
purchased, before selling them.
77 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
f. Any transaction of Front Running by any employee directly or
indirectly is strictly prohibited. For this purpose, “Front Running”
means any transaction of purchase and/or sale of a security carried
by any employee whether for self or for any other person, knowing
fully well that the AMC also intends to purchase and/or sell the same
security for its Mutual Fund operations. To ascertain that the
employee had no prior knowledge of the Mutual Fund's intended
transactions, the Compliance Officer may take a declaration in this
regard from the employee. Such declaration may be included in the
application form itself.
g. Any transaction of self dealing by any employee either directly or
indirectly, whether alone or in concert with another person is
prohibited. For this purpose, “Self Dealing’ means trading in the
securities based on price sensitive information to which the employee
has access by virtue of his office. Declaration to this effect may be
taken from the employee while clearing the proposals for investment.
h. The employees shall not insist or suggest to the concerned brokers to
charge reduced brokerage, or accept any contract with a clause on
reduced brokerage charge.
6.6.4 Investments in units of Mutual Fund Schemes
6.6.4.1 Access persons as well as other employees do not require prior
permission of the Compliance Officer for purchase or sale of units of
Mutual Fund schemes. However, details of each such transaction,
excluding transactions in Money Market Mutual Fund schemes and
78 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
liquid schemes164 shall be reported by them to the Compliance
Officer within 7 calendar days from the date of transaction.
6.6.4.2 In case of investments in SIP of any Mutual Fund scheme, the
employees may report only at the time of making the first installment
of the SIP.
6.6.4.3 Notwithstanding anything mentioned earlier, in the following cases
employees of AMC & Trustees shall not purchase or sell /or
repurchase or redeem units of any scheme, including Money Market
Mutual Fund scheme and liquid scheme165 of their Mutual Fund:
a. There is a likelihood of a change in the investment objectives of
the concerned Mutual Fund Scheme(s) and this has not been
communicated to the investors;
b. There is a likelihood of a rights and/or bonus issue in the
concerned Mutual Fund Scheme(s) and this has not been
communicated to the investors;
c. The concerned Mutual Fund Scheme is contemplating to issue
dividend to the unit holders and this has not been
communicated to the investors;
d. There is a likelihood of a change in the accounting policy, or
a significant change in the valuation of any asset, or class of
assets and the same has not been communicated to the
investors;
e. There is a likelihood of conversion of a close ended scheme to
an open ended scheme and vice versa and this has not been
communicated to the investors.
164 SEBI/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014
165 SEBI/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014
79 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.6.5 Periodic Disclosures
6.6.5.1 All access persons shall submit, in the form prescribed by the
Mutual Fund of which the AMC is the investment manager, details
of their personal transactions of purchase or sale of securities to the
Compliance Officer. The details to be submitted are as follows:
a. Details of transactions effected for purchase and/or sale of
securities including transactions in rights entitlements through
the secondary market within 7 calendar days from the date of
transaction;
b. Details of allotment received against application for public and
rights issues within 7 calendar days from the date of receipt of
the allotment advice;
c. A statement of holding in securities as on March 31 within 30
calendar days from the end of every financial year ending March
31.
6.6.5.2 All employees other than access persons shall submit, in the form
prescribed by the Mutual Fund, to the Compliance Officer:
a. Details of each of their transactions for purchase or sale of
securities including allotment in public and rights issues within
7 calendar days.
b. A statement of holding in securities as on March 31 within 30
calendar days from the end of every financial year ending March
31.
80 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. A declaration shall also be included in the reporting form on
the lines of clause 6.6.3.2. (f) and 6.6.3.2 (g) regarding Front
Running and Self Dealing.
6.6.6 Review by the Board of Directors of AMC and the Trustee(s)
6.6.6.1 The Board of the AMC and the Trustees shall review the compliance
of these Guidelines in their periodic meetings. They shall review the
existing procedures and recommend changes in procedures based
on the AMCs experience, industry practices and/or developments in
applicable laws and regulations. They shall report compliance and
any violations and remedial action taken by them in their reports
submitted to the Board.
6.6.7 For ease of reference these provisions are consolidated and provided
at Annexure 7.
6.7 Applicability of Insider Trading Regulations166
6.7.1 Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider
Trading) Regulations, 2015 shall be followed strictly by the Trustees,
Asset Management Companies and their employees and directors.
6.8 Responsibilities of AMC & Trustees167
6.8.1 For effective discharge of their responsibilities under the Mutual
Funds Regulations, the AMC(s) shall provide infrastructure and
administrative support to the Trustees. The Mutual Fund may
166 SEBI Cir MFD/CIR/05/432/2002 June 20, 2002 and SEBI Cir
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/124 dated November 17, 2016
167 MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000
81 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
decide to appoint independent auditors and/or may have separate
full fledged administrative set up for the Trustees. However, the
expenditure incurred in this regard shall be within the limits as
specified in Regulation 52(6) of the Mutual Funds Regulations.
AMC(s) shall place correspondence and reports submitted to SEBI
before the Trustees.
82 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART II -SCHEME GOVERNANCE
6.9 Minimum Number of investors168
6.9.1 Applicability for an open-ended scheme
6.9.1.1 The Scheme/Plan shall have:
a. a minimum of 20 investors and
b. no single investor shall account for more than 25% of the
corpus of the Scheme/Plan(s).
6.9.1.2 If either/both of such limit(s) is breached during the NFO of the
Scheme, it shall be ensured that within a period of three months
or the end of the succeeding calendar quarter from the close of
the NFO of the Scheme, whichever is earlier, the Scheme
complies with these two conditions.
6.9.1.3 In case the Scheme / Plan(s) does not have a minimum of 20
investors in the stipulated period, the provisions of Regulation169
would become applicable automatically without any reference
from SEBI and accordingly the Scheme / Plan(s) shall be wound
up and the units would be redeemed at applicable NAV.
6.9.1.4 If there is a breach of the 25% limit by any investor over the
quarter, a rebalancing period of one month would be allowed
and thereafter the investor who is in breach of the rule shall be
given 15 days notice to redeem his exposure over the 25 % limit.
Failure on the part of the said investor to redeem his exposure
168 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.10/22701/03 dated December 12, 2003, SEBI Circular
No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.1/42529/05 dated June 14, 2005.
< 1 <, 69 Regulation 39(2)(c) of the SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996
83 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
over the 25 % limit within the aforesaid 15 days would lead to
automatic redemption by the Mutual Fund on the applicable Net
Asset Value on the 15th day of the notice period.
6.9.1.5 The two conditions mentioned above shall also be complied
within each subsequent calendar quarter thereafter, on an
average basis, as specified by SEBI.
6.9.1.6 The Fund shall adhere to the requirements prescribed by SEBI
from time to time in this regard.
6.9.2 Applicability for a Close ended scheme/Interval scheme
6.9.2.1 The Scheme(s) and individual Plan(s) under the Scheme(s) shall
have:
a. A minimum of 20 investors and
b. No single investor shall account for more than 25% of the
corpus of the Scheme(s)/Plan(s).
6.9.2.2 These conditions will be complied with immediately after the
close of the NFO itself i.e. at the time of allotment.
6.9.2.3 In case of non-fulfillment with the condition of minimum 20
investors, the Scheme(s)/Plan(s) shall be wound up in
accordance with Regulation170 automatically without any
reference from SEBI.
6.9.2.4 In case of non-fulfillment with the condition of 25% holding by
a single investor on the date of allotment, the application to the
extent of exposure in excess of the stipulated 25% limit would
be liable to be rejected and the allotment would be effective only
170 Reg. 39 (2) (c) of SEBI (MF) Regulations, 1996
84 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
to the extent of 25% of the corpus collected. Consequently, such
exposure over 25% limits will lead to refund within 6 weeks of
the date of closure of the New Fund Offer.
6.9.2.5 For interval scheme the aforesaid provision will be applicable at
the end of NFO and specified transaction period.
6.9.2.6 Requisite disclosure in this regard shall be made in the SID.
6.9.3 Determination of breach:
6.9.3.1 The average shall be calculated, at the end of each quarter, on
the basis of number of investors at the end of the business hours
of the scheme on a daily basis.
6.9.3.2 To determine breach of 25% holding limit by an investor, net
assets under the scheme shall be calculated daily and the daily
holding limit shall be determined accordingly. At the end of the
quarter, average daily holding by each investor shall be
calculated and any breach of the 25% holding limit will be
accordingly determined.
6.9.4 Applicability
6.9.4.1 These Guidelines are applicable at the Portfolio level.
6.9.4.2 These Guidelines are not applicable to Exchange Traded Funds
(ETFs).
6.9.5 Redemptions
6.9.5.1 Redemptions effected pursuant to these Guidelines shall be
completed within 10 days from the day of winding up of the
scheme(s) and/or plan(s).
85 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.9.6 Reporting to the Board
6.9.6.1 Compliance with these Guidelines shall be reported in
Compliance Test Reports (CTRs) and Half Yearly Trustee
Reports.
6.10 Minimum Assets under Management (AUM) of Debt
Oriented Schemes 171
6.10.1 It has been observed that many debt oriented schemes are operating
with a very low AUM. In the interest of investors, it is important
that debt oriented schemes have an adequate corpus to ensure
adherence to the investment objectives as stated in Scheme
Information Document and compliance with investment
restrictions specified under SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations,
1996.
6.10.2 In this regard, it has been decided that:
a) The minimum subscription amount of debt oriented and
balanced schemes at the time of new fund offer shall be at least 20
crore and that of other schemes shall be at least 10 crore.
b) An average AUM of 20 crore on half yearly rolling basis shall
be maintained for open ended debt oriented schemes.
c) The existing open ended debt oriented schemes shall comply
with point (b) stated above within one year from the date of
issue of this circular.
d) In case of breach of points (b) and (c) above, the AMC shall scale up
the AUM of such scheme within a period of six months so as
to comply with point (b) stated above, failing which the
provisions of Regulation 39 (2) (c) of SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulations, 1996 would become applicable.
171 SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/15/2014 dated June 20, 2014
86 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
e) The confirmation on compliance of the above shall be reported
to SEBI in the Half Yearly Trustee Reports.
6.11 Scheme Performance Review
6.11.1 AMCs and Trustees shall review the performance of their schemes
on periodic basis172. Such review can take place by comparing the
performance of the schemes with benchmark indices as well as in
light of the performance of the entire Mutual Funds industry by
relying on data published from time to time by independent research
agencies and financial newspapers and journals. Corrective action
if required may be taken in case of unsatisfactory performance. Its
compliance should be reported in the bimonthly CTRs of AMCs and
half-yearly reports of the Trustees to SEBI (while reporting
compliance of Regulation 25(2) on exercise of due diligence in
investment decisions).
6.12 Benchmarking of Scheme's performance to Total Return
Index173
6.12.1 Total Return variant of an Index (TRI) takes into account all
dividends/ interest payments that are generated from the basket of
constituents that make up the index in addition to the capital gains.
172 SEBI Circular No. dated July 27, 2000 & SEBI Cir 16/400/02 dated March 26, 2002.
173 SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2018/04 dated January 04, 2018.
87 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Hence, TRI is more appropriate as a benchmark to compare the
performance of mutual fund schemes.
6.12.2 With an objective to enable the investors to compare the
performance of a scheme vis-a-vis an appropriate benchmark, it has
been decided that -
6.12.2.1 Selection of a benchmark for the scheme of a mutual fund shall
be in alignment with the investment objective, asset allocation
pattern and investment strategy of the scheme.
6.12.2.2 The performance of the schemes of a mutual fund shall be
benchmarked to the Total Return variant of the Index chosen as
a benchmark as stated in para 6.12.2.1 above
6.12.2.3 (i) Mutual funds shall use a composite CAGR figure of the
performance of the PRI benchmark (till the date from which TRI
is available) and the TRI (subsequently) to compare the
performance of their scheme in case TRI is not available for that
particular period(s).
(ii) The calculation of composite CAGR is elaborated with an
example in the following paragraph.
For instance, ABC scheme had been launched on August 2,
1995. The benchmark PRI values are available from the date of
inception of the fund. The benchmark TRI values are available
from June 30, 1999. The calculation of a composite benchmark
performance return in CAGR terms would be as given below:
88 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
1
(Time period from the
last day of the month
preceding the date of
advertisement – date of
inception of the
scheme)
-1
Benchmark PRI value as on date of Benchmark TRI value as on last day of the
introduction of TRI value . month preceding the date of advertisement
X
Benchmark PRI value as on date of Benchmark TRI value as on date of
inception of the scheme introduction of TRI value
The aforesaid is explained with an example:
Example: Consolidated Benchmark CAGR (PRI and TRI)
Date Benchmark PRI values Benchmark TRI values
02/08/1995 1007.57
30/06/1999 1187.70 1256.38
30/11/2017 10226.55 13966.58
CAGR 12.20%
Thus, in the above example (for advertisements in the month of December, 2017 the last
of the preceding month would be November 30, 2017),
CAGR= [(1187.70/1007.57)*(13966.58/1256.38) ^ (1/22.3452)]-1
[1 year= 365 days]
CAGR= 12.20%
(iii) Mutual funds shall use the composite CAGR as explained above, subject to
making the following disclosure:
*As TRI data is not available since inception of the scheme, benchmark performance
is calculated using composite CAGR of XYZ (name of the benchmark index) PRI values
from date.... to date... and TRI values since date...."
6.12.3 This circular is applicable to all schemes of Mutual Funds with effect from
February 1, 2018.
89 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART III -SYSTEMS AUDIT OF MUTUAL FUNDS174
6.13 Mutual funds shall have a systems audit conducted by an independent
CISA/CISM qualified or equivalent auditor.
6.14 The systems audit should be comprehensive encompassing audit of
systems and processes inter alia related to examination of integration
of front office system with the back office system, fund accounting
system for calculation of net asset values, financial accounting and
reporting system for the AMC, Unit-holder administration and
servicing systems for customer service, funds flow process, system
processes for meeting regulatory requirements, prudential investment
limits and access rights to systems interface.
6.15 Mutual Funds/ AMCs should get the above systems audit conducted
once in two years.
6.16 The Systems Audit Report and compliance status should be placed
before the Trustees of the mutual fund.
6.17 The systems audit report/findings along with trustee comments
should be communicated to SEBI.
6.18 For the financial years April 2008 – March 2010, the systems audit
should be completed by September 30, 2010.
174 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 9/176988/2009 dated September 16, 2009
90 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART IV – ROLE OF MUTUAL FUNDS IN CORPORATE
GOVERNANCE OF PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES175
6.19 MFs should play an active role in ensuring better corporate governance
of listed companies.
6.20 AMCs shall disclose their general policies and procedures for
exercising the voting rights in respect of shares held by them on the
website of the respective AMC as well as in the annual report
distributed to the unit holders from the financial year 2010-11.
6.21 AMCs are required to disclose on the website of the respective AMC as
well as in the annual report distributed to the unit holders from the
financial year 2010-11, the actual exercise of their proxy votes in the
AGMs/EGMs of the investee companies in respect of the following
matters.
6.21.1 Corporate governance matters, including changes in the state of
incorporation, merger and other corporate restructuring, and anti-
takeover provisions
6.21.2 Changes to capital structure, including increases and decreases of
capital and preferred stock issuances.
6.21.3 Stock option plans and other management compensation issues;
6.21.4 Social and corporate responsibility issues.
6.21.5 Appointment and Removal of Directors.
6.21.6 Any other issue that may affect the interest of the shareholders in
general and interest of the unit-holders in particular.
175 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010
91 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
6.22 AMCs shall be required to record and disclose specific rationale
supporting their voting decision (for, against or abstain) with
respect to each vote proposal176.
6.23 AMCs shall additionally be required to publish summary of the votes
cast across all its investee company and its break-up in terms of total
number of votes cast in favor, against or abstained from.
6.24 AMCs shall be required to make disclosure of votes cast on their
website (in spreadsheet format) on a quarterly basis, within 10
working days from the end of the quarter. Further, AMCs shall
continue disclosing voting details in their annual report. The votes
cast by the Mutual Funds may be given in the revised format177 for
disclosure of vote cast in respect of resolutions passed in general
meetings of the investee companies and in the format178 for
presenting summary of votes cast.
6.25 Further, on an annual basis, AMCs shall be required to obtain
certification on the voting reports being disclosed by them. Such
certification shall be obtained from a “scrutinizer” in terms of Rule 20
(3) (ix) of Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014
and any future amendment/s to the said Rules thereof. The same shall
be submitted to the trustees and also disclosed in the relevant portion
of the Mutual Funds' annual report & website. 179
6.26 Board of AMCs and Trustees of Mutual Funds shall be required to
review and ensure that AMCs have voted on important decisions that
may affect the interest of investors and the rationale recorded for
vote decision is prudent and adequate. The confirmation to the
176 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014
177 For formats, please refer to chapter on Formats
178 For formats, please refer to chapter on Formats
179 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/68 dated August 10, 2016
92 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
same, along with any adverse comments made by auditors, shall
have to be reported to SEBI in the half yearly trustee reports.
6.27 The format180 for disclosure of voting by mutual funds in general
meetings of listed companies is provided.
180 For disclosure of voting by mutual funds in general meetings of listed companies, please
refer to the section on formats
93 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 7
SECONDARY MARKET ISSUES
7.1 Non Applicability of Listing Deposit181
7.1.1 The requirement of collecting listing deposit as specified under
Circular Letter No. SE/12936 dated April 6, 1992 shall not be
applicable to Mutual Fund schemes seeking listing on the Stock
Exchanges.
7.2 Payment of Margins182
7.2.1 The applicable margins shall be paid as per the guidelines issued by
SEBI and as directed by stock exchanges from time to time.
7.3 Unique Client Codes183
7.3.1 Mutual Funds are not permitted to operate in the securities market
without furnishing a valid Unique Client Code (UCC).184 Mutual Funds
are required to obtain UCC from the Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd.
(BSE) or The National Stock Exchange Ltd. (NSE) whenever a new
scheme(s) or plan(s) (wherever the portfolio of the plans is different) is
181 SEBI Circular No. SMD-II(N)/2113/94 dated April 12, 1994. Further, in this regard, circulars
issued by SEBI from time to time may be considered.
<1 82 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/230/2001 dated August 14, 2001
183 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.8/290/01 dated July 30, 2001, SEBI Circular No.
SEBI/SMD/SE/11/2003/31/03 dated March 31, 2003, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR
No.01/1756/04 dated January 27, 2004, SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/SE/Cir-35/2004
dated October 26, 2004, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/46603/05 dated August
10, 2005. Further, in this regard, circulars issued by SEBI from time to time may be
considered
184 SEBI Circular No. SMDRP/Policy/Cir-39/2001 dated July 18, 2001.
9 4 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
launched185. Such UCC should be obtained before commencing the
trading on behalf of the scheme(s)/plan(s). At the time of entering an
order, the UCC pertaining to the parent Mutual Fund shall be provided
and the allocation to individual schemes shall be done in the post
closing session.186 The UCC can be shared with the unit holders to
facilitate tax benefits linked to payment of Securities Transaction Tax
(STT).
7.4 Trading in Exchange Traded Derivatives Contracts187
7.4.1 For trading in Exchange Traded Derivatives Contracts, following
should be observed:
7.4.1.1 Mutual Fund schemes can participate in derivatives market as per
the guidelines issued by SEBI in this regard from time to time.188
7.4.1.2 The Mutual Funds shall be treated at par with a registered FII in
respect of position limits in index futures, index options, stock
options and stock futures contracts. The Mutual Funds will be
considered as trading members like registered FIIs and the schemes
of Mutual Funds will be treated as clients like sub-accounts of FIIs.
7.4.1.3 Appropriate disclosures shall be made in the offer document
regarding the extent and manner of participation of the schemes of
185 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.01/1756/04 dated January 27, 2004.
186 SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/SE/Cir-35/2004 dated October 26, 2004.
187 SEBI Circular No. DNPD/Cir-29/2005 dated September 14, 2005; SEBI Circular No.
DNPD/Cir-30/2006 dated January 20, 2006, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/DNPD/Cir-31/2006
dated September 22, 2006.
188 SEBI Circular No. DNPD/Cir-29/2005 dated September 14, 2005.
95 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
the Mutual Funds in derivatives and the risk factors, which should
be explained by suitable numerical examples.
7.4.1.4 The combined futures and options position limit of Mutual Funds
for stock derivatives contracts shall be 20% of the applicable
Market Wide Position Limit (MWPL). 189
7.4.1.5 Existing schemes of Mutual Funds, whose SIDs do not envisage
investments in derivatives, may participate in derivatives market
subject to the following conditions190:
a. The extent and the manner of the proposed participation
in derivatives shall be disclosed to the unit holders.
b. The risks associated with such participation shall be disclosed
and explained by suitable numerical examples.
c. Prior to commencing participation in derivatives, the scheme
shall comply with the provisions of Regulation 18 (15A) of SEBI
(Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 and all unit holders shall be
given at least 30 days to exercise option to exit at prevailing NAV
without charging of exit load.
7.4.1.6 Positions limits as specified by SEBI for Mutual Funds and its
schemes from time to time shall be applicable191.
189 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/MRD/DP/CIR/P/2016/143 dated December 27, 2016.
190 Please refer SEBI Circular No SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/13 dated February 20, 2017
‘Participation in derivatives market by Mutual Funds.’
191 Please refer SEBI Circular No DNPD/Cir – 29/2005 Dated September 14, 2005 for position limits
and subsequent circulars issued in this regard from time to time.
96 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
7.5 Trading in Interest Rate Derivatives192
7.5.1 Mutual Fund schemes are permitted to undertake transactions in
Forward Rate Agreements and Interest Rate Swaps with banks, PDs &
FIs as per applicable RBI Guidelines193, mutual funds can also trade
in interest rate derivatives through the Stock Exchanges subject to
requisite disclosures in the SID194.
7.5.2 The following position limits195 in IRF shall be applicable for Mutual
Fund level and scheme level:
a. Mutual Funds shall have position limits as applicable to trading
members presently.
b. Schemes of Mutual Funds shall have position limits as applicable
to clients presently.
7.6 Transactions of mutual funds in Government Securities in
dematerialised form196
7.6.1 According to Regulation197, the Mutual Funds having an aggregate of
securities worth Rs.10 crore or more are required to settle their
transactions only through dematerialised securities. All Mutual Funds
should enter into transactions relating to government securities only
in dematerialised form.
192 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.03/158/03 dated June 10, 2003.
193 RBI Circular dated November 1, 1999.
194 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR No.03/158/03 dated June 10, 2003.
195 SEBI Circular No. CIR/MRD/DRMNP/26/2014 dated September 15, 2014
196 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/05/432/2002 dated June 20, 2002
197 Regulation 44(1A) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
97 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 8
NET ASSET VALUE198
8.1 Disclosure of Net Asset Value199
8.1.1 Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall prominently disclose the NAVs of all
schemes under a separate head on their respective website and on the
website of Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Further,
Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall extend facility of sending latest available
NAVs to unit holders through SMS, upon receiving a specific request
in this regard.
8.1.2 NAV of all Mutual Fund schemes except for Fund of Fund Schemes
shall be updated on AMFI’s website and the Mutual Funds’ websites
by 9 p.m. of the same day200.
8.1.3 Fund of Fund Schemes shall have an extended time up to 10 a.m. the
following business day in this regard201.
8.1.4 Delay beyond 10 a.m. of the following business day in case of Fund of
Fund schemes and 9 p.m. on the same day for all other schemes shall
be explained in writing to AMFI and the Board and shall also be
reported in the CTR(s)202 in terms of number of days of non adherence
of time limit for uploading NAV on AMFI’s website and the reasons for
198 Regulation 48(1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
199 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/844/97 dated May 5, 1997, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR No.11/171/01 dated February 9, 2001, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/13/087/2001
dated March 28, 2001; SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29,
2006, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/96576/2007 dated June 25, 2007, SEBI Cir
No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.12/147132/08 dated December 11,2008;
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/92 dated June 05, 2018
<2 00 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006.
201 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/96576/2007 dated June 25, 2007.
202 For format of CTR, please refer to section on formats
9,,, 8 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
the same. Corrective steps taken by AMC to reduce the number of
occurrences shall also be disclosed203.
8.1.5 204 Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall explain the methodology of calculating
the sale and repurchase price of unit with the help of a simple
numerical example at all relevant places such as on their respective
website, AMFI website and Scheme Information Documents, etc.
8.1.6 In case the NAVs are not available before the commencement of
business hours on the following day due to any reason, Mutual Funds
shall issue a press release giving reasons for the delay and explain
when they would be able to publish the NAVs205.
8.2 Rounding off NAVs206
8.2.1 To ensure uniformity, Mutual Funds shall round off NAV up to four
decimal places for index funds and all types of debt & liquid/money
market schemes.
8.2.2 For all equity oriented and balanced fund schemes, Mutual Funds
shall round off NAVs up to two decimal places. However, Mutual Funds
can round off the NAVs up to more than two decimal places in case of
equity oriented and balanced fund schemes also, if they so desire207.
Relevant disclosure in this regard shall be made in the SID/SAI208.
203 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006.
,2, 04 SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/92 dated June 05, 2018
205 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.5/63714/06 dated March 29, 2006.
, 2 06 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/08/514/2002 dated July 22, 2002, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/11/16159/2002 dated August 22, 2002.
, 2 , 07 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/11/16159/2002 dated August 22, 2002.
, 2 08 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/08/514/2002 dated July 22, 2002.
9 9 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.3 Uniform Cut off Timings for applicability of Net Asset Value
of Mutual Fund scheme(s) and/ or plan(s)209
8.3.1 Mutual Funds should follow the Guidelines enumerated below with
respect to uniform Cut -off Timings:
8.3.2 Definitions:
8.3.2.1 In these Guidelines, unless the context otherwise requires:
a. ‘Cut-off Timing’, in relation to an investor making an application to
a Mutual Fund for purchase or sale of units, shall mean, the outer
limit of timing within a particular day which is relevant for
determination of the NAV applicable for his transaction;
b. ‘International scheme’ means a Mutual Fund scheme having
substantial investments in foreign securities valued as per time
zones other than Indian Standard Time zone;
c. ‘Liquid fund schemes and plans’ shall mean the schemes and plans
of a Mutual Fund as specified in the guidelines210 issued by SEBI in
this regard211.
8.3.3 Applicability
8.3.3.1 The Guidelines on Cut off Timings for applicability of Net Asset Value
of Mutual Fund scheme(s) and/ or plan(s) shall be applicable to all
schemes and plans of Mutual Funds except:
a. International schemes and
209 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 11/78450/06 dated October 11, 2006.
, 2 10 Please refer to the Section on liquid schemes
211 SEBI Circular No.SEBI/IMD/CIR No.13/150975/09 dated January 19, 2009
100 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. Transactions in Mutual Fund units undertaken on a recognized
Stock Exchange.
8.3.4 Fixation of uniform Cut-off Timings
8.3.4.1 Mutual Funds shall reckon the Cut-off Timings for their schemes
and plans in compliance with these Guidelines and the same shall
be uniformly implemented for all investors.
8.3.4.2 Mutual Funds shall ensure that each payment instrument for
subscription or purchase of units is deposited in a bank
expeditiously by utilization of the appropriate banking facility, so as
to comply with the requirement in Clause 8.3.4.1 above.
8.3.4.3 AMCs shall compensate any loss occasioned to any investor or to
the scheme and/or plan on account of non compliance with Clause
8.3.4.2 above.
8.3.5 Cut-off Timings for liquid fund schemes and plans
For determining the applicable NAV212:
8.3.5.1 The following cut-off timings shall be observed by a mutual fund in
respect of purchase of units in liquid fund schemes and their plans,
and the following NAVs shall be applied for such purchase:
a. where the application is received upto 2.00 p.m. on a day and funds
are available for utilization before the cut-off time without availing
any credit facility, whether, intra-day or otherwise – the closing NAV
of the day immediately preceding the day of receipt of application;
212 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/DF/15/2010 dated November 26, 2010
101 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. where the application is received after 2.00 p.m. on a day and funds
are available for utilization on the same day without availing any
credit facility, whether, intra-day or otherwise – the closing NAV of
the day immediately preceding the next business day ; and
c. irrespective of the time of receipt of application, where the funds are
not available for utilization before the cut-off time without availing
any credit facility, whether, intra-day or otherwise – the closing NAV
of the day immediately preceding the day on which the funds are
available for utilization.
8.3.5.2 For allotment of units in respect of purchase in liquid schemes, it
shall be ensured that:
a. Application is received before the applicable cut-off time.
b. Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per the
application are credited to the bank account of the respective liquid
schemes before the cut-off time.
c. The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time without
availing any credit facility whether intra-day or otherwise, by the
respective liquid schemes.
8.3.5.3 For allotment of units in respect of switch-in to liquid schemes from
other schemes, it shall be ensured that:
a. Application for switch-in is received before the applicable cut-off
time.
b. Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per the
switch-in request are credited to the bank account of the respective
switch-in liquid schemes before the cut-off time.
102 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time without
availing any credit facility whether intra-day or otherwise, by the
respective switch-in schemes.
8.3.5.4 The following Cut-off Timings shall be observed by Mutual Funds
with respect to repurchase of units in liquid fund schemes and plans
and the following NAVs shall be applied for such repurchase:
a. Where the application is received up to 3.00 pm – the closing NAV
of day immediately preceding the next business day; and
b. Where the application is received after 3.00 pm – the closing NAV of
the next business day.
8.3.5.5 Mutual Funds shall calculate NAV for each calendar day for their
liquid fund schemes and plans.
a. Explanation: “Business Day” does not include a day on which the
Money Markets are closed or otherwise not accessible.
8.3.6 Cut-off Timings for schemes and plans other than liquid fund schemes
and plans
8.3.6.1 A Mutual Fund shall reckon only prospective NAV, in accordance
with this clause, in respect of all their schemes and plans i.e. for
other than liquid fund schemes and plans
8.3.6.2 The following Cut-off Timings shall be observed by Mutual Funds in
respect of purchase of units in other schemes and plans and
following NAVs shall be applied for such purchase:
8.3.6.2.1 Where the application is received up to 3.00 pm with a local
cheque or demand draft payable at par at the place where it is
103 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
received – closing NAV of the day on which the application is
received;
8.3.6.2.2 Where the application is received after 3.00 pm with a local
cheque or demand draft payable at par at the place where it is
received – closing NAV of the next business day; and
8.3.6.2.3 Where the application is received with an outstation cheque or
demand draft which is not payable on par at the place where it
is received – closing NAV of day on which the cheque or demand
draft is credited.
In respect of purchase of units of mutual fund schemes (other
than liquid schemes), the closing NAV of the day on which the
funds are available for utilization shall be applicable for application
amount equal to or more than Rs. 2 lakh, irrespective of the time of
receipt of such application213.
8.3.6.3 For allotment of units in respect of purchase in income/debt
oriented mutual fund schemes/plans other than liquid schemes, it
shall be ensured that214:
8.3.6.3.1 Application is received before the applicable cut-off time (3 pm).
8.3.6.3.2 Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per
the application are credited to the bank account of the
respective schemes before the cut-off time (3 pm).
213 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012.
214 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/DF/15/2010 dated November 26, 2010
104 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.3.6.3.3 The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time (3
pm) without availing any credit facility whether intra-day or
otherwise, by the respective scheme.
8.3.6.4 For allotment of units in respect of switch-in to income/debt
oriented mutual fund schemes/plans other than liquid schemes
from other schemes, it shall be ensured that:
8.3.6.4.1 Application for switch-in is received before the applicable cut-
off time.
8.3.6.4.2 Funds for the entire amount of subscription/purchase as per
the switch-in request are credited to the bank account of the
respective switch-in income/debt oriented mutual fund
schemes/plans before the cut-off time.
8.3.6.4.3 The funds are available for utilization before the cut-off time
without availing any credit facility whether intra-day or
otherwise, by the respective switch-in income/debt oriented
mutual fund schemes/plans.
8.3.6.5 The following Cut-off Timings shall be observed by Mutual Funds in
respect of repurchase of units in its other schemes and their plans,
and the following NAVs shall be applied for such repurchase:
8.3.6.5.1 Where the application is received up to 3.00 pm – closing NAV
of the day on which the application is received; and
8.3.6.5.2 An application received after 3.00 pm – closing NAV of the next
business day.
105 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.3.7 Switch and Sweep Transactions
8.3.7.1 Paragraphs 8.3.5 and 8.3.6 shall apply to ‘switch in’ transactions as
if they were purchase transactions and to ‘switch out’ transactions
as if they were repurchase transactions.
8.3.7.2 Paragraphs 8.3.5 and 8.3.6 shall apply to ‘sweep’ transactions as if
they were purchase transactions and to ‘reverse sweep’
transactions as if they were repurchase transactions.
8.3.7.3 In case of ‘switch’ transactions from one scheme to another, the
allocation shall be in line with redemption payouts.
8.3.8 Time Stamping
8.3.8.1 Application from investors shall be received by Mutual Funds only
at official points of acceptance, addresses of which shall be disclosed
in the SID and on Mutual Funds’ websites.
8.3.8.2 Cut off timings as prescribed under Paragraphs 8.3.5 and 8.3.6 shall
apply with reference to the point of time at which the applications
are received at such official points of acceptance.
8.3.8.3 Time stamping machines at all official points of acceptance shall be
in compliance with the requirements mentioned in Section 8.4.
8.3.9 Compliance Reporting
8.3.9.1 Status of compliance with these Guidelines shall be reported to the
Board in the CTR(s)215 of the AMC(s) and the Half Yearly Trustee
Reports216.
215 for CTR format, please refer to the section on formats
, 2 ,,,, 16 For Trustee report, please refer to the section on formats
1
,
0 6 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
8.3.9.2 The Half Yearly Trustee Reports shall contain a declaration on
whether the Trustees are satisfied with the systems and procedures
of the Mutual Fund designed for the purpose of compliance with
these Guidelines.
8.3.9.3 Further, the substance of these Guidelines shall be disclosed to
investors in the SID or in any addendum thereto.
8.3.9.4 Encumbrance of the scheme property217
Regulations218 provides that the AMC shall not acquire any of the
assets out of the scheme property which involves the assumption of
any liability which is unlimited or which may result in encumbrance
of the scheme property in any way. AMC’s are advised to strictly
adhere to the said provision.
8.4 Requirements with respect to time stamping machines
[pursuant to Clause 8(3)]
8.4.1 For every machine, running serial number shall be stamped from
the first number to the last number as per its capacity before
repetition of the cycle.
8.4.2 Every application for purchase shall be stamped on the face and the
corresponding payment instrument shall be stamped on the back
indicating the date and time of receipt and running serial number.
The application and the payment instrument shall contain the same
serial number.
8.4.3 Every application for redemption shall be stamped on the face
thereof and on the investor’s acknowledgment copy (or twice on the
217 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/DF/15/2010 dated November 26, 2010
218 Fourth Schedule of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
107 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
application if no acknowledgment is issued) indicating the date and
time of receipt and running serial number.
8.4.4 Different applications shall not be bunched together with the same
serial number.
8.4.5 Blank papers shall not be time stamped. Genuine errors, if any, shall
be recorded with reasons and the corresponding applications requests
shall also be preserved.
8.4.6 The time stamping machine shall have a tamper proof seal and the
ability to open the seal for maintenance or repairs must be limited to
vendors or nominated persons of the mutual fund, to be entered in a
proper record.
8.4.7 Breakage of seal and/or breakdown of the time stamping process shall
be duly recorded and reported to the Trustees.
8.4.8 Every effort should be made to ensure uninterrupted functioning of
the time stamping machine. In case of breakdown, the Mutual Funds
shall take prompt action to rectify the situation. During the breakdown
period, Mutual Funds shall adopt an alternative time stamping method
that has already been approved by the Board of the AMC and the
Trustee(s). An audit trail shall be available to check and ensure the
accuracy of the time stamping process during the said period.
8.4.9 Any alternate mode of application that does not have any physical or
electronic trail shall be converted into a physical piece of information
and time stamped in accordance with these Guidelines.
8.4.10 Mutual Funds shall maintain and preserve all applications/ requests,
duly time stamped as aforesaid, at least for a period of eight years219
219 Regulation 50(2) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
108 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
to be able to produce them as and when required by the Board or
auditors appointed by the Board.
8.5 Uniformity in calculation of sale and repurchase price220
8.5.1 The following method is being prescribed
8.5.1.1 To streamline the calculation of sale and repurchase price of
mutual fund units221,
8.5.1.2 To avoid variation in the amounts payable to investors and/or
number of units allotted to them, and
8.5.1.3 To make the calculations more comprehensible to the investors.
8.5.2 Exit loads shall be charged as a percentage of the NAV i.e. applicable load
as a percentage of NAV will be subtracted from the NAV to calculate the
repurchase price.
8.5.3 The formula for the same is as follows:
8.5.3.1 Sale Price = Applicable NAV
8.5.3.2 Repurchase Price = Applicable NAV *(1 – Exit Load, if any)
220 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/08/514/2002 dated July 22, 2002 & SEBI Circular No.
SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/ 168230/09 dated June 30, 2009
, 2 , 21 Regulation 49(3) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
109 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 9
VALUATION
9.1 Definitions222
9.1.1 Non Traded Securities223
9.1.1.1 When a security (other than Government Securities) is not traded
on any Stock Exchange for a period of thirty days prior to the
valuation date, the scrip shall be treated as a non traded security.
9.1.2 Thinly Traded Securities
9.1.2.1 Thinly traded equity/ equity related securities:224
a. When trading in an equity and/or equity related security (such
as convertible debentures, equity warrants etc.) in a month is
both less than Rs.5 lacs and the total volume is less than
50,000 shares, the security shall be considered as thinly
traded security and valued accordingly.
b. In order to determine whether a security is thinly traded or not,
the volumes traded in all recognized Stock Exchanges in India
may be taken into account.
c. For example, if the volume of trade is 1,00,000 and value is
Rs.4,00,000, the shares do not qualify as thinly traded. Also if
the volume traded is 40,000, but the value of trades is
Rs.6,00,000, the shares do not qualify as thinly traded.
222SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001 and SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
223 <, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.
, 2 24 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001.
110 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
d. Where a Stock Exchange identifies the thinly traded securities
by applying the above parameters for the preceding calendar
month and publishes or provides the required information
along with the daily quotations, the same can be used by the
Mutual Funds.
e. If the shares are not listed on the Stock Exchanges which
provide such information, then Mutual Funds shall make their
own analysis in line with the above criteria to check whether
such securities are thinly traded or not and then value them
accordingly.
9.1.3 Thinly traded Debt Securities225
9.1.3.1 A debt security (other than Government Securities) shall be
considered as a thinly traded security if, on the valuation date, there
are no individual trades in that security in marketable lots (currently
applicable) on the principal Stock Exchange or any other Stock
Exchange.
9.2 Valuation of Securities
9.2.1 Traded Securities:226
9.2.1.1 When a security (other than debt securities) is not traded on any
Stock Exchange on a particular valuation day, the value at which it
was traded on the selected Stock Exchange, as the case may be, on
the earliest previous day may be used provided such date is not
more than thirty days prior to valuation date.
225 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
, 2 26 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
111 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.2.1.2 When a debt security (other than Government Securities) is not
traded on any Stock Exchange on any particular valuation day, the
value at which it was traded on the principal Stock Exchange or any
other Stock Exchange, as the case may be, on the earliest previous
day may be used provided such date is not more than fifteen days
prior to valuation date. When a debt security (other than
Government Securities) is purchased by way of private placement,
the value at which it was bought may be used for a period of fifteen
days beginning from the date of purchase.
9.2.2 Non-Traded /and/or Thinly Traded Securities:227
9.2.2.1 AMCs shall value non traded and/or thinly traded securities “in
good faith” based on the Valuation norms prescribed below:
9.2.3 Non-traded/ and/or thinly traded equity securities:
9.2.3.1 Based on the latest available Balance Sheet, Net Worth shall be
calculated as follows:
a. Net Worth per share = [Share Capital+ Reserves (excluding
Revaluation Reserves) – Miscellaneous expenditure and Debit
Balance in Profit and Loss Account] / Number of Paid up Shares.
b. Average Capitalization rate (P/E ratio) for the industry based
upon either BSE or NSE data (which shall be followed
consistently and changes, if any, noted with proper justification
thereof) shall be taken and discounted by 75 per cent i.e. only 25
per cent. Of the industry average P/E shall be taken as
Capitalization rate (P/E ratio). Earnings per share (EPS) of the
227 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.
112 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
latest audited annual accounts shall be considered for this
purpose.
c. The value as per the Net Worth value per share and the capital
earning value calculated as above shall be averaged and further
discounted by 10 per cent. for illiquidity so as to arrive at the fair
value per share.
d. In case the EPS is negative, EPS value for that year shall be taken
as zero for arriving at capitalised earning.
e. In case where the latest Balance Sheet of the company is not
available within nine months from the close of the year, unless
the accounting year is changed, the shares of such companies
shall be valued at zero.
f. In case an individual security accounts for more than 5 per cent.
of the total assets of the scheme, an independent valuer shall be
appointed for the valuation of the said security. To determine if a
security accounts for more than 5 per cent. of the total assets of
the scheme, it shall be valued by the procedure above and the
proportion which it bears to the total net assets of the scheme to
which it belongs will be compared on the date of valuation228.
g. In case trading in an equity security is suspended up to thirty
days, then the last traded price shall be considered for valuation
of that security. If an equity security is suspended for more than
thirty days, then the AMC(s) or Trustees shall decide the
valuation norms to be followed and such norms shall be
documented and recorded.
228 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001
113 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.2.4 Non traded/thinly Traded Debt security
9.2.4.1 A thinly traded debt security as defined above shall be valued as per
the norms for non traded debt security.
a. Valuation229 of money market and debt securities with residual
maturity of upto 60230 days:
1. All money market and debt securities, including floating rate
securities, with residual maturity of upto 60 days shall be
valued at the weighted average price at which they are traded
on the particular valuation day. When such securities are not
traded on a particular valuation day they shall be valued on
amortization basis. It is further clarified that in case of floating
rate securities with floor and caps on coupon rate and residual
maturity of upto 60 days then those shall be valued on
amortization basis taking the coupon rate as floor.
b. Valuation of money market and debt securities with residual
maturity of over 60231 days:
1. All money market and debt securities, including floating rate
securities, with residual maturity of over 60 days shall be
valued at weighted average price at which they are traded on
the particular valuation day. When such securities are not
traded on a particular valuation day they shall be valued at
benchmark yield/ matrix of spread over risk free benchmark
yield obtained from agency(ies) entrusted for the said purpose
by AMFI.
229 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.16/ 193388/2010 dated February 02, 2010
230 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012
231 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012
114 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2. The approach in valuation of non traded debt securities is based
on the concept of using spreads over the benchmark rate to
arrive at the yields for pricing the non traded security.
3. The Yields for pricing the non traded debt security would be
arrived at using the process as defined below.
Step 1: A Risk Free Benchmark Yield is built using the
government securities as the base. Government securities are
used as the benchmarks as they are traded regularly; free of
credit risk; and traded across different maturity spectrums every
week.
Step 2: A Matrix of spreads (based on the credit risk) are built
for marking up the benchmark yields. The matrix is built based
on traded corporate paper on the wholesale debt segment of an
appropriate stock exchange and the primary market issuances.
The matrix is restricted only to investment grade corporate
paper.
Step 3: The yields as calculated above are Marked-up/Marked-
down for ill-liquidity risk
Step 4: The Yields so arrived are used to price the portfolio.
9.3 Methodology:
9.3.1 Construction of Risk Free Benchmark232
9.3.1.1 Using Government of India dated securities; the Benchmark shall
be constructed as below:
2 32 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
11,, 5 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
a. Government of India dated securities will be grouped into various
duration buckets such as 0.164-0.25 yrs233, 0.25- 0.5 yrs234, 0.5-1
year, 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 5-6 years and 6 years and the
volume weighted yield would be computed for each bucket. These
duration buckets may be changed to reflect the market value more
closely by any agency suggested by AMFI giving benchmark yield/
matrix of spreads over benchmark yield.
b. The benchmark as calculated above will be set at least weekly, and
in the event of any significant movement in prices of Government
Securities on account of any event impacting interest rated on any
day such as a change in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policies,
the benchmark will be reset to reflect any change in the market
conditions.
9.3.2 Building a Matrix of Spreads for Marking-up the Benchmark Yield235
9.3.2.1 Mark up for credit risk over the risk free benchmark YTM as
calculated in 9.3.1 above, will be determined using the trades of
corporate debentures/bonds of different ratings. All trades on
appropriate stock exchange during the fortnight prior to the
benchmark date will be used in building the corporate YTM and
spread matrices. Initially these matrices will be built only for
corporate securities of investment grade. The matrices are dynamic
and the spreads will be computed every week. The matrix will be
built for all duration buckets for which the benchmark GOI matrix
is built to effectively link the corporate matrix with the GOI
securities matrix. Accordingly:
233 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012
234 SEBI/IMD/CIR No.16/ 193388/2010 dated February 02, 2010
235 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.
116 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
a. All traded paper (with minimum traded value of Rs.1 crore) will be
classified by their ratings and grouped into 7 duration buckets; for
rated securities, the most conservative publicly available rating will
be used;
b. For each rating category, average volume weighted yield will be
obtained both from trades on the appropriate stock exchange and
from the primary market issuances
c. Where there are no secondary trades on the appropriate stock
exchange in a particular rating category and no primary market
issuances during the fortnight under consideration, then trades on
appropriate stock exchange during the 30 day period prior to the
benchmark date will be considered for computing the average YTM
for such rating category;
d. If the matrix cannot be populated using any or all of the above steps,
then credit spreads from trades on appropriate stock exchange of the
relevant rating category over the AAA trades will be used to populate
the matrix;
e. In each rating category, all outliers will be removed for smoothening
the YTM matrix;
f. Spreads will be obtained by deducting the YTM in each duration
category from the respective YTM of the GOI securities;
g. In the event of lack of trades in the secondary market and the primary
market the gaps in the matrix would be filled by extrapolation. If the
spreads cannot be extrapolated for the reason of practicality, the
gaps in the matrix will be filled by carrying the spreads from the last
matrix.
h. Accordingly, all Mutual Funds shall provide transaction details of
various types of debt securities like NCDs, Mibor linked floaters and
CPs on daily basis in the prescribed format enclosed at Annexure 3
to the agency recommended by AMFI. Submission of data would help
117 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
in daily matrix generation, would improve uniformity and accuracy
of valuation in the Mutual Funds industry236.
9.3.3 Mark-up/Mark-down Yield
9.3.3.1 The Yields calculated would be marked-up/marked-down to
account for the illiquidity risk, promoter background, finance
company risk and the issuer class risk. As the level of illiquidity risk
would be higher for non rated securities the marking process for
rated and non rated securities would be differentiated as follows:
a. Adjustments for Securities rated by external rating agencies237
Category Discretionary mark
up/mark down
+ -
Rated instruments with 100 bps 50 bps
duration upto 2 years
Rated instruments with 75 bps 25 bps
duration over 2 years
1. The rationale for the above discount structure is to take
cognizance of the differential interest rate risk of the securities.
This structure will be reviewed periodically.
b. Adjustments for Internally Rated Securities238
1. To value an un-rated security, the fund manager shall assign an
internal credit rating, which will be used for valuation. Since un-
rated instruments tend to be more illiquid than rated securities,
236 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR.No 23 / 066 /2003 dated March 7,2003
237 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
238 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
1,,,,, 18 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
the yields would be marked up by adding discretionary discount
as under:
Category Discretionary discount
Unrated instruments Discretionary discount of upto
with duration upto 2 +50 bps over and above
years mandatory discount of +50 bps
Unrated instruments Discretionary discount of upto
with duration over 2 +50 bps over and above
years mandatory discount of +25 bps
2. The benchmark yield/ matrix of spreads over risk free
benchmark yield obtained from any agency suggested by AMFI,
must be applied for valuation of securities on the day of release
of such bench mark yield/ matrix of spreads by the aforesaid
agency.239
9.3.3.2 Chief Executive Officer (whatever his designation may be) of the
AMC shall give prior approval to the use of discretionary mark up or
down limit.
9.4 Valuation of securities with Put/Call Options:240
9.4.1 The option embedded securities would be valued as follows:
9.4.1.1 Securities with call option
a. The securities with call option shall be valued at the lower of the
value as obtained by valuing the security to final maturity and
valuing the security to call option. In case there are multiple call
239 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
, 2 40 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.
119 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
options, the lowest value obtained by valuing to the various call
dates and valuing to the maturity date is to be taken as the value
of the instrument.
9.4.1.2 Securities with Put option
a. The securities with put option shall be valued at the higher of the
value as obtained by valuing the security to final maturity and
valuing the security to put option. In case there are multiple put
options, the highest value obtained by valuing to the various put
dates and valuing to the maturity date is to be taken as the value
of the instruments.
9.4.1.3 Securities with both Put and Call option on the same day
a. The securities with both Put and Call option on the same day would
be deemed to mature on the Put/Call day and would be valued
accordingly.
9.5 Valuation of Government Securities
9.5.1 Government securities will be valued at prices for government
securities released by an agency suggested by AMFI to ensure
uniformity in calculation of NAVs241.
241 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/442/2002 dated February 20, 2002.
1<,, 20 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.6 Illiquid Securities242
9.6.1 Aggregate value of “illiquid securities” under a scheme, which are
defined as non-traded, thinly traded and unlisted equity shares, shall
not exceed 15 per cent of the total assets of the scheme and any illiquid
securities held above 15 per cent of the total assets shall be assigned
zero value.
9.6.2 All Mutual Funds shall disclose as on March 31 and September 30 the
scheme wise total illiquid securities in value and percentage of the net
assets while disclosing Half Yearly Portfolios to the unit holders. In the
list of investments, an asterisk mark shall be given against all such
investments which are recognised as illiquid securities.
9.6.3 Mutual Funds shall not be allowed to transfer illiquid securities among
their schemes.
242 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.
1. Provided that in case any scheme has illiquid securities in excess of 15% of total
assets as on September 30, 2000 then such a scheme shall within a period of two
years bring down the ratio of illiquid securities within the prescribed limit of 15 per
cent. in the following time frame:
a. All the illiquid securities above 20 per cent. of total assets of the scheme shall be
assigned zero value on September 30, 2001.
b. All the illiquid securities above 15 per cent. of total assets of the scheme shall be
assigned zero value on September 30, 2002.
2. In respect of closed ended funds, for the purposes of valuation of illiquid securities,
the limits of 15 per cent. and 20 per cent. applicable to open ended funds should be
increased to 20 per cent. and 25 per cent. respectively.
3. Where a scheme has illiquid securities as at September 30, 2001 not exceeding 15%
in the case of an open-ended fund and 20% in the case of closed fund, the
concessions of giving time period for reducing the illiquid security to the prescribed
limits would not be applicable and at all time the excess over 15% or 20% shall be
assigned nil value
121 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.7 Guidelines for Identification and Provisioning for Non
Performing Assets (Debt Securities)243
9.7.1 Definition of a Non Performing Asset (NPA)
9.7.1.1 An ‘asset’ shall be classified as NPA if the interest and/or principal
amount have not been received or remained outstanding for one
quarter from the day such income and/or installment was due.
9.7.2 Effective date for classification and provisioning of NPAs
9.7.2.1 The definition of NPA may be applied after a quarter past due date
of the interest. For e.g. if the due date for interest is 30.06.2000, it
will be classified as NPA from 01.10.2000.
9.7.3 Treatment of income accrued on the NPA and further accruals
9.7.3.1 After the expiry of the 1st quarter from the date the income has fallen
due, there will be no further interest accrual on the asset i.e. if the
due date for interest falls on 30.06.2000 and if the interest is not
received, accrual will continue till 30.09.2000 after which there will
be no further accrual of income. In short, taking the above example,
from the beginning of the 2nd quarter there will be no further accrual
on income.
9.7.3.2 On classification of the asset as NPA from a quarter past due date
of interest, all interest accrued and recognized in the books of
accounts of the Mutual Fund till the date shall be provided for. For
e.g. if interest income falls due on 30.06.2000, accrual of interest
will continue till 30.09.2000 even if the income as on 30.06.2000
has not been received. Further, no accrual will take place from
243 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/8/92/2000 dated September 18, 2000.
122 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
01.10.2000 onwards. Full provision will be made for interest
accrued and outstanding as on 30.06.2000.
9.7.4 Provision for NPAs – Debt Securities
9.7.4.1 Both secured and unsecured investments, once they are recognized
as NPAs, call for provisioning in the same manner and where these
are related to close ended schemes, the phasing would be such that
to ensure full provisioning prior to the closure of the scheme or the
scheduled phasing whichever is earlier.
9.7.4.2 The value of the asset shall be provided in the following manner or
earlier at the discretion of the Mutual Fund. Mutual Funds will not
have discretion to extend the period of provisioning. The
provisioning against the principal amount or installments shall be
made at the following rates irrespective of whether the principal is
due for repayment or not.
a. 10 percent of the book value of the asset shall be provided for after
6 months past due date of interest i.e. 3 months form the date of
classification of the asset as NPA.
b. 20 percent of the book value of the asset should be provided for after
9 months past due date of interest i.e. 6 months from the date of
classification of the asset as NPA.
c. Another 20 percent of the book value of the assets shall be provided
for after 12 months past due date of interest i.e. 9 months from the
date of classification of the asset as NPA.
d. Another 25 percent of the book value of the assets shall be provided
for after 15 months past due date of interest i.e. 12 months from the
date of classification of the asset as NPA.
123 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
e. The balance 25 percent of the book value of the asset shall be
provided for after 18 months past due date of the interest i.e. 15
months from the date of classification of the assets as NPA.
9.7.4.3 Book value for the purpose of provisioning for NPAs shall be taken
as a value determined as per the prescribed valuation method.
9.7.4.4 This can be explained by an illustration:
a. Let us consider that interest income is due on a half yearly basis
and the due date falls on 30.06.2000 and the interest is not received
till 1st quarter after due date i.e. 30.09.2000. The provisioning will
be done in the following phased manner:
10% provision 01.01.2001 6 months past due date of
interest i.e. 3 months from the
date of classification of asset
as NPA (01.10.2000)
20% provision 01.04.2001
20% provision 01.07.2001
25% provision 01.10.2001
25% provision 01.01.2002
b. Thus, one and half years past the due date of income or one year
and three months from the date of classification of the ‘asset’ as an
NPA, the ‘asset’ will be fully provided for. If any installment is fallen
due, during the period of interest default, the amount of provision
shall be the installment amount or above provision amount,
whichever is higher.
9.7.5 Reclassification of assets
9.7.5.1 Upon reclassification of assets as ‘performing assets’:
a. In case a company has fully cleared all the arrears of interest, the
interest provisions can be written back in full.
124 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. The asset will be reclassified as performing on clearance of all
interest arrears and if the debt is regularly serviced over the next
two quarters.
c. In case the company has fully cleared all the arrears of interest, the
interest not credited on accrual basis shall be credited at the time of
receipt.
d. The provision made for the principal amount can be written back in
the following manner
1. 100% of the asset provided for in the books will be written back
at the end of the 2nd quarter where the provision of principal
was made due to the interest defaults only.
2. 50% of the asset provided for in the books will be written back
at the end of the 2nd quarter and 25% after every subsequent
quarter where both installments and interest payment were in
default earlier.
3. Explanation: The words “2nd quarter” wherever appear, shall
mean 2nd calendar quarter.244
e. An asset is reclassified as 'standard asset' only when both, the
overdue interest and overdue installments are paid in full and there
is satisfactory performance for a subsequent period of 6 months.
9.7.6 Receipt of past dues:
9.7.6.1 When the Mutual Fund has received income/ principal amount after
their classifications as NPAs:
a. For the next 2 quarters, income shall be recognized on cash basis
and thereafter on accrual basis. The asset will be continued to be
classified as NPA for these two quarters.
244 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/14/088/2001 dated March 28, 2001.
125 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. During this period of two quarters although the asset is classified as
NPA no provision needs to be made for the principal if the same is
not due and outstanding.
c. If part payment is received towards principal, the asset continues to
be classified as NPA and provisions are continued as per the norms
set at 9.7.4 above any excess provision will be written back.
9.7.7 Classification of Deep Discount Bonds as NPAs
9.7.7.1 Investments in Deep Discount Bonds can be classified as NPAs, if
any two of the following conditions are satisfied:
a. If the rating of the Bond comes down to Grade ‘BB’ (or its equivalent)
or below
b. If the company is defaulting in their commitments in respect of
other assets, if available.
c. Full Net worth erosion.
9.7.7.2 Provision should be made as per the norms set at 9.7.4 above as
soon as the asset is classified as NPA.
9.7.7.3 Full provision can be made if the rating comes down to Grade ‘D’ (or
its equivalent).
9.7.8 Reschedulement of an asset
9.7.8.1 In case a company defaults in payment of either interest or principal
amount and the Mutual Fund has accepted a rescheduling of the
schedule of payments, then the following practice shall be adhered
to:
a. In case it is a first reschedulement and only payment of interest is
in default, the classification of the asset as NPA shall be continued
and existing provisions shall not be written back. This practice shall
be continued for two quarters of regular servicing of the debt.
126 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Thereafter, this be classified as ‘performing asset’ and the interest
provided can be written back.
b. If the reschedulement is done due to default in interest and
principal amount, the asset shall continue as NPA for a period of 4
quarters, even though the asset is continued to be serviced during
these 4 quarters regularly. Thereafter, the asset can be classified as
‘performing asset’ and all the interest provided till such date shall
be written back.
c. If the reschedulement is done for a second/ third time or thereafter,
the characteristics of NPA should be continued for eight quarters of
regular servicing of the debt. The provision shall be written back
only after the asset is reclassified as ‘performing asset’.
9.7.9 Disclosure in the Half Yearly Portfolio Reports
9.7.9.1 Mutual Funds shall make scrip wise disclosures of NPAs on Half
Yearly basis along with the Half Yearly Portfolio Disclosure in the
format prescribed245.
9.7.9.2 The total amount of provisions made against the NPAs shall be
disclosed in addition to the total quantum of NPAs and their
proportion to the assets of the Mutual Fund scheme. In the list of
investments and asterisk mark shall be given against such
investments which are recognized as NPAs. Where the date of
redemption of an investment has lapsed, the amount not redeemed
shall be shown as ‘Sundry Debtors’ and not investment, provided,
that where an investment is redeemable by installments, that will be
shown as an investment until all installments have become overdue.
245 For formats of Half yearly disclosure, please refer to the section on Formats
127 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.8 Investment in Unlisted Equity Shares246
9.8.1 To ensure uniformity in calculation of NAV the following guidelines are
issued:
9.8.1.1 Methodology for Valuation - unlisted equity shares of a company
shall be valued "in good faith" as below:
a. Based on the latest available audited balance sheet, Net Worth shall
be calculated as the lower of item (1) and (2) below:
1. Net Worth per share = [Share Capital + Free Reserves (excluding
revaluation reserves) - Miscellaneous expenditure not written off
or deferred revenue expenditure, intangible assets and
accumulated losses] / Number of Paid up Shares.
2. After taking into account the outstanding warrants and options,
Net Worth per share shall again be calculated and shall be =
[Share Capital + consideration on exercise of Option and/or
Warrants received/receivable by the Company + Free Reserves
(excluding Revaluation Reserves) - Miscellaneous expenditure
not written off or deferred revenue expenditure, intangible assets
and accumulated losses] / Number of Paid up Shares plus
Number of Shares that would be obtained on conversion and/or
exercise of Outstanding Warrants and Options.
3. The lower of (1) and (2) above shall be used for calculation of Net
Worth per share and for further calculation in (c) below.
b. Average capitalisation rate (P/E ratio) for the industry based upon
either BSE or NSE data (which shall be followed consistently and
246 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/03/526/2002 dated May 9, 2002.
128 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
changes, if any, noted with proper justification thereof) shall be
taken and discounted by 75 per cent. i.e. only 25 per cent of the
industry average P/E shall be taken as capitalisation rate (P/E
ratio). Earnings per share (EPS) of the latest audited annual
accounts will be considered for this purpose.
c. The value as per the Net Worth value per share and the capital
earning value calculated as above shall be averaged and further
discounted by 15 per cent for illiquidity so as to arrive at the fair
value per share.
9.8.1.2 The above valuation methodology shall be subject to the following
conditions:
a. All calculations shall be based on audited accounts.
b. If the latest Balance Sheet of the company is not available within
nine months from the close of the year, unless the accounting year
is changed, the shares of such companies shall be valued at zero.
c. If the Net Worth of the company is negative, the share would be
marked down to zero.
d. In case the EPS is negative, EPS value for that year shall be taken
as zero for arriving at capitalised earning.
e. In case an individual security accounts for more than 5 per cent of
the total assets of the scheme, an independent valuer shall be
appointed for the valuation of the said security. To determine if a
security accounts for more than 5 per cent of the total assets of the
scheme, it shall be valued in accordance with the procedure as
mentioned above on the date of valuation.
129 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.8.2 At the discretion of the AMCs and with the approval of the Trustees,
unlisted equity shares may be valued at a price lower than the value
derived using the aforesaid methodology.
9.8.3 Due Diligence
9.8.3.1 Mutual Funds shall not make Investment in unlisted equity shares
at a price higher than the price obtained by using the aforesaid
methodology. However, this restriction is not applicable for
investment made in the Initial Public Offers (IPOs) of the companies
or firm allotment in public issues where all the regulatory
requirements and formalities pertaining to public issues have been
complied with by the companies and where the Mutual Funds are
required to pay just before the date of public issue.
9.8.3.2 The Board of the AMC and Board of Trustees shall lay down the
parameters for investing in unlisted equity shares. They shall pay
specific attention as to whether due diligence was exercised while
making such investments and shall review the performance of such
investments in their periodical meetings247.
9.8.4 Reporting of Compliance
9.8.4.1 Comments on compliance of these Guidelines shall be indicated by
the AMCs and Trustees in their CTRs248 and Half Yearly Reports249
filed with the Board.
247 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000.
248 For CTR format please refer to the section on formats
249 For Half Yearly Reports, please refer to the section on formats
130 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.9 Valuation of securities not covered under the current
valuation policy250:
9.9.1 In case of securities purchased by mutual funds do not fall within the
current framework of the valuation of securities then such mutual
fund shall report immediately to AMFI regarding the same. Further, at
the time of investment AMCs shall ensure that the total exposure in
such securities does not exceed 5% of the total AUM of the scheme.
9.9.2 AMFI has been advised that the valuation agencies should ensure that
the valuation of such securities gets covered in the valuation
framework within six weeks from the date of receipt of such intimation
from mutual fund.
9.9.3 In the interim period, till AMFI makes provisions to cover such
securities in the valuation of securities framework, the mutual funds
shall value such securities using their proprietary model which has
been approved by their independent trustees and the statutory
auditors.
9.10 Dissemination of information:
9.10.1 All mutual funds shall provide transaction details, including inter
scheme transfers, of money market and debt securities on daily basis
to the agency entrusted for providing the benchmark yield/ matrix of
spread over risk free benchmark yield. Submission of data251 would
help in daily matrix generation and would improve uniformity and
accuracy of valuation in the mutual funds industry.
250 SEBI/IMD/CIR No.16/193388/2010 dated February 02, 2010 and Cir/IMD/DF/4/2010 dated
June 21, 2010
251 SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/23 /066 / 2003 dated March 7, 2003. For disclosure of transaction
details, please refer to the section on Formats
131 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
9.10.2 The AMCs shall also disclose all details of debt and money market
securities transacted (including inter scheme transfers) in its schemes
portfolio on its website and the same shall be forwarded to AMFI for
consolidation and dissemination as per format252. These disclosures
shall be made settlement date wise on daily basis with a time lag of 30
days253.
9.11 Consistency
9.11.1 All AMC’s shall ensure that similar securities held under its various
schemes shall be valued consistently.
252 For format please refer to the section on formats
253 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012
132 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 10
LOADS, FEES, CHARGES AND EXPENSES
10.1 Limits on fees and expenses charged to schemes254
10.1.1 Mutual Funds may charge certain expenses to a scheme, as specified
under Regulations.255 Apart from the these expenses, any other
expense as may be approved by SEBI under clause (xiii) of Sub
Regulation 52(4) can also be charged to the Mutual Fund schemes.
Other expenses directly attributable to a scheme may be charged with
the approval of trustees within the overall limits as provided in the
Regulation 52(6).256
10.1.2 Additional TER257 can be charged up to 30 basis points on daily net
assets of the scheme as per Regulation 52258, if the new inflows from
beyond top 30 cities259 are at least (a) 30% of gross new inflows in the
scheme or (b) 15% of the average assets under management (year to
date) of the scheme, whichever is higher.
In case inflows from beyond top 30 cities is less than the higher of
(a) or (b) above, additional TER on daily net assets of the scheme shall
be charged as follows:
Daily net assets X 30 basis points X New inflows from beyond top 30 cities
365* X Higher of (a) or (b) above
* 366, wherever applicable.
The top 30 cities shall mean top 30 cities based on Association
of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) data on ‘AUM by Geography –
254 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/01/428/97 dated February 28, 1997, SEBI Circular No.
IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/826/98 dated April 15, 1998, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000.
255 Regulation 52(4) of the Mutual Funds Regulations,1996
256 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000.
257 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012.
258 Regulation 52 of the Mutual Funds Regulations,1996
259 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/16 dated February 02, 2018.
133 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Consolidated Data for Mutual Fund Industry’ as at the end of the
previous financial year.
10.1.3 The additional TER on account of inflows from beyond top 30 cities so
charged shall be clawed back in case the same is redeemed within a
period of 1 year from the date of investment.
Accordingly, Annexure A1 mentioned at para A(2) of SEBI Circular
CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014, are modified, whereby
at all relevant places, the terms “15 cities”, “T15” and “B15” would be
substituted with “30 cities”, “T30” and “B30” respectively, while
keeping the other provisions of the circular unchanged.
10.1.4 260 Regulation 52 (6A) (c) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations,
1996, allows an AMC to charge additional expenses, incurred towards
different heads mentioned under Regulation 52 (2) and Regulation
52 (4), not exceeding 0.05261 per cent of daily net assets of the
scheme.
In this respect, Mutual Fund schemes including close ended
schemes, wherein exit load is not levied / not applicable, the AMCs
shall not be eligible to charge the above mentioned additional expenses
for such schemes.
Further, existing Mutual Fund schemes including close ended
schemes, wherein exit load is not levied / not applicable, shall
discontinue, with immediate effect, the levy of above mentioned
additional expenses, if any.
260 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/15 dated February 02, 2018
261 Regulation 52(6A)(c) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
134 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.1.5 Total Expense Ratio – Change and Disclosure 262
(a) AMCs shall prominently disclose on a daily basis, the TER
(scheme-wise, date-wise) of all schemes under a separate head –
“Total Expense Ratio of Mutual Fund Schemes” on their website
and on the website of AMFI in downloadable spreadsheet
format263.
(b) Any change in the base TER (i.e. TER excluding additional
expenses provided in Regulation 52(6A)(b), 52(6A)(c) of SEBI
(Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 and Goods and Services Tax
on investment and advisory fees) in comparison to previous base
TER charged to any scheme/plan shall be communicated to
investors of the scheme/plan through notice via email or SMS at
least three working days prior to effecting such change. (For
example, if changed TER is to be effective from January 8, 2018,
then notice shall be given latest by January 2, 2018, considering
at least three working days prior to effective date). Further, the
notice of change in base TER shall be updated in the aforesaid
section of website at least three working days prior to effecting
such change.
262 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/18 dated February 5, 2018 and
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/91 dated June 05, 2018.
263 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats.
135 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Provided that any decrease in TER in a mutual fund scheme due to
various regulatory requirements, would not require issuance of any
prior notice to the investors.’
10.1.6 264 The above change in the base TER in comparison to previous base
TER charged to the scheme shall be intimated to the Board of
Directors of AMC along with the rationale recorded in writing.
10.1.7 The changes in TER shall also be placed before the Trustees on
quarterly basis alongwith rationale for such changes.
10.1.8 Mutual funds/AMCs shall make complete disclosures in the half
yearly report of Trustees to SEBI regarding the efforts undertaken
by them to increase geographical penetration of mutual funds
and the details of opening of new branches, especially at locations
beyond top 30 cities.
10.1.9 Brokerage and transaction cost265 incurred for the purpose of
execution of trade may be capitalized to the extent of 12bps
and 5bps for cash market transactions and derivatives transactions
respectively. Any payment towards brokerage and transaction cost,
over and above the said 12 bps and 5bps for cash market
transactions and derivatives transactions respectively may be charged
to the scheme within the maximum limit of Total Expense Ratio (TER)
as prescribed under regulation 52266. Any expenditure in excess of
the said prescribed limit (including brokerage and transaction cost, if
any) shall be borne by the AMC or by the trustee or sponsors.
10.1.10 Soft-dollar arrangement refers to an arrangement between AMCs and
brokers in which the AMC executes trades through a particular
broker and in turn the broker may provide benefits such as free
264 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2018/18 dated February 05, 2018
265 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012 & SEBI Circular No.
CIR/IMD/DF/24/2012 dated November 19, 2012.
266 Regulation 52 of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
136 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
research, hardware, software or even non-research-related services,
etc., to the AMC. It may be noted that such arrangements between
AMCs and brokers should be limited to only benefits (like free
research report, etc.) that are in the interest of investors and the
same should be suitably disclosed267.
10.1.11 Investor Education and Awareness268:
(a) Mutual Funds/AMCs shall annually set apart at least 2 basis
points on daily net assets within the maximum limit of TER as
per regulation 52 of the Regulations for investor education and
awareness initiatives. Mutual Funds shall make complete
disclosures in the half yearly trustee report to SEBI
regarding the investor education and awareness initiatives
undertaken.
(b) 269Certain portion of the 2 basis points of daily net assets
is being set aside by Mutual Funds/AMCs for investor
education and awareness initiatives at industry level.
(c) In this respect, for the purpose of increasing awareness of
Mutual Funds as a financial product category it has been
decided to permit celebrity endorsements at industry level,
subject to the following conditions:
i. Celebrity endorsement shall be allowed only at industry level, for
the purpose of increasing awareness of Mutual Funds as a
financial product category. Such celebrity endorsements
should not promote a scheme of a particular Mutual Fund or be
used as a branding exercise of a Mutual Fund house/ AMC.
267 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/42 dated March 18, 2016
268 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012
269 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/23/2017 dated March 15, 2017
137 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
ii. Expenses towards such celebrity endorsements for
increasing awareness of Mutual Funds shall be limited to
the amounts that are aggregated by Mutual Funds at
industry level for the purpose of conducting investor
education and awareness initiatives, in terms of clause F of
SEBI circular dated September 13, 2012.
iii. Prior approval of SEBI shall be required for issuance of
any endorsement of Mutual Funds as a financial product, which
features a celebrity for the purpose of increasing awareness of
Mutual Funds
10.1.12 The following expenses cannot be charged to the schemes of Mutual
Funds:
(a) Penalties and fines for infraction of laws.
(b) Interest on delayed payment to the unit holders.
(c) Legal, marketing, publication and other general expenses not
attributable to any scheme(s).
(d) Fund Accounting Fees.
(e) Expenses on investment management/general management.
(f) Expenses on general administration, corporate advertising and
infrastructure costs.
(g) Depreciation on fixed assets and software development expenses.
138 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
(h) Such other costs as may be prohibited by the Board.
10.1.13 The expenditure and/or fee payable by Mutual Funds to the
Depositories may either be capitalized or included as part of
recurring expenditure within the limits prescribed under Regulation
52(6) of the Mutual Funds Regulations270.
10.1.14 Further, each item of expenditure accounting for more than 10% of
total expenditure shall be disclosed in the accounts or the notes
thereto of the schemes271.
10.1.15 Provision of charging of additional management fees by the Asset
Management Companies in case of schemes launched on no load
basis272.
(a) AMC shall not collect any additional management fees referred
to in Regulation273.
(b) Mutual Fund Schemes to be launched including those for which
observation letter have been issued under Regulation274 would
be required to carry out the changes in SID and file the same
with SEBI before the launch.
270 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/826/98 dated April 15, 1998.
, 2 ,, 71 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000.
272 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010
273 Regulation 52(3) of SEBI Mutual Funds Regulation, 1996 and SEBI Circular No.
SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/ 168230/09 dated June 30, 2009
274 Regulation 29 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
139 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.2 Restriction on paying brokerage or commission275
10.2.1 In case of investments made by the Sponsor(s), no brokerage or
commission shall be paid.
10.3 Restriction on charging Service Tax276
10.3.1 AMC(s) can charge Service Tax, as per applicable Taxation Laws, to
the scheme(s) within the limits prescribed under Regulations277
10.3.2 Mutual funds /AMCs may charge service tax on investment and
advisory fees to the scheme in addition to the maximum limit of
TER as prescribed in Regulation 52278.
10.3.3 Service tax on other than investment and advisory fees, if any, shall
be borne by the scheme within the maximum limit of TER as per
Regulation 52279.
10.3.4 Service tax on exit load, if any, shall be paid out of the exit load
proceeds and exit load net of service tax, if any, shall be credited to
the scheme.
10.3.5 Service tax on brokerage and transaction cost280 paid for execution of
trade, if any, shall be within the limit prescribed under regulation 52
of the Regulations.
275 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.3/211/2001 dated April 30, 2001, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR No.5/153/2001 dated May 24, 2001.
276 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/04/430/2002 dated June 19, 2002, SEBI Circular No.
CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012.
277 Reg.52(6) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
278 Regulation 52 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
279 Regulation 52 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
280 SEBI Circular No. CIR/ IMD/ DF/ 24/2012 dated November 19, 2012
140 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.4 Empowering investors through transparency in payment of
commission and load structure281
10.4.1 In order to empower investors in deciding the commission paid to
distributors in accordance with the level of service received, it has
been mandated that:
(a) There shall be no entry load282 for all Mutual Fund schemes.
(b) The scheme application forms shall carry a suitable disclosure to
the effect that the upfront commission to distributors will be paid
by the investor directly to the distributor, based on his assessment
of various factors including the service rendered by the distributor.
(c) The load balances are maintained as ‘liabilities’ in the books of the
scheme and are not included in the net asset value (NAV). The
usage283 of the load account shall be subject to the following:
a. The load balance shall be segregated into two accounts in
the books of accounts of the scheme - one to reflect the
balance as on July 31, 2009 and the other to reflect
accretions since August 01, 2009.
b. However, not more than one- third of load balance as on
July 31, 2009 shall be used in any financial year. It is
clarified though the unutilized balances can be carried
281, 219 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 4/ 168230/09 dated June 30, 2009
282 Waiver of load for direct applications - Vide SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR
No.10/112153/07 dated December 31, 2007,SEBI mandated w.e.f January 4,2009 no entry
load shall be charged for applications received directly by the AMC(s) through internet or
submitted directly to the AMC(s) or Collection Center/Investor Service Centre and not
routed through any distributor or agent or broker. This waiver was applicable to both
additional purchases under the same folio and ‘switch in’ to a scheme from other schemes
also done directly by the investor. AMCs shall follow the provisions pertaining to informing
the unitholders upon a change in load structure as per clause 3(d) of standard observations.
283 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/DF/4/2011 dated March 9, 2011
141 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
forward, yet in no financial year the total spending can be
more than one third of the load balances on July 31, 2009.
The accretions after July 31, 2009 can be used by mutual funds
for marketing and selling expenses including
distributor’s/agent's commissions without any restrictions
mentioned in Para (b) above.
(d) The exit load charged284, if any, after the commencement of SEBI
(Mutual Funds) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2012, shall be
credited to the scheme.
(e) The distributors should disclose all the commissions (in the form of
trail commission or any other mode) payable to them for the
different competing schemes of various Mutual Funds from
amongst which the scheme is being recommended to the investor.
10.4.2 The above guidelines became applicable for:
(a) Investments in mutual fund schemes (including additional
purchases and switch-in to a scheme from other schemes) w.e.f
August 1, 2009
(b) Redemptions from mutual fund schemes (including switch-out
from other schemes) w.e.f August 1, 2009
(c) New mutual fund schemes launched on or after August 1, 2009
(d) Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) registered on or after August 1,
2009285.
10.4.3 The AMCs are required to bring the contents of these guidelines to the
notice of their distributors and monitor compliance.
284 Regulation 51A of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
285 SEBI Circular No.MFD/CIR/04/430/2002 dated June 19, 2002, SEBI Circular No.
CIR/IMD/df/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012
142 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.5 Transaction Charges286
10.5.1 A transaction charge per subscription of Rs.10,000/- and above be
allowed to be paid to the distributors of the Mutual Fund products.
However, there shall be no transaction charges on direct investments.
The transaction charge shall be subject to the following:
(a) For existing investors in a Mutual Fund, the distributor may be
paid Rs.100/- as transaction charge per subscription of
Rs.10,000/- and above.
(b) As an incentive to attract new investors, the distributor may be
paid Rs.150/- as transaction charge for a first time investor in
Mutual Funds.
(c) The terms and conditions relating to transaction charge shall
be part of the application form in bold print.
(d) The transaction charge, if any, shall be deducted by the
AMC from the subscription amount and paid to the
distributor; and the balance shall be invested.
(e) The statement of account shall clearly state that the net
investment as gross subscription less transaction charge and give
the number of units allotted against the net investment.
(f) Distributors shall be able to choose to opt out of charging the
transaction charge. However, the ‘opt-out’ shall be at distributor
level and not investor level i.e. a distributor shall not charge
one investor and choose not to charge another investor.
Further, Distributors shall have also the option to either opt in or
286 SEBI Circular no. CIR/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011
143 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
opt out of levying transaction charge based on type of the
product287.
(g) The AMCs shall be responsible for any malpractice/mis-selling by
the distributor while charging transaction costs.
(h) There shall be no transaction charge on subscription below
Rs.10,000/-
(i) In case of SIPs, the transaction charge shall be applicable
only if the total commitment through SIPs amounts to
Rs.10,000/- and above. In such cases the transaction charge
shall be recovered in 3-4 installments.
(j) There shall be no transaction charge on transactions other
than purchases/ subscriptions relating to new inflows.
10.5.2 Mutual Funds shall institute systems to detect if a distributor is
splitting investments in order to enhance the amount of transaction
charges and take stringent action including recommendations to AMFI
to take appropriate action.
10.5.3 Mutual Funds/AMCs shall carry out an exercise of de-duplication of
folios across all Mutual Funds within a period of 6 months from
August 22, 2011.
287 SEBI Circurlar No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012
144 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
10.6 No Load on Bonus Units and Units allotted on
Reinvestment of Dividend288
10.6.1 AMC(s) shall not charge entry and/or exit load on bonus units and
units allotted on reinvestment of dividend. Necessary disclosures in
this regard shall be made in the SID filed with the Board289
10.7 Filing fees 290
10.7.1 Revised filing fee291 as per the SEBI (Payment of Fees) Amendment
Regulations 2014 would be applicable to those scheme(s) whose SID
has been filed with SEBI on or after May 23, 2014.
10.8 Exit load parity
10.8.1 While charging exit loads, no distinction among unit holders should
be made based on the amount of subscription292. While complying
with the same, Mutual Funds should ensure that “any imposition or
enhancement in the load shall be applicable on prospective
investments only.293
10.8.2 Further, the parity among all classes of unit holders in terms of
charging exit load shall be made applicable at the portfolio level.294
288 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 14/120784/08 dated March 18, 2008
259 SEBI Circular No. CIR/ IMD/DF/24/2012 dated November 19, 2012
290 SEBI Cir No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 5 / 169030 / 2009 dated July 8, 2009
291 Gazettee Notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/20014-15/03/1089 on SEBI (Payment of Fees)
(Amendment) Regulations, 2014 dated 23 May, 2014
292 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 6 /172445/ 2009 dated August 7,2009 All
Mutual Funds shall ensure compliance with this circular on or before August 24, 2009
293 SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 7 /173650 / 2009 dated August 17,2009 and
SEBI circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008 (clause 16 of the
standard observations)
294 SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 7 /173650 / 2009 dated August 17,2009
145 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 11
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE
295, 296
11.1 Regulations297 permit Mutual Funds to distribute returns including
dividend. To introduce uniform practices in dividend distribution, the
following guidelines should be followed:
11.2 These guidelines are applicable to all Mutual Fund schemes/plans which
intend to declare the dividend irrespective of their dates of launch.298
11.2.1 Unlisted Scheme(s)/ Plan(s)
11.2.1.1 The Trustees shall decide the quantum of dividend and the record
date in their meeting299. Dividend so decided, shall be paid,
subject to availability of distributable surplus.
11.2.1.2 Record date shall be the date which will be considered for the
purpose of determining the eligibility of investors whose names
appear on the register of unit holders for receiving dividends. The
NAV shall be adjusted to the extent of dividend distribution and
statutory levy, if applicable, at the close of business hours on
record date.
11.2.1.3 Within one calendar day of the decision of the Trustees with
respect to the dividend to be distributed, the AMC(s) shall issue a
notice to the public communicating the decision including the
record date. The record date shall be five calendar days from the
issue of public notice.
295 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.1/64057/06 dated April 4, 2006.
296 For details on advertisement on dividend please refer to Chapter on ‘Advertisements’
297 Regulation 53(a) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
298 SEBI Circular No SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 3/65370/06 dated April 21,2006
299 Clause 20 of Third Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
146 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
11.2.1.4 Before the issue of such notice, no communication whatsoever
indicating the probable date of dividend declaration shall be
issued by any Mutual Fund or its distributors of its products.
11.2.1.5 Such notice shall be given in at least one English daily newspaper
having nationwide circulation as well as in a newspaper published
in the language of the region where the head office of the Mutual
Fund is situated.
11.2.1.6 The notice shall, in font size 10, bold, categorically state that
pursuant to dividend distribution, NAV of the scheme would fall
to the extent of payout and statutory levy (if applicable).
11.2.2 Liquid / Debt Schemes with frequent dividend distribution
11.2.2.1 The requirement of giving notice is not mandatory for scheme(s)/
plan(s)/ option(s) with dividend distribution frequency ranging from
daily up to monthly distribution if requisite disclosures in this
regard are made in the SID.
11.2.3 Listed Schemes/Plans
11.2.3.1 Listed scheme(s)/ plan(s) shall follow the requirements stipulated
in the Listing Agreement for dividend declaration and distribution.
11.3 Non availability of Unit Premium Reserve for dividend
distribution300
11.3.1 Regulations301 provide the accounting policies to be followed for
determining distributable surplus and accounting the sale and
repurchase of units in the books of the Mutual Fund. The format for
300 SEBI circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010
301 Ninth and Eleventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
147 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Scheme Balance Sheet (including Abridged) provides for disclosure
of Unit Premium Reserve.
11.3.2 Unit Premium Reserve, which is part of the sales price of units that
is not attributable to realized gains, cannot be used to pay dividend.
Therefore:
11.3.2.1 When units of an open-ended scheme are sold, and sale price is
higher than face value of the unit, part of sale proceeds that
represents unrealized gains shall be credited to a separate account
(Unit Premium Reserve) and shall be treated at par with unit
capital and the same shall not be utilized for the determination of
distributable surplus.
11.3.2.2 When units of an open-ended scheme are sold, and sale price is
less than face value of the unit, the difference between the sale
price and face value shall be debited to distributable reserves and
the dividend can be declared only when distributable reserves
become positive after adjusting the amount debited to reserves as
per Regulations302.
302 Paragraph 2(a) (ix) of Eleventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
148 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 12
INVESTMENT BY SCHEMES303
12.1 Investments by Index Funds:304
12.1.1 Investments by index funds shall be in accordance with the
weightage of the scrips in the specific index as disclosed in the SID305 In
case of sector or industry specific scheme, the upper ceiling on
investments may be in accordance with the weightage of the scrips in the
representative sectoral index or sub index as disclosed in the SID or 10%
of the NAV of the scheme, whichever is higher.
12.2 Investments by Liquid Schemes and plans306
12.2.1 The ‘liquid fund schemes and plans’ shall make investment in
/purchase debt and money market securities with maturity of upto 91
days only 307. This shall also be applicable in case of inter scheme transfer
of securities 308
12.2.1.1 Explanation:
a. In case of securities where the principal is to be repaid in a single
payout the maturity of the securities shall mean residual maturity. In
303 Investments in Money Market instruments (MMIs)
In case of the existing schemes ( i.e. existing on date of issue of SEBI Circular No - SEBI /
IMD / CIR No.3 / 166386 / 2009 dated June 15, 2009) where the investments in money
market instruments of an issuer are not in compliance with the Gazette Notification No.
LAD – NRO/GN/2009-10/07/165404 dated June 5, 2009, AMC shall ensure compliance
within a period of 3 months from the date of notification.
<3< 04 SEBI Circular No - MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000
305 See Clause 10, Seventh Schedule of Mutual Funds Regulations.
< 3 06 SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.13/150975 / 09 dated January 19, 2009
307 With effect from February 01, 2009 make investment in /purchase debt and money market
securities with maturity of upto182 days only.
308 Transition provision:
Inter-scheme transfers of securities having maturity upto 365 days and held in other schemes
as on February 01, 2009 shall be permitted till October 31, 2009. With effect from November
149 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
case the principal is to be repaid in more than one payout then the
maturity of the securities shall be calculated on the basis of weighted
average maturity of security.
b. In case of securities with put and call options (daily or otherwise) the
residual maturity of the securities shall not be greater than 91 days309
c. In case the maturity of the security falls on a non-business day then
settlement of securities will take place on the next business day.
12.2.2 The above requirements shall be disclosed in the SID and shall form
part of the investment allocation pattern. Any deviation from these
requirements shall be viewed as violation of investment restrictions.
12.3 Investments by close ended debt schemes:
12.3.1 Close ended debt schemes shall invest only in such securities which
mature on or before the date of the maturity of the scheme310
12.4 Prudential limits and disclosures on portfolio
concentration risk in debt oriented mutual fund schemes311
12.4.1 312Mutual Funds/AMCs shall ensure that total exposure of debt
schemes of mutual funds in a particular sector (excluding
investments in Bank CDs, CBLO, G-Secs, TBills, short term
deposits of Scheduled Commercial Banks and AAA rated securities
1, 2009 the requirements stated at paragraph 12.2.1 above shall apply to such inter-se
scheme transfers also.
< 3 09 w.e.f May 01, 2009.
310 SEBI Circular No IMD/CIR No 12/147132/08 dated December 11, 2008.
311 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/ DF/ 21/ 2012 dated September 13, 2012 and SEBI Circular No.
CIR/IMD/DF/24/2012 dated November 19, 2012 SEBI/ HO/ IMD/ DF2/CIR/P/2016/35
dated February 15, 2016 and SEBI Circular No. SEBI/ HO/ IMD/ DF2/CIR/P/2016/68 dated
August 10, 2016
312 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/14 dated February 22, 2017
150 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
issued by Public Financial Institutions and Public Sector Banks) shall
not exceed 25% of the net assets of the scheme;
Provided that an additional exposure to financial services sector
(over and above the limit of 25%) not exceeding 15% of the net assets
of the scheme shall be allowed only by way of increase in exposure to
Housing Finance Companies (HFCs);
Provided further that the additional exposure to such securities
issued by HFCs are rated AA and above and these HFCs are
registered with National Housing Bank (NHB) and the total
investment/ exposure in HFCs shall not exceed 25% of the net assets
of the scheme.
12.4.2 Appropriate disclosures shall be made in Scheme Information
Document (SID) and Key Information Memorandum (KIM) of debt
schemes.
12.4.3 Group exposure –
a) Mutual Funds/ AMCs shall ensure that total exposure of debt
schemes of mutual funds in a group (excluding investments in
securities issued by Public Sector Units, Public Financial
Institutions and Public Sector Banks) shall not exceed 20% of the
net assets of the scheme. Such investment limit may be extended to
25% of the net assets of the scheme with the prior approval of the
Board of Trustees.
b) For this purpose, a group means a group as defined under
regulation 2 (mm) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
(Regulations) and shall include an entity, its subsidiaries, fellow
subsidiaries, its holding company and its associates.
151 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.4.4 Trustee shall review exposure of a mutual fund, across all its
schemes, towards individual issuers, group companies and sectors.
Trustee should satisfy themselves on the levels of exposure and
confirm the same to SEBI in the half-yearly trustee report starting
from the half-year ending March 31, 2016.
12.4.5 The revised investment restrictions at issuer level, sector level and
group level shall be applicable to all new schemes and fresh
investments by existing schemes from the date of this circular (i.e.
February 15, 2016).
12.4.6 Existing mutual fund schemes shall comply with the revised
investment restrictions at issuer level, sector level and group level
within a period of one year from the date of issue of this circular (i.e.
February 15, 2016). Existing close ended schemes shall not be
required to sell their investments to comply with the restrictions.
However, if existing close ended schemes sell their investments then
their fresh investments shall be subject to the restrictions.
152 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.5 Stock Lending Scheme313
12.5.1 The following guidelines are issued to facilitate lending of securities
by Mutual Funds through intermediaries approved by the Board in
accordance with the Stock Lending & Borrowing Scheme.314
12.5.2 Disclosure Requirements
12.5.2.1 The following information shall be disclosed in the SID to enable
the investors and unit holders to take an informed decision:
a. Intention to lend securities belonging to a particular Mutual
Fund scheme in accordance with the guidelines on securities
lending and borrowing scheme issued by SEBI from time to
time.315
b. Exposure limit with regard to securities lending, both for the
scheme as well as for a single intermediary.
c. Risks factors such as loss, bankruptcy etc. associated with
such transactions.
12.5.3 Reporting Requirement
12.5.3.1 The AMC(s) shall report to the Trustees on a quarterly basis about
the level of lending, in terms of value, volume and intermediaries
and also earnings and/or losses, value of collateral security etc.
12.5.3.2 The Trustees shall periodically review the securities lending
contract and take reasonable steps to ensure that the same is not,
313 SEBI Circular No MFD/CIR/01/047/99 dated February 10, 1999.
, 3 14 Regulation 44(4) of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
315 SEBI Circular No - SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009
153 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
in any way, detrimental to the interests of the unit holders of the
scheme.
12.5.3.3 The Trustees shall offer their comments on the above aspects in the
Half Yearly Trustee Report filed with the Board.316
12.5.4 Existing schemes
12.5.4.1 In case an existing SID does not provide for lending of securities,
Mutual Funds may still lend securities belonging to the scheme, in
accordance with the SEBI Guidelines, provided approval is obtained
from the Trustees and the intention to lend securities is conveyed
to the unit holders.
12.6 Approval for Investment in Unrated Debt Instruments317
12.6.1 Mutual Funds may, for the purpose of operational flexibility,
constitute committees to approve investment proposals in unrated
instruments. However, detailed parameters for investment in
unrated debt instruments have to be approved by the Board of the
AMC and Trustees. Details of such investments shall be
communicated by the AMCs to the Trustees in their periodical
reports, along with clear indication as to how the parameters set for
investments have been complied with. Prior approval of the Board of
the AMC and Trustees shall be required in case investment is sought
to be made in an unrated security falling outside the prescribed
parameters.
316 Regulation 18(23)(a) of the Mutual Funds Regulations. Further, for format of Half Yearly
Trustee Report please refer to section on Formats.
317 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000.
154 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.7 Investments in Units of Venture Capital Funds318
12.7.1 Mutual Fund schemes can invest in listed or unlisted securities or
units of Venture Capital Funds within the prescribed investment
limits as applicable.319
12.8 Investment limits for Government guaranteed debt
securities320
12.8.1 Prudential investment norms as per Regulations stipulating limits for
investments in debt securities321 issued by a single issuer are
applicable to all debt securities issued by public bodies or institutions
such as electricity boards, municipal corporations, state transport
corporations etc. guaranteed by either State / Central Government.
Government securities issued by Central and/or State Government or
on its behalf, by the RBI are however exempt from these limits.
12.9 Investment Restrictions for Securitised Debt322
12.9.1 For investments made in Securitised Debt (mortgage backed
securities and asset backed securities), restrictions as per Clause 1 of
Seventh Schedule323 shall not apply at the originator level.
318 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/230/2001 dated August 14, 2001.
, 3 ,, 19 Clauses 10 and 11, Seventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996.
, 3 , 20 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.8/18944/03 dated October 6, 2003.
, 3 21 Clauses 1 and 1A, Seventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996.
, 3 , 22 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.6/63715/06 dated March 29, 2006.
323 Clause I of Schedule VII of SEBI (Mutual Fund), Regulations, 1996
155 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.10 Investments in Short Term Deposits of Scheduled
Commercial Banks324
12.10.1 The guidelines for deployment of funds in short term deposits of
commercial banks for schemes are as under:
12.10.1.1 “Short Term” for parking of funds by Mutual Funds shall be
treated as a period not exceeding 91 days.325
12.10.1.2 Such deposits shall be held in the name of the concerned scheme.
12.10.1.3 No mutual fund scheme shall park more than 15% of their net
assets in short term deposits of all scheduled commercial banks
put together. This limit however may be raised to 20% with prior
approval of the Trustees. Also, parking of funds in short term
deposits of associate and sponsor scheduled commercial banks
together shall not exceed 20% of the total deployment by the
Mutual Fund in short term deposits.
12.10.1.4 No mutual fund scheme shall park more than 10% of the net
assets in short term deposits with any one scheduled commercial
bank including its subsidiaries.
12.10.1.5 Trustees shall ensure that funds of a particular scheme are not
parked in short term deposit of a bank which has invested in that
scheme.
324 SEBI Circulars No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.9/20306/03 dated November 12, 2003, SEBI Circular
No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.1/91171/07 dated April 16, 2007, SEBI and Clause 8 of Seventh
Schedule of Mutual Funds Regulations, 1996.
, 3 ,, 25 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.1/91171/07 dated April 16, 2007.
156 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.10.1.6 In case of liquid and debt oriented schemes, AMC(s) shall not
charge any investment management and advisory fees for parking
of funds in short term deposits of scheduled commercial banks.
12.10.1.7 Half Yearly portfolio statements shall disclose all funds parked in
short term deposit(s) under a separate heading. Details shall also
include name of the bank, amount of funds parked, percentage of
NAV.
12.10.1.8 Trustees shall, in the Half Yearly Trustee Reports certify that
provisions of the Mutual Funds Regulations pertaining to parking
of funds in short term deposits pending deployment are complied
with at all points of time. The AMC(s) shall also certify the same
in its CTR(s).
12.10.1.9 Investments made in short term deposits pending deployment of
funds326 shall be recorded327 and reported to the Trustees
including the reasons for the investment especially comparisons
with interest rates offered by other scheduled commercial
banks.328
12.10.1.10 Except for clause (12.10.1.7) the above guidelines shall not apply
to term deposits placed as margins for trading in cash and
derivatives market329. However, duration of such term deposits
shall be disclosed in the Half Yearly Portfolio330.
326 Clause 8, Schedule Seven, SEBI (Mutual Funds), Regulations, 1996.
, 3 ,,,,, 27 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000.
, 3 , 28 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.9/20306/03 da ted November 12, 2003.
, 329 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.7/129592/08 dated June 23, 2008.
330 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/Cir No.7/129592/08 dated June 23, 2008
157 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.11 Reconciliation Procedure for Investment in Government
Securities331
12.11.1 According to the RBI guidelines332 issued to all SGL account holders,
to make transactions in government securities transparent, a monthly
reconciliation system has been introduced between RBI and Mutual
Funds maintaining SGL/CSGL accounts with respect to Government
Securities on an ongoing basis.
12.11.2 Mutual Funds shall reconcile the balances reported in the monthly
statements furnished by RBI with the transactions undertaken by
them.
12.11.3 The reconciliation procedure shall be made part of internal audit and
the auditors shall on a continuous basis, check the status of
reconciliation and submit a report to the Audit Committee. These
reports shall be placed in the meetings of the Board of the AMC and
Trustees. Mutual Funds shall submit, on a quarterly basis to the RBI,
a certificate confirming compliance with these requirements and any
other guidelines issued by the RBI from time to time in this regard.
Compliance shall also be reported to the Board in the CTRs of AMC(s)
and Half Yearly Trustee Reports.
331 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/19/22474/2002 dated November 20, 2002.
, 3 , 32 RBI Circular No.P.D.O.SGL.CIRR/1945/2002-2003 dated November 1, 2002.
1 58 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.12 Participation of mutual funds in repo in corporate debt
securities333
12.12.1 Mutual funds can participate in repos in corporate debt securities as
per the guidelines issued by RBI from time to time, subject to the
following conditions:
12.12.1.1 The gross exposure of any mutual fund scheme to repo
transactions in corporate debt securities shall not be more than
10 % of the net assets of the concerned scheme.
12.12.1.2 The cumulative gross exposure through repo transactions in
corporate debt securities along with equity, debt and derivatives
shall not exceed 100% of the net assets of the concerned
scheme.
12.12.1.3 Mutual funds shall participate in repo transactions only in
AA334 and above rated corporate debt securities.
12.12.1.4 In terms of Regulation 44 (2) of the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, mutual funds
shall borrow through repo transactions only if the tenor of the
transaction does not exceed a period of six months.
12.12.1.5 The Trustees and the Asset Management Companies shall frame
guidelines about, inter alia, , the following in context of these
transactions keeping in mind the interest of investors in their
schemes:
a. Category of counterparty
b. Credit rating of counterparty
333 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/19/2011 dated November 11, 2011
334 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/23/2012 dated November 15, 2012
159 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. Tenor of collateral
d. Applicable haircuts
12.12.1.6 Mutual funds shall ensure compliance with the Seventh Schedule
of the Mutual Funds Regulations about restrictions on
investments, wherever applicable, with respect to repo
transactions in corporate debt securities.
12.12.1.7 The details of repo transactions of the schemes in corporate debt
securities, including details of counterparties, amount involved
and percentage of NAV shall be disclosed to investors in the half
yearly portfolio statements and to SEBI in the half yearly trustee
report.
12.12.1.8 To enable the investors in the mutual fund schemes to take an
informed decision, the concerned Scheme Information Document
shall disclose the following:
a. The intention to participate in repo transactions in
corporate debt securities in accordance with directions
issued by RBI and SEBI from time to time;
b. The exposure limit for the scheme; and
c. The risk factors associated with repo transactions in
corporate bonds
160 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.13 Overseas Investment335
12.13.1 Applicable limits:
12.13.1.1 Aggregate ceiling for overseas investments is US $ 7 billion336 and
within this overall limit, Mutual Funds can make overseas
investments subject to a maximum of US $ 300 million per Mutual
Fund.
12.13.1.2 Aggregate ceiling for investment by Mutual Funds in overseas
Exchange Traded Fund (ETF(s)) that invest in securities is US $ 1
billion subject to a maximum of US $ 50 million per Mutual Fund.
12.13.2 Permissible investments:
12.13.2.1 ADR(s) and/or GDR(s) issued by Indian or foreign companies.
12.13.2.2 Equity of overseas companies listed on recognized Stock
Exchanges overseas.
12.13.2.3 Initial and Follow on Public Offerings for listing at recognized
Stock Exchanges overseas.
12.13.2.4 Foreign debt securities in the countries with fully convertible
currencies, short term as well as long term debt instruments with
rating not below investment grade by accredited/ registered credit
rating agencies.
335 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.7/104753/07 dated September 26, 2007 & SEBI
Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/122577/08 dated April 8, 2008.
336 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/122577/08 dated April 8, 2008.
161 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.13.2.5 Money Market Instruments rated not below investment grade.
12.13.2.6 Repos in form of investment, where the counterparty is rated not
below investment grade; repo shall not however involve any
borrowing of funds by Mutual Funds.
12.13.2.7 Government securities where the countries are rated not below
investment grade.
12.13.2.8 Derivatives traded on recognized stock exchanges overseas only
for hedging and portfolio balancing with underlying as securities.
12.13.2.9 Short term deposits with banks overseas where the issuer is rated
not below investment grade.
12.13.2.10 Units / securities issued by overseas Mutual Funds or unit trusts
registered with overseas regulators and investing in
a. Aforesaid Securities
b. Real Estate Investment Trusts listed on recognized Stock
Exchanges overseas or
c. Unlisted overseas securities, not exceeding 10% of their net
assets
12.13.3 Other Conditions: Funds Regulations and guidelines issued from
time to time, Mutual Funds shall adhere to the following specific
guidelines while making overseas investments:
12.13.3.1 Appointment of a Dedicated Fund Manager:
a. A dedicated fund manager shall be appointed for making the
above overseas investments stipulated under clause 12.13.2.1 to
12.13.2.10.
162 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.13.3.2 Due Diligence:
a. The Board of the AMC and Trustees shall exercise due diligence
in making investment decisions and record the same.337 They
shall make a detailed analysis of risks and returns of overseas
investment and how these investments would be in the interest of
investors. Investment shall be made in liquid actively traded
securities /instruments.
b. The Board of the AMC and Trustees may prescribe detailed
parameters for making such investments which may include
identification of countries, country rating, country limits etc. They
shall satisfy themselves that the AMC has experienced key
personnel, research facilities and infrastructure for making such
investments. Other specialized agencies and service providers
associated with such investments e.g. custodian, bank, advisors
etc. shall also have adequate expertise and infrastructure
facilities. Their past track record of performance and regulatory
compliance record, if they are registered with foreign regulators,
should also be considered. Necessary agreements may be entered
into with them as required.
12.13.3.3 Mandatory Disclosure Requirements for Mutual Fund schemes
proposing overseas investments:
a. Intention to invest in foreign securities and/or ETF(s) shall be
disclosed in the SID. The attendant risk factors and returns
ensuing from such investments shall be explained clearly in the
SID. Mutual Funds shall also disclose as to how such investments
will help in the furtherance of the investment objectives of the
337 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000.
163 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
scheme(s). Such disclosures shall be in a language
comprehensible to an average investor
b. Mutual Funds shall disclose the name of the Dedicated Fund
Manager for making overseas investments as stipulated under
paragraph 12.13.3.2.a.
c. Mutual Funds shall disclose exposure limits i.e. the percentage of
assets of the scheme they would invest in foreign securities /
ETF(s).
d. Such investments shall be disclosed while disclosing Half Yearly
portfolios in the prescribed format under a separate heading
"Foreign Securities and/or overseas ETF(s)." Scheme wise
percentage of investments made in such securities shall be
disclosed while publishing Half Yearly Results in the prescribed
format338 as a footnote.
12.13.3.4 Investment by Existing Schemes:
a. Existing schemes of Mutual Funds where the SID provides for
investment in foreign securities and attendant risk factors but
which have not yet invested, may invest in foreign securities,
consistent with the investment objectives of the schemes,
provided a Dedicated Fund Manager has been appointed as
stipulated in paragraph 12.13.3.1. Additional disclosures
specified above shall be included by way of addendum and unit
holders will be informed accordingly.
b. In case the SID of an existing scheme does not provide for overseas
investment, the scheme, if it so desires, may make such
investments in accordance with these Guidelines, provided that
338 For Half Yearly Results, please refer to the section on Formats
164 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
prior to the overseas investments for the first time, the AMC shall
ensure that a written communication about the proposed
investment is sent to each unit holder and an advertisement is
given in one English daily newspaper having nationwide
circulation as well as in a newspaper published in the language of
the region where the Head Office of the Mutual Fund is situated.
The communication to unit holders shall also disclose the risk
factors associated with such investments.
12.13.3.5 Detailed periodic reporting to Trustees by AMC(s) shall include:
a. Performance of overseas investments
b. Amount invested in various schemes and any breach of the
exposure limit laid down in the SID.
12.13.3.6 Review of Performance:
a. The Board of the AMC and Trustees shall review the performance
of schemes making overseas investments with appropriate
benchmark(s) as disclosed in the SID.
12.13.3.7 Reporting to the Board:
a. The Trustees shall offer their comments on the compliance of
these guidelines in the Half Yearly Reports filed with the Board.
12.13.3.8 Prudential Investment Norms:
a. Investment restrictions specified in Schedule Seven of the Mutual
Funds Regulations are applicable to overseas investments
stipulated under paragraph 12.13.2.1- 12.13.2.10
165 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. However, Clause 4 of the Seventh Schedule of the Mutual Funds
Regulations that restricts investments in Mutual Fund units up
to 5% of net assets and prohibits charging of fees, shall not be
applicable to investments in Mutual Funds in foreign countries
made in accordance with these Guidelines.
c. Management fees and other expenses charged by the Mutual
Funds in foreign countries along with the management fee and
recurring expenses charged to the domestic Mutual Fund scheme
shall not exceed the total limits on expenses as prescribed under
Regulation 52(6) of the Mutual Funds Regulations. Where the
scheme is investing only a part of the net assets in overseas
Mutual Funds, the same principle shall be applicable for that part
of investment. Details of calculation for charging such expenses
shall be reported to the Board of the AMC and the Trustees and
shall also be disclosed in the Annual Report of the scheme
d. The application339 for seeking approval for investing in foreign
securities, ADR/GDR/overseas ETF(s) shall be made in advance
of making investments. On receipt of approval from the Board,
intimation may be sent by the AMC(s) to Overseas Investment
Division, Foreign Exchange Department, RBI.
12.14 Investments in Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs)340
12.14.1 Mutual funds can invest in Indian Depository Receipts341 [Indian
Depository Receipts as defined in Companies (Issue of Indian
Depository Receipts) Rules, 2004] subject to compliance with SEBI
(Mutual Funds) Regulations 1996 and guidelines issued there under,
339 Please refer the section on formats for format of proposal for investments in foreign securities
and ETFs
340 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR. No.1/165935/2009 dated June 09, 2009
341 Regulation 43(1) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
166 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
specifically investment restrictions as specified in the Seventh
Schedule of the Regulations.'
12.15 Investments in units of REITs / InvITs342
a. The investment restrictions mentioned at Clause 13 in the Seventh
Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 shall be applicable to
all fresh investments by all schemes, including an existing scheme.
b. Any existing scheme intending to invest in units of REITs/InvITs shall abide
by the provisions of Regulation 18 (15A) of SEBI (Mutual Funds)
Regulations, 1996.
c. For investment in units of REITs / InvITs by an existing Mutual Fund
scheme, unit holders of the scheme shall be given a time period of at least
15 days for the purpose of exercising the exit option.
12.16 Investment Restrictions343
12.16.1 All investment restrictions as contained in the Regulations344 shall
be applicable at the time of making investment.
12.17 Recording of Investment Decisions345
12.17.1 AMC(s) shall exercise due diligence and care in all investment
decisions as would be exercised by other persons engaged in the
same business.346 Further AMC(s) shall maintain records in
support of each investment decision which will indicate data,
facts and opinion leading to that decision. While broad
342 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/17 dated February 28, 2017.
343 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/09/014/2000 dated January 5, 2000.
344 Seventh Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
3 45 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/6/73/2000 dated July 27, 2000.
346 Regulation 25(2) of the SE BI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
167 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
parameters for investments can be prescribed by the Board of
Directors of the AMC, the basis for taking individual scrip wise
investment decision in equity and debt securities shall be
recorded. A detailed research report analyzing various factors for
each investment decision taken for the first time shall be
maintained and the reasons for subsequent purchase and sales
in the same scrip shall also be recorded. The contents of the
research reports may be decided by the AMC(s) and the Trustees.
12.17.2 The Board of the AMC shall develop a mechanism to verify that
due diligence is being exercised while making investment
decisions especially in cases of investment in unlisted and
privately placed securities, unrated debt securities, NPAs,
transactions where associates are involved and instances where
the performance of the scheme(s) is poor.
12.17.3 AMC(s) shall report compliance with these requirements in their
periodical reports to the Trustees and the Trustees shall report
the same to the Board in the Half Yearly Trustee Reports347.
Trustees shall also check compliance with these Guidelines
through independent auditors or internal and/or statutory
auditors or other systems developed by them.
347 For Half Yearly Trustee Report please refer to the section on Formats
168 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
12.18 Norms for investment and disclosure by Mutual Funds in
derivatives348
12.18.1 Exposure Limits
12.18.1.1 The cumulative gross exposure through equity, debt and
derivative positions should not exceed 100% of the net assets of
the scheme.
12.18.1.2 Mutual Funds shall not write options or purchase instruments
with embedded written options.
12.18.1.3 The total exposure related to option premium paid must not
exceed 20% of the net assets of the scheme.
12.18.1.4 Cash or cash equivalents with residual maturity of less than 91
days may be treated as not creating any exposure.
12.18.1.5 Exposure due to hedging positions may not be included in the
above mentioned limits subject to the following:
a. Hedging positions are the derivative positions that reduce
possible losses on an existing position in securities and till the
existing position remains.
b. Hedging positions cannot be taken for existing derivative
positions. Exposure due to such positions shall have to be added
and treated under limits mentioned in Point 12.18.1.1.
c. Any derivative instrument used to hedge has the same
underlying security as the existing position being hedged.
348 SEBI Circular No. Cir/ IMD/ DF/ 11/ 2010 dated August 18, 2010
169 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
d. The quantity of underlying associated with the derivative
position taken for hedging purposes does not exceed the
quantity of the existing position against which hedge has been
taken.
12.18.1.6 Mutual Funds may enter into plain vanilla interest rate swaps for
hedging purposes. The counter party in such transactions has to
be an entity recognized as a market maker by RBI. Further, the
value of the notional principal in such cases must not exceed the
value of respective existing assets being hedged by the scheme.
Exposure to a single counterparty in such transactions should not
exceed 10% of the net assets of the scheme.
12.18.1.7 Exposure due to derivative positions taken for hedging purposes
in excess of the underlying position against which the hedging
position has been taken, shall be treated under the limits
mentioned in point 12.18.1.1.
12.18.1.8 Hedging of Interest Rate Risk
a. 349To reduce interest rate risk in a debt portfolio, mutual funds may
hedge the portfolio or part of the portfolio (including one or more
securities) on weighted average modified duration basis by using
Interest Rate Futures (IRFs).The maximum extent of short position
that may be taken in IRFs to hedge interest rate risk of the portfolio
or part of the portfolio, is as per the formula given below:
(Portfolio Modified Duration * Market Value of the Portfolio)
(Futures Modified Duration * Futures Price / PAR)
349 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/109 dated September 27, 2017
170 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. In case the IRF used for hedging the interest rate risk has
different underlying security(s) than the existing position being
hedged, it would result in imperfect hedging.
c. Imperfect hedging using IRFs may be considered to be exempted
from the gross exposure, upto maximum of 20% of the net assets
of the scheme, subject to the following:
i. Exposure to IRFs is created only for hedging the interest
rate risk based on the weighted average modified duration
of the bond portfolio or part of the portfolio.
ii. Mutual Funds are permitted to resort to imperfect hedging,
without it being considered under the gross exposure limits,
if and only if, the correlation between the portfolio or part
of the portfolio (excluding the hedged portions, if any)and the
IRF is at least 0.9 at the time of initiation of hedge. In case
of any subsequent deviation from the correlation criteria, the
same may be rebalanced within 5 working days and if not
rebalanced within the timeline, the derivative positions created
for hedging shall be considered under the gross exposure
computed in terms of Para 12.18.1.1. The correlation should be
calculated for a period of last 90 days.
Explanation: If the fund manager intends to do imperfect
hedging upto 15% of the portfolio using IRFs on weighted
average modified duration basis, either of the following
conditions need to be complied with:
(a) The correlation for past 90 days between the portfolio and
the IRF is at least 0.9 or
171 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
(b) The correlation for past 90 days between the part of
the portfolio(excluding the hedged portions, if any)i.e. at
least 15% of the net asset of the scheme(including one
or more securities)and the IRF is at least 0.9.
iii. At no point of time, the net modified duration of part of the
portfolio being hedged should be negative.
iv. The portion of imperfect hedging in excess of 20% of the net
assets of the scheme should be considered as creating exposure
and shall be included in the computation of gross exposure
in terms of 12.18.1.1.
d. The basic characteristics of the scheme should not be affected
by hedging the portfolio or part of the portfolio (including one or
more securities)based on the weighted average modified duration.
Explanation: In case of long term bond fund, after hedging
the portfolio based on the modified duration of the portfolio, the
net modified duration should not be less than the minimum
modified duration of the portfolio as required to consider the fund
as a long term bond fund.
e. The interest rate hedging of the portfolio should be in the interest of
the investors.
f. Mutual Fund schemes may imperfectly hedge their portfolio or part
of their portfolio using IRFs, subject to the following conditions:
i. Prior to commencement of imperfect hedging, existing
schemes shall comply with the provisions of Regulation 18
(15A) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 and all
unit holders shall be given a time-period of at least 30 days
172 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
to exercise the option to exit at prevailing NAV without charging
of exit load.
The risks associated with imperfect hedging shall be
disclosed and explained by suitable numerical examples in
the offer documents and also needs to be communicated to the
investors through public notice or any other form of
correspondence.
ii. In case of new schemes, the risks associated with imperfect
hedging shall be disclosed and explained by suitable
numerical examples in the offer documents
12.18.2 Definition of Exposure in case of Derivative Positions
12.18.2.1 Each position taken in derivatives shall have an associated
exposure as defined under. Exposure is the maximum possible
loss that may occur on a position. However, certain derivative
positions may theoretically have unlimited possible loss.
Exposure in derivative positions shall be computed as follows:
Position Exposure
Long Future Futures Price * Lot Size * Number of
Contracts
Short Future Futures Price * Lot Size * Number of
Contracts
Option bought Option Premium Paid * Lot Size * Number
of Contracts.
12.18.2.2 The provisions shall be applicable for all new schemes launched
post the issue of the aforementioned guidelines. For all existing
173 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
schemes, compliance with the guidelines shall be effective from
October 01, 2010.
12.19 Interval Schemes/Plans350
12.19.1 Certain SIDs provide that the subscription to the scheme can be
made during a specific period (known as specified transaction
period) and the repurchase of units is permitted on all business
days subject to applicable loads (except for redemption during
specified transaction period when no load is charged). These
schemes are generally referred to as ‘interval schemes’.
12.19.2 For all interval schemes/plans351:
12.19.2.1 The units shall be mandatorily listed.
12.19.2.2 No redemption/repurchase of units shall be allowed except
during the specified transaction period (the period during which
both subscription and redemption may be made to and from the
350 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF /19/2010 dated November 26, 2010
351 Applicability:
The AMC shall ensure compliance with the requirements mentioned in Clause 12.16.2 from
the date of next specified transaction period or April 1, 2011 whichever is later. Schemes for
which observations (final) under Regulation 29 of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
have been issued but are yet to be launched would be required to carry out the changes in
Scheme Information Document and file the same with SEBI before the launch.
174 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
scheme). The specified transaction period shall be of minimum
2 working days.
12.19.2.3 Minimum duration of an interval period in an interval
scheme/plan shall be 15 days.
12.19.2.4 Investments shall be permitted only in such securities which
mature on or before the opening of the immediately following
specified transaction period.
Explanation:
In case of securities with put and call options the residual time for
exercising the put option of the securities shall not be beyond the
opening of the immediately following transaction period.
12.20 CDS – mutual funds as users (protection buyers)352
12.20.1 Mutual funds have been permitted to participate in CDS market,
as per the guidelines issued by RBI from time to time , subject to
the following conditions:
a. Mutual funds shall participate in CDS transactions only as
users (protection buyer). Thus, mutual funds are permitted
to buy credit protection only to hedge their credit risk on
corporate bonds they hold. They shall not be allowed to sell
protection and hence not permitted to enter into short
positions in the CDS contracts. However, they shall be
permitted to exit their bought CDS positions, subject to para
(d) below.
352 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/23/2012 dated November 15, 2012.
175 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. Mutual funds can participate as users in CDS for the eligible
securities as reference obligations, constituting from within
the portfolio of only Fixed Maturity Plans (FMP) schemes
having tenor exceeding one year.
c. Mutual funds shall buy CDS only from a market maker
approved by the RBI and enter into Master Agreement with
the counterparty as stipulated under RBI Guidelines.
Exposure to a single counterparty in CDS transactions shall
not exceed 10% of the net assets of the scheme.
d. The cumulative gross exposure through credit default swap
in corporate bonds along with equity, debt and derivative
positions shall not exceed 100% of the net assets of the
scheme.
e. The total exposure related to premium paid for all derivative
positions, including CDS, shall not exceed 20% of the net
assets of the scheme.
f. Before undertaking CDS transactions, mutual funds shall
put in place a written policy on participation in CDS approved
by the Board of the Asset Management Company and the
Trustees as per the guidelines specified by RBI and Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The policy shall be
reviewed by mutual funds, at least once a year.
g. To enable the investors in the mutual funds schemes to take
an informed decision, the concerned Scheme Information
Document (SID) shall disclose the intention to participate in
CDS transaction in corporate debt securities in accordance
with directions issued by RBI and SEBI from time to time,
and related information as appropriate in this regard.
176 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
h. Mutual funds shall also disclose the details of CDS
transactions of the scheme in corporate debt securities in the
monthly portfolio statements as well as in the half yearly
trustee report, as per the format353. Further, mutual funds
shall disclose the scheme wise details of CDS transactions in
the notes to the accounts of annual report of the mutual fund
as per the format354 .
12.20.2 Mutual funds participating in CDS transactions, as users, shall
be required to comply with the guidelines issued by RBI, vide
notification no IDMD.PCD.No.5053/14.03.04/2010-11 dated
May 23, 2011 and subsequent guidelines issued by RBI and SEBI
from time to time.
353 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats
354 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats
177 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 13
Investment by Foreign Investors in Mutual Fund Schemes355.
13.1 Foreign investors (termed as Qualified Foreign
Investors/ QFIs) who meet KYC requirement may invest
in equity and debt schemes of Mutual Funds (MF)
through the following two routes:
13.1.1 Direct route - Holding MF units in demat account through a SEBI
registered depository participant (DP).
13.1.2 Indirect route- Holding MF units via Unit Confirmation Receipt
(UCR).
13.2 The investment through the above mentioned routes
shall be subject to the following conditions:
13.2.1 Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) shall mean a person resident in a
country that is compliant with Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
standards and that is a signatory to International Organization of
Securities Commission's (IOSCO’s) Multilateral Memorandum of
Understanding,
Provided that such person is not resident in India,
Provided further that such person is not registered with SEBI as
Foreign Institutional Investor or Sub-account.
355 SEBI Circular No.CIR/IMD/DF/14/2011 dated August 9, 2011
178 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Explanation- For the purposes of this clause:
(1) the term "Person" shall carry the same meaning under Section
2(31) of the Income Tax Act, 1961
(2) the phrase “resident in India” shall carry the same meaning as in
the Income Tax Act, 1961
(3) “resident” in a country, other than India, shall mean resident as
per the direct tax laws of that country.
13.2.2 MF shall ensure that only QFIs who comply with para 13.2.1 are
allowed to invest under these routes.
13.2.3 MF shall ensure that QFIs meet the KYC requirements as per the
FATF standards, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
(PMLA) rules and regulations made thereunder, and SEBI circulars
issued in this regard before accepting subscriptions from QFIs.
13.2.4 The aggregate investments by QFIs under both the routes shall be
subject to a total overall ceiling of US $10 billion for equity schemes.
13.2.5 In addition to the above, the aggregate investments by QFIs under
both the routes for debt schemes which invest in infrastructure
(“Infrastructure” as defined under the extant ECB guidelines
issued by RBI) debt of minimum
residual maturity of 5 years, shall be subject to a total overall ceiling
of US $3 billion within the existing ceiling of US $25 billion for
FII investment in corporate bonds issued by infrastructure
companies.
13.2.6 MF can accept subscriptions from QFIs till such time the
investments by QFIs under both the routes reaches US $8 billion
179 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
in equity schemes and US $2.5 billion in debt schemes and the
remaining limit of US $2 billion in equity schemes and US $0.5
billion in debt schemes shall be auctioned by SEBI through bidding
process.
13.2.7 MF shall file with SEBI a report about the total subscription and
redemption by QFIs on a daily basis as per the format. MF shall
prepare such report on actual receipt and payment basis. SEBI will
disseminate on an aggregate basis the total amount of investments
by QFIs in equity and debt schemes of the MF on SEBI’s website.
When the total investment reaches US $8 billion in equity schemes
or US $2.5 billion in debt schemes, MF shall stop accepting fresh
investment from QFIs unless they get allotment of limits out of the
remaining limit of US $2 billion in equity schemes or US $0.5 billion
in debt schemes respectively in the auction process referred in para
13.2.6.
13.2.8 MF/ DP shall ensure that the units held by QFIs by way of
UCR/demat holding are non transferable and non tradable.
13.2.9 MF/ DP shall capture the bank account details of the QFIs
designated overseas bank account and shall ensure that all
subscriptions are received from that overseas account and
redemption proceeds are also transferred into the same overseas
account. MF/ DP shall also ensure that the overseas bank account
which QFIs has designated for the purpose is based in countries
which are compliant with FATF standards and are signatory to
MMOU of IOSCO.
13.2.10 In case of subscription, MF shall allot units based on the NAV of
the day on which funds are realized in the MF’s scheme bank
account in India and in case of redemption, units shall be
180 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
redeemed on the day on which transaction slip/instruction is
received and time stamped by MF, as per the applicable cut off
time. The Scheme information documents of the MF shall clearly
mention the applicable cut off time for QFIs and the other
requirements / applicable guidelines for QFIs.
13.2.11 MF shall ensure that Systematic Investments/ transfer/
withdrawals and switches are not available to the QFIs. QFIs can
only subscribe or redeem.
13.2.12 MF/ DP shall ensure that units/ UCRs held by QFIs are
free from all encumbrances i.e. pledge or lien cannot be created
for such units.
13.2.13 MF shall comply with all the requirements as per the PMLA, FATF
standards and SEBI circulars issued in this regard on an ongoing
basis.
13.2.14 MF shall ensure that all the investor related documents/ records
of the QFIs are available with them.
13.2.15 MF shall ensure compliance with laws (rules and
regulations) of the jurisdictions where the QFIs are based and
also ensure that the interest of existing unit holders of the MF
schemes are not adversely affected due to the issuance of UCRs/
demat units to the QFIs.
13.2.16 In case of any penalty, pending litigations or proceedings,
findings of Inspections or investigations for which action may
have been taken or is in the process of being taken by an overseas
regulator against MF/ AMC, it shall bring such information to
181 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
the attention of SEBI and unitholders of the concerned
scheme.
13.2.17 MF shall be responsible for the deduction of applicable tax at
source out of the redemption proceeds before making redemption
payments to QFIs.
13.2.18 MF/DP shall require QFIs to submit necessary information for the
purpose of obtaining PAN. MF/DP may use the combined PAN
cum KYC form to be notified by CBDT for QFIs. MF/ DP may take
any additional information/ documents from the QFIs other than
those mentioned in the common PAN cum KYC from to ensure
compliance with Para 13.2.3 above.
13.3 Other conditions for direct route (demat account).
13.3.1 There shall be 3 parties under this route - QFIs, qualified DP and
MF.
13.3.2 A QFIs can open only one demat account with any one of the
qualified DPs and shall subscribe and redeem through that DP
only. MF alongwith the DP shall have adequate systems to ensure
the compliance of the same.
13.3.3 To become a qualified DP, a SEBI registered DP shall fulfill the
following:
a. DP shall have paid up capital of Rs.50 Crore or more,
b. DP shall be either a clearing bank or clearing member of any
of the clearing corporations.
182 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
c. DP shall have appropriate arrangements for receipt and
remittance of money with a designated Authorised Dealer
(AD) Category - I bank
d. DP shall demonstrate that it has systems and procedures to
comply with the FATF Standards, PMLA and SEBI circulars
issued from time to time.
e. DP shall obtain prior approval of SEBI before commencing
the activities relating to accepting MF subscription from
QFIs.
13.3.4 The qualified DP shall open a demat account for the QFIs after
ensuring all the requirements as per the PMLA, FATF standards
and SEBI circulars issued in this regard.
13.3.5 For the purpose of account opening, MF can rely on the KYC done
by DPs. Further, MF shall obtain the relevant records of KYC/ other
documents from the DP and ensure compliance with para 13.2.14.
However, MF shall comply with PMLA, FATF standards and SEBI
circulars issued in this regard from time to time on an ongoing
basis.
13.3.6 The qualified DP shall open a separate single rupee pool bank
account with a designated AD Category -I bank, exclusively for the
purpose of investments by QFIs in India.
183 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
13.3.7 Process Flow
Subscription
a. The QFIs shall place a purchase/ subscription order
mentioning the name of the scheme/MF with its DP and
remit foreign inward remittances through normal banking
channel in any permitted currency (freely convertible)
directly to the single rupee pool bank account of the DP
maintained with a designated AD category - I bank.
b. DP in turn shall forward the purchase order to the concerned
MF and remits the money to the MF’s scheme account on the
same day as the receipt of funds from QFIs. In case of receipt
of money after business hours, DP shall remit the funds to MF
scheme account by next business day.
c. If for any reasons, the DP is not able to remit the money to the
MF scheme account within the stipulated timeframe as
mentioned in para-b, the DP shall immediately return the
money to the designated overseas bank account of the QFIs.
d. MF shall process the order and credit units into the demat
account of the QFIs.
e. If for any reasons the units are not allotted, MF / DP shall
ensure that the money is remitted back to the QFI’s designated
overseas bank account within 3 working days from the date of
receipt of subscription of money in the single rupee pool
bank account of the DP maintained with a designated AD
category I bank.
184 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Redemption
f. QFIs can redeem, either through Delivery Instruction
(physical/ electronic) or any another mode prescribed by
the Depositories. On receipt of instruction from QFIs, DP
shall process the same and forward the redemption
instructions to the MF. Upon receipt of instruction from DP,
MF shall process the same and shall credit the single rupee
pool bank account of the DP with the redemption proceeds.
g. The DP can make fresh purchase of units of equity and debt
schemes of MF (if so instructed by the QFIs) out of the
redemption proceeds received provided that payment is made
towards such purchase is made within two working days of
receipt of money from MF in the pooled bank account. In case
no purchase is made within said period, the money shall be
remitted by the DPs to the designated bank overseas account
of the QFIs within two working days from the date of receipt of
money from the MF in the pooled bank account.
Dividend
h. In case of dividend payout, the MF shall credit the single rupee
pool bank account of the DP with the dividend amount. The
DP in turn shall remit the same to the designated bank
overseas account of the QFIs within two working days from the
date of receipt of money from the MF in the DP’s rupee pooled
bank account.
185 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
13.3.8 Disclosure of performance of schemes356 :
13.3.8.1 Disclosure of performance of schemes post-merger as given below
a. When two schemes, for example, Scheme A (Transferor Scheme)
& Scheme B (Transferee Scheme), having similar features, get
merged and the merged scheme i.e., surviving scheme also has
the same features, the weighted average performance of both the
schemes needs to be disclosed.
b. When Scheme A (Transferor Scheme) gets merged into Scheme
B (Transferee Scheme) and the features of Scheme B are
retained, the performance of the scheme whose features are
retained needs to be disclosed.
c. When Scheme A (Transferor Scheme) gets merged into Scheme
B (Transferee Scheme) and the features of Scheme A (Transferor
scheme) are retained, the performance of the scheme whose
features are retained needs to be disclosed.
d. When Scheme A (Transferor Scheme) gets merged with Scheme
B (Transferee Scheme) and a new scheme, Scheme C emerges
after such consolidation or merger of schemes, the past
performance need not be provided.
13.3.8.2 In addition to disclosing the performance of the scheme as
mentioned above, past performance of such scheme(s) whose
features are not retained post-merger may also be made available
on request with adequate disclaimer.
13.3.8.3 This Circular shall be applicable with effect from May 01, 2018.
356 SEBI Circular No- SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2018/69 dated April 12, 2018
186 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
13.4 Other conditions for Indirect route (Unit Confirmation
Receipts)
13.4.1 There shall be four parties involved - QFIs, UCR issuer (based
overseas), SEBI registered Custodian (based in India) and MF.
13.4.2 QFIs can subscribe / redeem only through the UCR Issuer.
13.4.3 MF shall appoint one or more UCR issuing agent overseas and one
SEBI registered custodian in India.
13.4.4 UCR issuer appointed by MF shall act as agent of the MF.
13.4.5 MF can appoint entities fulfilling the following conditions as UCR
issuer:
a. The entity is able to demonstrate that it has proven track record,
expertise and technology in the business of issuance of global
depository receipts/global custody agency
b. The entity is registered with an overseas securities market/ banking
regulator.
13.4.6 MF shall seek no objection from SEBI before appointing any UCR
issuer and furnish the details and information sought by SEBI
about the UCR issuer. SEBI reserves the right to seek additional
information / clarification and direct action, including non
187 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
appointment/ revocation of appointment of that UCR Issuing
Agent.
13.4.7 MF shall comply with all the requirements as per the PMLA, FATF
standards and SEBI circulars issued in this regard on an ongoing
basis.
13.4.8 Custodians appointed by the MF shall comply with the SEBI
(Custodian of Securities) Regulations, 1996, circulars and
guidelines issued by SEBI.
13.4.9 The rupee denominated units of the MF would be held as
underlying by the custodian in India in demat mode against which
the UCR issuer would issue UCR to be held by QFIs.
13.4.10 MF shall ensure that for every UCR issued by UCR issuer,
Custodian in India shall hold corresponding number of units
against it i.e., there shall be one unit of MF scheme for every unit
of UCR.
13.4.11 MF shall receive money from UCR issuer either in foreign
country by opening bank account overseas (in accordance with
the relevant extant FEMA regulations) or in Indian rupees in the
respective MF scheme account held in India.
13.4.12 MF shall mandate the UCR issuer regarding the requirements
for KYC, Customer due diligence process and documents and
188 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
information to be collected from the QFIs in terms of the
requirements mentioned in para 13.2.13 above.
13.4.13 MF shall obtain the relevant records of KYC/ other documents
from the UCR issuer in order to comply with FATF standards, PMLA
and SEBI circulars issued in this regard and ensure compliance
with para 13.2.14.
13.4.14 Units purchased and redeemed through UCR issuer shall be
settled on gross basis and under no circumstances shall be netted
against other investors of UCR issuer
13.4.15 Process flow:
a. The QFIs places a purchase/ subscription order through the UCR
issuer.
In case of MF opening bank account overseas (in accordance with
the relevant extant FEMA regulations)
b. UCR issuer shall forward the order of QFIs to the MF/Custodian. Upon
receipt and transfer of funds to India; the MF shall issue units to the
custodian and custodian in turn confirm to the UCR Issuer to issue
UCR to the QFIs.
c. In case of redemption, UCR issuer shall confirm receipt of redemption
request to the MF and Custodian. Upon receipt of instruction, MF shall
process the same and shall transfer the redemption proceeds to the
MF overseas bank account for making payment to the designated
overseas bank account of the QFIs.
189 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
d. In case of dividend payout, the MF shall transfer the dividend amounts
to the MF overseas bank account for making payment to the
designated overseas bank account of the QFIs.
In case MF receives money in India from UCR issuer.
e. UCR issuer shall forward the purchase order to MF and Custodian,
and remit the funds into MF scheme account (in rupee terms). Upon
receipt of funds; the MF shall issue units to the custodian and
custodian shall in turn confirm to the UCR Issuer to issue UCR to the
QFIs.
f. In case of redemption, UCR issuer shall confirm receipt of redemption
request to the MF & Custodian. Upon receipt of instruction, MF shall
process and remit redemption proceeds to the UCR issuer which in
turn shall remit redemption proceeds to the designated bank account
of the QFIs.
g. In case of dividend payout, the MF shall remit the dividend
amount proceeds to the UCR issuer which in turn shall remit the
dividend amount to the designated bank account of the QFIs.
13.5 The investment by the QFIs in MF equity and debt schemes under this
scheme shall also be subject to the relevant and extant FEMA
regulations and guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India under
FEMA, 1999 from time to time.
190 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 14
ADVERTISEMENTS357
14.1 Advertisement shall be in terms of Sixth Schedule358.
14.2 In addition to the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, mutual funds shall
comply with the following:359
14.2.1 While advertising pay out of dividends, all advertisements shall
disclose the dividends declared or paid in rupees per unit along with
the face value of each unit of that scheme and the prevailing NAV
at the time of declaration of the dividend.
14.2.2 Impact of Distribution Taxes: While advertising returns by
assuming reinvestment of dividends, if distribution taxes are
excluded while calculating the returns, this fact shall also be
disclosed.
14.2.3 Pay out of Dividend/ Bonus: While advertising pay outs, all
advertisements shall disclose, immediately below the pay out figure
(in percentage or in absolute terms) that the NAV of the scheme,
pursuant to pay out would fall to the extent of payout and statutory
levy (if applicable).
14.3 Disclosing performance related information in Mutual Fund
advertisements360
14.3.1 In performance advertisements of Mutual Fund schemes:
357SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011 and SEBI Circular
No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012
358 Sixth Schedule of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 as amended via gazette notification
No. LAD-NRO/GN/2011-12/38/4290 dated February 21, 2012
359 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012
360 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/23/2017 dated March 15, 2017
191 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
14.3.1.1 Performance of the Mutual Fund scheme shall be advertised in
terms of CAGR for the past 1 year, 3 years, 5 years and since
inception.
14.3.1.2 In order to provide ease of understanding to retail investors,
point-to-point returns on a standard investment of Rs.10,000/-
shall also be provided in addition to CAGR of the scheme.
14.3.1.3 Performance advertisements of Mutual Fund schemes should
provide information based on period computed from the last day
of month-end preceding the date of advertisement.
14.3.1.4 It should be specifically mentioned whether performance so
disclosed, is of regular or direct plan of the Mutual Fund
scheme along-with a footnote mentioning that different plans
have a different expense structure.
14.3.1.5 If a Mutual Fund scheme has not been managed by the same fund
manager for the full period of the information being published in
the advertisement, the same should be disclosed in a footnote
14.3.2 When a scheme has been in existence for more than 1 year but less
than 3 years or 5 years, the same shall be mentioned as a
footnote in the performance advertisement of the Mutual Fund
scheme
14.3.3 Where the scheme has been in existence for less than one year, past
performance shall not be provided361.
14.3.4 In case of Money Market schemes or cash and liquid schemes362,
wherein investors have very short investment horizon, the
performance can be advertised by simple annualisation of yields if a
361 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011
362 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/6/2012 dated February 28, 2012
192 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
performance figure is available for at least 7 days, 15 days and 30
days provided it does not reflect an unrealistic or misleading picture
of the performance or future performance of the scheme.
14.3.5 For the sake of standardization, a similar return in INR and by way of
CAGR must be shown for the following apart from the scheme
benchmarks:
Scheme Type Benchmark
Equity Scheme Sensex or Nifty
Long term debt scheme 10 year dated GOI
security
Short term debt fund 1 year T-bill
These disclosures shall form a part of the Statement of Additional
Information and all advertisements of Mutual Funds.
14.3.6 Any disclosure regarding quarterly/ half yearly/ yearly performance
shall pertain to respective calendar quarterly/ half yearly/ yearly
only.
14.3.7 363When the performance of a particular Mutual Fund scheme
is advertised, the advertisement shall also include the
performance data of all the other schemes managed by the fund
manager/s of that particular scheme. Such performance data of the
other schemes managed by the fund manager shall be provided as
follows:
i. Performance of other schemes managed by the fund manager, along-
with their respective scheme’s benchmark, shall be provided in
terms of CAGR for a period of 1 year, 3 years and 5 years. The
period referred here shall be computed in the same manner as that
of the scheme being advertised.
363 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/23/2017 dated March 15, 2017
193 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
ii. In case the number of schemes managed by a fund manager is more
than six, then the AMC may disclose the total number of schemes
managed by that fund manager along with the performance data
of top 3 and bottom 3 schemes (in addition to the performance
data of the scheme for which the advertisement is being made)
managed by that fund manager in all performance related
advertisements. However, in such cases, AMCs shall ensure that
true and fair view of the performance of the fund manager is
communicated by providing additional disclosures, if required.
iii. If a Mutual Fund scheme has not been managed by the same fund
manager for the full period of information being published in the
advertisement, the same should be disclosed in a footnote.
iv. Further, for advertisement published in internet-enabled media,
Mutual Funds shall be permitted to provide an exact website link
to such summarized information of performance of other schemes
managed by the concerned fund manager.
v. An indicative format364 of disclosure of performance of other schemes
managed by the concerned fund manager is provided.
14.4 Indicative portfolios and yields in mutual funds schemes365
14.4.1 Mutual Funds shall not offer any indicative portfolio and indicative
yield. No communication regarding the same in any manner
whatsoever shall be issued by any Mutual Fund or distributors of its
364 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats
365 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR No. 14/1510/2009 dated January 19, 2009
194 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
products. The compliance of the same shall be monitored by the AMC
and Trustees and reported in their respective reports to SEBI.
14.4.2 Indicative portfolio or yield in close ended debt oriented mutual
fund schemes366
Mutual Funds (MFs) / AMCs may make following additional
disclosures in the SID/SAI and KIM without indicating the
portfolio or yield, directly or indirectly:
14.4.2.1 MFs/AMCs shall disclose their credit evaluation policy for the
investments in debt securities.
14.4.2.2 MFs/AMCs shall also disclose the list of sectors they would not
be investing.
14.4.2.3 MFs shall disclose the type of instruments which the schemes
propose to invest viz. CPs, CDs, Treasury bills etc
14.4.2.4 MFs shall disclose the floors and ceilings within a range of 5% of
the intended allocation (in %) against each sub asset
class/credit rating. For example, it may be disclosed that x-y %
would be in AAA rated bank CD as per the sample matrix below:
366 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/12/2011 dated August 01,2011
195 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
14.4.2.5 After the closure of NFO, the AMCs will report in the next
meeting of AMCs and Trustees the publicized percentage
allocation and the final portfolio. Variations between indicative
portfolio allocation and final portfolio will not be permissible.
196 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 15
INVESTOR RIGHTS & OBLIGATIONS
PART I – INVESTOR RIGHTS
15.1 Payment of interest for delay in dispatch of redemption
and/or repurchase proceeds and/or dividend367
15.1.1 In the event of failure to dispatch:
a. Redemption or repurchase proceeds within 10 working days from
the date of receipt of such requests and/ or
b. Dividend within the stipulated 30 day period368,
15.1.2 The AMC(s) shall be liable to pay interest @ 15 per cent per annum
to the unit holders.369 AMC(s) must ensure that the interest amount
due for the period of delay in dispatch of repurchase or redemption
and/or dividend is added to the proceeds when such payments are
made to the investors. Such interest shall be borne by the AMC(s).
15.1.3 Details of such payments shall be sent to the Board along with the
CTR(s).370 Investors shall also be informed about the rate and
amount of interest paid to them. Non compliance with these
directions may invite action under the Mutual Funds Regulations.
367 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR/2/266/2000 dated May 19, 2000.
,3 68 SEBI Circular No. SEBI / IMD / CIR No 14 / 187175/ 2009 dated December 15,2009
, 3 69Regulation 53(c) of the SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996.
370 For CTR format please refer to section on Formats
197 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
15.2 Unclaimed Redemption and Dividend Amount371
15.2.1 The unclaimed redemption and dividend amounts, that were earlier
allowed to be deployed only in call money market or money market
instruments, shall also be allowed to be invested in a separate plan
of Liquid scheme / Money Market Mutual Fund scheme floated by
Mutual Funds specifically for deployment of the unclaimed
amounts.
15.2.2 AMCs shall not be permitted to charge any exit load in this plan and
TER (Total Expense Ratio) of such plan shall be capped at 50 bps.
15.2.3 Further, for the Unclaimed redemption and dividend amounts
deployed by Mutual Funds in Call Money Market or Money Market
instruments, the investment management and advisory fee charged
by the AMC for managing unclaimed amounts shall not exceed 50
basis points.
15.2.4 Investors who claim the unclaimed amounts during a period of three
years from the due date shall be paid initial unclaimed amount
along-with the income earned on its deployment. Investors, who
claim these amounts after 3 years, shall be paid initial unclaimed
amount along-with the income earned on its deployment till the end
of the third year. After the third year, the income earned on such
unclaimed amounts shall be used for the purpose of investor
education.
15.2.5 The AMC shall make a continuous effort to remind the investors
through letters to take their unclaimed amounts.
371SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000 &
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/37 dated February 25, 2016
198 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
15.2.6 Further, to ensure Mutual Funds play a pro-active role in tracing
the rightful owner of the unclaimed amounts:
a. Mutual Funds shall be required to provide on their website,
the list of names and addresses of investors in whose folios
there are unclaimed amounts.
b. AMFI shall also provide on its website, the consolidated list
of investors across Mutual Fund industry, in whose folios
there are unclaimed amounts. The information provided
herein shall contain name of investor, address of investor
and name of Mutual Fund/s with whom unclaimed amount
lies.
c. Information at point (a) & (b) above may be obtained by
investor only upon providing his proper credentials (like PAN,
date of birth, etc.) along-with adequate security control
measures being put in place by Mutual Fund / AMFI.
d. The website of Mutual Funds and AMFI shall also provide
information on the process of claiming the unclaimed
amount and the necessary forms / documents required for
the same.
e. Further, the information on unclaimed amount along-with
its prevailing value (based on income earned on deployment
of such unclaimed amount), shall be separately disclosed to
investors through the periodic statement of accounts /
Consolidated Account Statement sent to the investors.
15.2.7 Disclosures on above provisions shall be made in the SAI /SID.
Disclosure on the unclaimed amounts and the number of such
199 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
investors for each scheme shall be made in the Annual Report
also.372
15.3 Dispatch of Statement of Accounts373
15.3.1 AMCs shall allot the units to the applicant whose application has
been accepted and also send confirmation specifying the number of
units allotted to the applicant by way of email and/or SMS’s to the
applicant’s registered email address and/or mobile number as soon
as possible but not later than five working days from the date of
closure of the initial subscription list and/or from the date of receipt
of the request from the unitholders.
15.3.2 Consolidated Account Statement374
15.3.2.1 As per regulation375, AMCs shall issue consolidated account
statement for each calendar month to the investors in whose folios
transaction(s) has/have taken place during that month.
15.3.2.2 Pursuant to the Interim Budget announcement in 2014 to create
one record for all financial assets of every individual, it has been
further decided that AMCs/ RTAs shall share the requisite
information with the Depositories on monthly basis to enable
generation of CAS376.
15.3.2.3 The depositories and the Asset Management Companies (AMCs)/
MF-RTAs shall put in place systems to facilitate generation and
372 Please refer to Schedule XI of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
373SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000, SEBI Circular No.
IMD/CIR/12/80083/2006 dated November 20, 2006 and SEBI Circular
No.Cir/IMD/DF/16/2011 dated September 08, 2011
374 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/16/2011 dated September 08, 2011
375 Regulation 36(4) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
376 SEBI Circular No CIR/MRD/ DP/ 31/2014 dated November 12, 2014
200 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
dispatch of single Consolidated Account Statements (CAS) for
investors having MF investments and holding demat accounts.
AMCs/ RTAs shall share the requisite information with the
Depositories on monthly basis to enable generation of CAS.
15.3.2.4 Consolidation of account statement shall be done on the basis
of PAN. In case of multiple holding, it shall be PAN of the first
holder and pattern of holding. Based on the PANs provided by the
AMCs/MF-RTAs, the Depositories shall match their PAN
database to determine the common PANs and allocate the PANs
among themselves for the purpose of sending CAS. For PANs
which are common between depositories and AMCs, the
Depositories shall send the CAS. In other cases (i.e. PANs with
no demat account and only MF units holding), the AMCs/ MF-
RTAs shall continue to send the CAS to their unit holders as is
being done presently in compliance with the Regulation 36(4) of
the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations.
15.3.2.5 In case investors have multiple accounts across the two
depositories, the depository having the demat account which has
been opened earlier shall be the default depository which will
consolidate details across depositories and MF investments and
dispatch the CAS to the investor. However, option shall be given
to the demat account holder by the default depository to choose
the depository through which the investor wishes to receive the
CAS.
15.3.2.6 The CAS shall be generated on a monthly basis. The AMCs /MF-
RTAs shall provide the data with respect to the common PANs to
the depositories within three days from the month end. The
201 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
depositories shall then consolidate and dispatch the CAS within
ten days from the month end.
15.3.2.7 Where statements are presently being dispatched by email either
by the Mutual Funds or by the Depositories, CAS shall be sent
through email. However, where an investor does not wish to
receive CAS through email, option shall be given to the investor
to receive the CAS in physical form at the address registered in
the Depository system.
15.3.2.8 A proper grievance redressal mechanism shall be put in place by
the depositories and the AMCs/MF-RTAs which shall also be
communicated to the investors through CAS. AMCs/MF-RTAs
would be accountable for the authenticity of the information
provided through CAS in respect of MF investments and timely
sharing of such information with Depositories. The Depositories
would be responsible for the timely dispatch of CAS to the
investors serviced by them and the demat account information.
15.3.2.9 The depositories and the AMCs/ MF-RTAs shall ensure data
integrity and confidentiality in respect of the shared information.
The depositories shall utilize the shared data only for the purpose
of providing CAS and shall not share the same with their
Depository participants. Where Depositories are required to
share such information with unregulated entities like third party
printers, the depositories shall enter into necessary data
confidentiality agreements with them.
15.3.2.10 The CAS shall be implemented from the month of March 2015
with respect to the transactions carried out during the month of
February 2015.
202 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
15.3.2.11 If an investor does not wish to receive CAS, an option shall be
given to the investor to indicate negative consent. Depositories
shall accordingly inform investors in their statements from the
month of January 2015 about the facility of CAS and give them
information on how to opt out of the facility if they do not wish to
avail it.
15.3.2.12 Where such an option is exercised, the concerned depository
shall inform the AMC/MF-RTA accordingly and the data with
respect to the said investor shall not be shared by the AMC/MF-
RTA with the depository.
15.3.2.13 If there is any transaction in any of the demat accounts of the
investor or in any of his mutual fund folios, then CAS shall be
sent to that investor on monthly basis. In case there is no
transaction in any of the mutual fund folios and demat accounts
then CAS with holding details shall be sent to the investor on half
yearly basis. However, in case of demat accounts with nil balance
and no transactions in securities and in mutual fund folios, the
requirement to send physical statement shall be applicable as
specified in SEBI circular no. CIR/MRD/DP/21/2014 issued on
July 01, 2014.
15.3.2.14 Further, the holding statement dispatched by the DPs to their
BOs with respect to the dormant demat accounts with balances
shall also be dispatched half-yearly in partial modification of
clauses 5(b) and 6(c) of the circular no. CIR/MRD/DP/22/2012
dated August 27, 2012.
15.3.2.15 The dispatch of CAS by the depositories to BOs would constitute
compliance by the Depository Participants with requirement
under Regulation 43 of SEBI (Depositories and Participants)
203 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Regulations, to provide statements of account to the BOs as also
compliance by the MFs with the requirement under Regulation
36(4) of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations.
15.3.2.16 Further, in order to increase transparency of information to
investors, it has been decided that 377
a. Each CAS issued to the investors shall also provide the total
purchase value / cost of investment in each scheme.
b. Further, CAS issued for the half-year (ended September/
March) shall also provide.
i. The amount of actual commission paid by
AMCs/Mutual Funds (MFs) to distributors (in absolute
terms) during the half-year period against the concerned
investor’s total investments in each MF scheme. The
term ‘commission’ here refers to all direct monetary
payments and other payments made in the form of gifts
/ rewards, trips, event sponsorships etc. by
AMCs/MFs to distributors. Further, a mention may
be made in such CAS indicating that the commission
disclosed is gross commission and does not
exclude costs incurred by distributors such as service
tax (wherever applicable, as per existing rates),
operating expenses, etc.
ii. The scheme’s average Total Expense Ratio (in
percentage terms) for the half-year period for each
scheme’s applicable plan (regular or direct or both)
where the concerned investor has actually invested in.
c. Such half-yearly CAS shall be issued to all MF investors,
excluding those investors who do not have any holdings in
MF schemes and where no commission against their
377 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/42 dated March 18, 2016 and
SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/89 dated September 20, 2016
204 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
investment has been paid to distributors, during the
concerned half-year period.
d. Further, an indicative format378 providing guidance on
the key components which shall be reflected in half-yearly
CAS may be referred.
15.3.3 Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) or Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)
or Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) 379
a. Mutual Funds may dispatch the Statement of Accounts to the
unit holders under SIP or STP or SWP, once every quarter ending
March, June, September and December within 10 working days
of the end of the respective quarter. The first Statement of
Accounts shall however be issued within 10 working days of the
initial transaction.
b. Mutual funds shall also provide Statement of Accounts to unit
holders within 5 working days, without any charges, if specific
requests are received from the investors. Further, if so mandated,
a soft copy of the Statement of Accounts shall be e-mailed to the
unit holders on a monthly basis.
15.3.4 Dormant Accountholders
a. Mutual Funds shall also provide Statement of Accounts to those
unit holders who have not transacted during the last six months
prior to the date of generation of the Statement of Accounts. In
such cases, the Statement of Accounts may be issued along with
the scheme’s Portfolio Statement or Annual Report and should
reflect the last closing balance and value of the units prior to the
date of generation of the Statement of Accounts. Further, if so
378 Please refer to section on Formats for requisite formats
379 SEBI Circular No. IMD/CIR/12/80083/2006 dated November 20, 2006
205 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
mandated, a soft copy of the Statement of Accounts shall be e-
mailed to the unit holders instead of a physical statement.
15.4 AMC’s Annual Reports for unitholders380
15.4.1 The annual report containing accounts of the AMCs should be
displayed on the website of Mutual Fund. It should also be
mentioned in the Annual Report of Mutual Funds schemes that the
unitholders, if they so desire may request for the Annual Report of
the AMC.
15.5 Distribution of Proceeds realized from illiquid
securities/ NPAs381
Some of the investments made by Mutual Funds may become non-
performing assets (NPAs) or illiquid at the time of maturity/winding up
of the scheme(s). In due course of time i.e. after the maturity/ winding
up of the scheme(s), these NPAs and illiquid securities may be realized
by the Mutual Funds. Mutual Funds shall distribute such amounts to
the old investors if such amounts are substantial and realized within
two years. If the amounts realized are not substantial or are realized
after two years, the same may be transferred to the Investor Education
Fund maintained by each Mutual Fund. The decision as to the
380 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/9/120/2000 dated November 24, 2000
381 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/05/432/2002 dated June 20, 2002.
2, 06 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
determination of substantial amount shall be taken by the trustees of
mutual funds after considering the relevant factors.
15.6 Change of Mutual Fund Distributor
15.6.1 In case an investor wishes to change his distributor or wishes to go
direct, Mutual Funds/AMC’s shall ensure compliance with the
instruction of the investor informing his desire to change his
distributor and / or go direct, without compelling that investor to
obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the existing distributor.382
15.7 Additional mode of payment through Applications
Supported by Blocked Amount (hereinafter referred to
as “ASBA”) in Mutual Funds383
15.7.1 ASBA facility which investors have been enjoying for subscription to
public issue of equity capital of companies has been extended to the
investors subscribing to New Fund Offers (NFOs) of mutual fund
schemes. It shall co-exist with the current process, wherein cheques/
demand drafts are used as a mode of payment.
15.7.2 The banks which are in SEBI’s list shall extend the same facility in
case of NFOs of mutual fund schemes to all eligible investors in
Mutual Fund units.
15.7.3 Mutual Funds shall ensure that adequate arrangements are made by
Registrar and Transfer Agents for the implementation of ASBA.
Mutual Funds/AMCs shall make all relevant disclosures in this
regard in the SAI.
382 SEBI Circular No -SEBI/IMD/CIR No./ 13/187052 /2009 December 11, 2009
383 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010 dated March 15, 2010
207 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
15.7.4 SEBI circulars384 related to ASBA shall be followed to the extent
applicable.
15.7.5 The Mutual Funds/AMCs have to compulsorily provide ASBA facility
to the investors for all NFOs launched on or after October 1, 2010.
15.8 Instant Access Facility and use of e-wallet for
investment in Mutual Funds385
15.8.1 Instant Access Facility (IAF)
1. IAF facilitates credit of redemption proceeds in the bank account of the
investor on the same day of redemption request. In order to further
enhance the reach of Mutual Funds (MFs) towards the retail investors,
it has been decided to issue guidelines for extending IAF. MFs/AMCs
may offer IAF subject to the following conditions:
a. Eligibility -IAF shall be allowed through online mechanism and only for
resident individual investors.
b. Applicability
i. NAV: While observing the extant cut-off timings with respect to
repurchase (i.e. Redemption), under IAF the following NAVs shall be
applied:
 where the IAF application is received up to 3.00pm–the lower of (i)
NAV of previous calendar day and (ii) NAV of calendar day on
which application is received;
384 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/CFD/DIL/DIP/31/2008/30/7 dated July 30, 2008,
SEBI/CFD/DIL/2008/25/09dated September 25, 2008,
SEBI/CFD/DIL/MB/IS/5/2009/05/08 dated August 5, 2009 and
SEBI/CFD/DIL/ASBA/1/2009/30/12 dated December 30, 2009 and CIR/CFD/DIL/7/2010
dated July 13, 2010
385 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2017/39 dated May 08, 2017
208 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
 where the IAF application is received after 3.00 pm –the lower of
(i) NAV of calendar day on which such application is received, and
(ii) NAV of the next calendar day.
ii. Scheme–MFs/ AMCs can offer IAF only in Liquid schemes of the MF.
iii. Monetary Limit-The monetary limit under IAF shall be INR
50,000/-or 90% of latest value of investment in the scheme,
whichever is lower. This limit shall be applicable per day per scheme
per investor.
c. Liquidity
i. Liquidity for IAF has to be provided out of the available funds with the
scheme and MFs/ AMCs should put in place a mechanism so that
adequate balance is available in the bank account of the scheme
to meet liquidity/ redemption requirements under IAF. Such
mechanism may be based on historical trends of instant access. For
example, AMCs offering IAF may set aside in cash at least 3 times of –
the higher of, last one month’s or three month’s daily average of
redemptions under instant access on a rolling day basis. AMCs should
also lay down robust processes for continuous monitoring and for
funding the redemptions under the IAF.
ii. MFs/ AMCs cannot borrow to meet the redemption requirements
under IAF.
d. Disclosures
i. AMCs shall make appropriate disclosures in the scheme related
documents about IAF and ensure that no mis-selling is done on the
pretext of instant availability of funds to the investors.
ii. Appropriate disclosures shall be made to the investors mentioning the
scenarios under which IAF may be suspended and that IAF request
would be processed as a normal redemption request in such
circumstances.
209 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
e. Approvals and Controls
i. MFs/ AMCs shall offer IAF only after obtaining approvals from
the AMC Board and the Trustees and keep in place adequate
safeguards in the system to implement this facility.
ii. IAF shall also be considered while carrying out stress testing of the
schemes.
15.8.2 Use of e-wallet for investment in MFs
15.8.2.1 With an objective to promote digitalization, MFs/AMCs can
accept investment by an investor through e-wallets (Prepaid
Payment Instruments (PPIs)) subject to the following:
a. MFs/ AMCs shall ensure that extant regulations such as cut-off
timings, time stamping, etc., are complied with for
investment in MFs using e-wallets.
b. MFs/ AMCs shall enter into an agreement / arrangement with
issuers of PPIs for facilitating payment from e-wallets to MF
schemes.
c. Redemption proceeds should be made only to the bank
account of the investor/ unit holder as required under SEBI
Circular MFD/CIR/15/19133/2002 dated September 30, 2002.
d. MFs/ AMCs shall ensure that total subscription through e-
wallets for an investor is restricted to INR 50,000/-per MF per
financial year. Further, in partial modification to the Circular
CIR/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014, the limit of INR
50,000/-would be an umbrella limit for investments by an
investor through both e-wallet and/or cash, per MF per
financial year.
e. MFs/ AMCs shall ensure that e-wallet issuers shall not offer
any incentives such as cashback, vouchers, etc., directly or
indirectly for investing in MF schemes.
210 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
f. MFs/ AMCs shall ensure that only amounts loaded into e-wallet
through cash or debit card or net banking, can be used for
subscription to MF schemes.
g. MFs/ AMCs shall ensure that amount loaded into e-wallet
through credit card, cash back, promotional scheme etc. should
not be allowed for subscription to MF schemes.
h. MFs/ AMCs shall also comply with the requirement of no third
party payment norm for investment made using e-wallets.
211 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART II – INVESTOR’S OBLIGATIONS
15.9 Mandatory mentioning of PAN Number386
15.9.1 For, the requirement of mentioning PAN Number by investors of
mutual fund schemes, the applicable SEBI guidelines may be
referred387
15.10 Mandatory mentioning of Bank Account by Investors388
15.10.1 It shall be mandatory for the investors of the Mutual Funds schemes
to mention their bank account numbers in their
applications/request for redemption. For this purposes Mutual
Funds shall provide space in applications and redemption request
forms.
386 SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/Cir-05/2007 dated April 27, 2007, SEBI Circular No.
MRD/DoP/Cir-08/2007 dated June 25, 2007, SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/MF/Cir-08/2008
dated April 3, 2008
, 3 ,, 87 SEBI Circular No. MRD/DoP/MF/Cir-08/2008 dated April 3, 2008
< 3 , 88 SEBI Circular No. IIMARP/MF/CIR/07/826/98 dated April 15, 1998
212 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
PART III– INVESTOR EDUCATION
15.11 SEBI Investors Education Programme – Investments
in Mutual Funds
389
15.11.1 Board has prepared a brochure in question-answer format explaining
the fundamental issues pertaining to mutual funds. The same is
enclosed at Annexure 5. The same is also available at our website
www.sebi.gov.in under the "Mutual Funds" section.
15.11.2 AMCs are advised to circulate copies of the brochure among their
distributors and agents (including brokers, banks, post offices) and
the investors.
15.11.3 AMCs may publish the same as small booklets. In such a case, while
the booklets must bear SEBI name and logo, AMC may give their
name as publisher. This may also be displayed prominently on their
web sites
15.11.4 AMFI may consider including the brochure as a part of study
material for their training programmes for investors and for their
certification programme conducted for agents and distributors.
15.11.5 Board may be kept informed about the steps taken by the AMCs in
this regard from time to time.
389 SEBI Cir No. MFD/CIR NO -13/370/02 dated January 16,2002
213 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
15.12 Financial Inclusion:
15.12.1 In context of Mutual Funds, financial inclusion implies that the
concept of Mutual Fund products is understood by all and are
accessible to anyone who wishes to make an investment in them.
Also, investors should be capable of figuring out which Mutual
Fund scheme is appropriate for their financial objectives. Towards
this, it has been decided that:
a. Mutual Funds shall mandatorily also make available printed
literature on mutual funds in regional languages for investor
awareness and education.
b. Mutual Funds to introduce Investor awareness campaign in
regional languages both in print and electronic media
214 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 16
CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION OF INTERMEDIARIES 390, 391
16.1 No Mutual Fund shall deal with any intermediary (i.e. distributors,
agents, brokers, sub brokers or called by any other name, whether
individuals or belonging to any other organization structure) in relation
to selling and marketing of Mutual Fund units unless they have cleared
the certification examination.
16.2 No Mutual Fund shall engage/employ employee(s) interacting with
investors (i.e. those working in investors relations, call centers, employees
engaged in sales and marketing etc) unless they have cleared the
certification examination.
16.3 Further, such intermediaries and employees shall also adhere to the
Guidelines specified by the Board and AMFI.392
16.4 Distributors of Mutual Fund products393
16.4.1 The AMCs shall regulate the distributors by putting in place a due
diligence process as follows:
16.4.1.1 The due diligence of distributors is solely the responsibility of mutual
funds/AMCs. This responsibility shall not be delegated to any
390 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.10/310/01 dated September 25, 2001, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/20/23230/2002 dated November 28, 2002, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/MFD/CIR
No.01/6693/03 dated April 3, 2003, SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.2/254/04 dated
February 4, 2004, SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR/06/210/2002 dated June 26, 2002.
<3 91 Exemption for Senior Citizens: Senior citizens with experience in distributing Mutual Funds
units are exempt from the mandatory certification examination if they have completed 50
years of age and have experience of at least 5 years as on September 30, 2003.391 They
are also required to follow the guidelines prescribed by the Board and AMFI. They had to
attend a mutual fund training programme and a certificate to that effect endorsed by a
mutual fund should be submitted to AMFI.
<
3
<
92 SEBI Circular No. MFD/CIR No.10/310/01 dated September 25, 2001, SEBI Circular No.
MFD/CIR/20/23230/2002 dated November 28, 2002.
393 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/13/2011 dated August 22, 2011.
215 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
agency. However, mutual funds/AMCs may take assistance of an
agency of repute while carrying out due diligence process of
distributors.394
16.4.1.2 The due diligence process shall be initially applicable for distributors
satisfying one or more of the following criteria:
a. Multiple point presence (More than 20 locations)
b. AUM raised over Rs.100 Crore across industry in the
non-institutional category but including high networth
individuals (HNIs)
c. Commission received of over Rs.1 Crore p.a. across industry
d. Commission received of over Rs.50 Lakh from a single Mutual
Fund
16.4.1.3 At the time of empanelling distributors and during the period i.e.
review process, Mutual Funds/AMCs shall undertake a due
diligence process to satisfy ‘fit and proper’ criteria that incorporate,
amongst others, the following factors:
a. Business model, experience and proficiency in the business.
b. Record of regulatory / statutory levies, fines and
penalties, legal suits, customer compensations made;
causes for these and resultant corrective actions taken.
c. Review of associates and subsidiaries on above factors.
d. Organizational controls to ensure that the following
processes are delinked from sales and relationship
management processes and personnel:
1. Customer risk / investment objective evaluation.
394 SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/7/2012 dated February 28, 2012
216 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
2. MF scheme evaluation and defining its
appropriateness to various customer risk categories.
16.4.1.4 In this respect, customer relationship and transactions shall be
categorized as:
a. Advisory - where a distributor represents to offer advice
while distributing the product, it will be subject to the
principle of ‘appropriateness’ of products to that customer
category. Appropriateness is defined as selling only that
product categorization that is identified as best suited for
investors within a defined upper ceiling of risk appetite. No
exception shall be made.
b. Execution Only - in case of transactions that are not booked
as ‘advisory’, it shall still require:
i. The distributor has information to believe that the
transaction is not appropriate for the customer, a written
communication be made to the investor regarding the
unsuitability of the product. The communication shall
have to be duly acknowledged and accepted by investor.
ii. A customer confirmation to the effect that the transaction is
‘execution only notwithstanding the advice of in-
appropriateness from that distributor be obtained prior to the
execution of the transaction.
iii. That on all such ‘execution only’ transactions, the
customer is not required to pay the distributor anything
other than the standard flat transaction charge.
c. There shall be no third categorization of customer relationship /
transaction.
d. While selling Mutual Fund products of the
distributors’ group/affiliate/associates, the distributor shall
217 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
make disclosure to the customer regarding the conflict of interest
arising from the distributor selling of such products.
16.4.1.5 Compliance and risk management functions of the distributor
shall include review of defined management processes for:
a. The criteria to be used in review of products and the
periodicity of such review.
b. The factors to be included in determining the risk appetite of the
customer and the investment categorization and periodicity of
such review.
c. Review of transactions, exceptions identification, escalation and
resolution process by internal audit.
d. Recruitment, training, certification and performance review of all
personnel engaged in this business.
e. Customer on boarding and relationship management process,
servicing standards, enquiry / grievance handling mechanism.
f. Internal/ external audit processes, their comments / observations
as it relates to MF distribution business.
g. Findings of ongoing review from sample survey of investors.
16.4.1.6 Mutual Funds/AMCs may implement additional measures as
deemed appropriate to help achieve greater investor protection.
16.5 Code of Conduct:
16.5.1 Mutual Funds are required to monitor the activities of their
distributors, agents, brokers to ensure that they do not indulge in
any malpractice or unethical practice while selling or marketing
Mutual Funds units. Any non compliance with the Mutual Funds
Regulations and Guidelines pertaining to Mutual Funds especially
guidelines on advertisements and/ or sales literature and/or Code of
218 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Conduct shall be reported in the periodic meetings of the Board of
the AMC and the Trustee(s) and shall also be reported to the Board
by the AMC(s) in their CTR(s) and by the Trustees in their Half Yearly
Reports.
16.5.2 AMFI has prescribed a Code of Conduct for Mutual Fund
intermediaries enclosed herewith as Annexure 1395. All
intermediaries shall follow the Code of Conduct strictly and not
indulge in any practice contravening it directly or indirectly.
16.5.3 Non compliance with the Code of Conduct shall be reported by the
Mutual Funds to the Board and AMFI. Further, no Mutual Fund shall
deal with intermediaries contravening the prescribed Code of
Conduct.
16.6 Empanelment of Intermediaries by Mutual Funds
16.6.1 Empanelment of intermediaries by Mutual Funds, payment of
commissions, brokerage and/or sub-brokerage etc. shall be in
accordance with parameters and guidelines specified by the Board
and AMFI from time to time. Mutual Funds shall monitor the
compliance of these guidelines and Code of Conduct by their
intermediaries in terms of business done across all Mutual Funds.
In case of non-compliance, Mutual Funds shall suspend further
business and payment of commissions, etc. until full compliance by
the empanelled intermediary.
395 Refer Annexure and Reports for details on Code of Conduct
2 19 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
16.7 Certification Programme for sale and/ or distribution of
mutual fund products396
16.7.1 With effect from June 01, 2010, the certification examination for
distributors, agents or any other persons employed or engaged or to
be employed or engaged in the sale and/or distribution of mutual
fund products, would be conducted by the National Institute of
Securities Markets (NISM)397. The text of notification in this regard is
enclosed herewith as Annexure 6.
16.7.2 Under the existing instructions, the agent/ distributor was exempted
from the AMFI certification examination if he had completed fifty
years of age and had at least five years of experience in distribution
of mutual fund units. As per regulation 4(3) of the Certification
Regulations, persons who have attained the age of fifty years or who
have at least ten years experience in the securities markets in the
sale and/ or distribution of mutual fund products as on May 31,
2010, will be given the option of obtaining the certification either by
passing the NISM certification examination or qualifying for
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) by obtaining such
classroom credits as may be specified by NISM from time to time.
16.7.3 The Certification Regulations require the persons referred to in
paragraph 16.7.1 above to comply with the requirements for CPE as
specified by NISM within the validity period of the certificate obtained
by passing the certification examination. However, to facilitate the
transition process from AMFI to NISM, it has been decided that a
person holding a valid AMFI certification whose validity expires
396 SEBI Circular No. Cir/IMD/DF/5/2010 dated June 24, 2010
397 For Notification under regulation 3 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Certification of Associated Persons in the Securities Markets) Regulations, 2007 please refer to
section on Annexures
220 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
between June 01, 2010 and December 31, 2010, would be required
to comply with the CPE requirements as laid down by NISM under
the relevant clauses of the Certification Regulations, by December
31, 2010.
16.7.4 An associated person holding a valid AMFI/NISM certification whose
validity expires anytime after December 31, 2010, would be required
to comply with the CPE requirements as laid down by NISM under
the relevant clauses of the Certification Regulations, prior to the
expiry of the validity of the certification.
16.7.5 The requirement of obtaining registration from AMFI after obtaining
certification, as per the Circular dated November 28, 2002, would
continue.
16.8 New cadre of distributors398
16.8.1 A new cadre of distributors, such as postal agents, retired
government and semi-government officials (class III and above or
equivalent) with a service of at least 10 years, retired teachers with
a service of at least 10 years, retired bank officers with a
service of at least 10 years, and other similar persons (such as
Bank correspondents) as may be notified by AMFI/AMC from time to
time, shall be allowed to sell units of simple and performing
mutual fund schemes.
16.8.2 Simple and performing mutual fund schemes shall comprise of
diversified equity schemes, fixed maturity plans (FMPs), index
schemes, Retirement benefit schemes having tax benefits and Liquid
schemes/ Money Market Mutual Fund schemes399 and should have
398 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012.
399 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/37 February 25, 2016.
221 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
returns equal to or better than their scheme benchmark returns
during each of the last three years.
16.8.3 These new cadre of distributors would require a simplified form
of NISM certification and AMFI Registration.
16.9 Developing alternative distribution channels400
16.9.1 In order to increase penetration of Mutual Fund products and
to energise the distribution network while protecting the interest of
investors, SEBI had permitted additional expense ratio of 30 bps
for garnering funds from B-30 cities. This development would
lead to setting up of distribution infrastructure by AMCs.
However, in order to achieve participation from all parts of the
country in Mutual Funds there is greater need for developing
additional distribution channels. Therefore, it has been decided
that:
a. Distribution through PSU banks: PSU banks which have wide
bank branches network and have distribution reach in the nook
and corner of the country, could play a key role in Mutual Funds
distribution. In order to leverage the PSU banks infrastructure,
Mutual Funds/ AMCs need to develop a system for active
support to PSU banks to distribute Mutual Fund products
through them. Such active support would also encourage PSU
banks to distribute products of all Mutual Funds.
b. Online distribution: Online distribution not only increases
customer convenience, but also significantly improves distributor
economics. The online phenomenon is increasing rapidly and it is
observed that more and more people especially younger generation
prefers online transactions. Therefore, it has been decided that all
400 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014
222 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
Mutual Funds should enhance the online investment facility and
tap the internet savvy users to invest in Mutual Funds by
providing an online investment facility on their websites. Mutual
Funds also need to tap the burgeoning mobile-only internet users
for direct distribution of Mutual Fund products.
16.10 Unique Identity Number
16.10.1 AMFI shall create a unique identity number of the employee/
relationship manager/ sales person of the distributor interacting
with the investor for the sale of mutual fund products, in
addition to the AMFI Registration Number (ARN) of the distributor.
16.10.2 The application form for mutual fund schemes shall have
provision for disclosing the unique identity number of such sales
personnel along with the ARN of distributor.
223 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 17
TRANSACTION IN MUTUAL FUNDS UNITS
17.1 Maintenance of documents401
17.1.1 As per the requirements specified by Board in respect of “Anti Money
Laundering (AML) Standards/Combating Financing of Terrorism
(CFT) / Obligations of Securities Market Intermediaries under
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed there-
under”402, maintenance of all documentation pertaining to the
unitholders/ investors is the responsibility of the AMC.
17.1.2 Accordingly, vide SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.12 /186868
/2009 dated December 11, 2009, AMCs were advised to confirm
whether all the investor related documents were maintained/
available with the AMC. If not, and to the extent of and relating to
such investor accounts/folios where investor related documentation
was incomplete/inadequate/not available or was stated to be
maintained by the distributors, then the Trustees were advised to
ensure the following:
17.1.2.1 No further payment of any commissions, fees and / or payments
in any other mode should be made to such distributors till full
compliance/ completion of the steps enumerated herein.
17.1.2.2 Take immediate steps to obtain all investor/ unit holders
documents in terms of the AML/ CFT, including KYC documents/
PoA as applicable.
401 SEBI Circular No - SEBI/IMD/CIR No.12 /186868 /2009 dated December 11,2009
402 SEBI Circular No ISD/AML/CIR-1/2008 dated December 19, 2008
224 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
17.1.2.3 Take immediate steps to obtain all supporting documents in respect
of the past transactions.
17.1.2.4 On a one time basis, send statement of holdings and all transactions
since inception of that folio in duplicate to the investor and seek
confirmation from the unit holders on the duplicate copy.
17.1.2.5 Set up a separate customer services mechanism to handle/ address
queries and grievance of the above mentioned unitholders.
17.1.3 Pending completion of documentation, exercise great care and be
satisfied of investor bonafides before authorizing any transaction,
including redemption, on such accounts/ folios.
17.1.4 The Trustees were required forthwith to confirm to Board that the
steps had been taken to address the above and also send a status to
the Board as and when process was completed to their satisfaction.
17.1.5 All mutual funds/ AMCs are directed that403:
17.1.5.1 All new folios/ accounts shall be opened only after ensuring that
all investor related documents including account opening
documents, PAN, KYC, PoA (if applicable), specimen signature are
available with AMCs/RTAs and not just with the distributor.
17.1.5.2 For existing folios, AMCs shall be responsible for updation of the
investor related documents including account opening
403 SEBI Circular No Cir /IMD/DF/9 / 2010 dated August 12, 2010
225 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
documents, PAN, KYC, PoA (if applicable), specimen signature by
November 15, 2010.
17.1.5.3 The trustees shall submit a confirmation after they receive
certification from an Independent auditor on completion of the
said process latest by November 22, 2010.
17.2 Facilitating transactions in Mutual Fund schemes
through the Stock Exchange infrastructure404
17.2.1 Stock Exchange terminals can be used for facilitating transactions in
mutual fund schemes. The Stock Exchange mechanism would also
extend the present convenience available to secondary market
investors to mutual fund investors.
17.2.2 Units of mutual fund schemes may be permitted to be transacted
through registered stock brokers of recognized stock exchanges and
such stock brokers will be eligible to be considered as official points
of acceptance405.
17.2.3 The respective stock exchange would provide detailed operating
guidelines to facilitate the same.
17.2.4 In this regard, Mutual Funds/AMC are advised that:
17.2.4.1Empanelment and monitoring of Code of Conduct for brokers
acting as mutual fund intermediaries-
a. The stock brokers intending to extend the transaction in Mutual
Funds through stock exchange mechanism shall be required to
comply with the requirements of passing the AMFI certification
404 SEBI Circular No - SEBI /IMD / CIR No.11/183204/ 2009 dated November 13,2009
405 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.11/78450/06 dated October 11, 2006
226 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
examination406.All such stock brokers would then be considered
as empanelled distributors with mutual fund/AMC.
b. These stock brokers shall also comply with Code of Conduct407
for intermediaries of Mutual Funds, and applicable SEBI
guidelines408, applicable to intermediaries engaged in selling and
marketing of mutual fund units.
c. It is clarified that, stock exchanges shall monitor the compliance
of the code of conduct specified regarding empanelment of
intermediaries by mutual funds409.
17.2.4.2 Time stamping
a. Time stamping as evidenced by confirmation slip given by stock
exchange mechanism to be considered sufficient compliance
with clause for cut–off timing for liquid scheme and plans, cut-
off timing for other schemes and plans and time stamping
provisions mandated by Board410.
17.2.4.3 Statement of Account
a. Where investor desires to hold units in dematerialised form,
demat statement given by depository participant would be deemed
406 Please refer Chapter 16 on Certification and Registration of Mutual Funds intermediaries
407 For Code of Conduct, please refer to Annexure I
408 Please refer Chapter 16 on Certification and Registration of Mutual Funds intermediaries
409Please refer Chapter 16 on Certification and Registration of Mutual Funds intermediaries
, 4 , 10 Please refer to Chapter 8 – Net Asset Value for details on cut off timing provisions
227 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
to be adequate compliance with requirements for account
statement prescribed by SEBI 411.
17.2.4.4 Investor grievance mechanism
a. Stock exchanges shall provide for investor grievance handling
mechanism to the extent they relate to disputes between brokers
and their client.
17.2.4.5 Dematerialization of existing units held by investors
a. In case investors desire to convert their existing physical units
(represented by statement of account) into dematerialized form,
mutual funds / AMCs shall take such steps in coordination with
Registrar and Transfer Agents, Depositories and Depository
participants (DPs) to facilitate the same.
17.2.4.6 Option to hold units in demat form412
b. Mutual Funds/AMCs are advised to invariably provide an option
to the investors to mention demat account details in the
subscription form, in case they desire to hold units in demat form
while subscribing to any scheme (open ended/close
ended/Interval).
c. Mutual Funds/AMCs shall ensure that above mentioned option
is provided to the investors in all their schemes (existing and
new).
d. Mutual Funds/AMCs are advised to obtain ISIN for each option
of the scheme and quote the respective ISIN along with the
411 For details on dispatch of statement of accounts. refer to Chapter 15- Investor Rights and
services
412 SEBI circular no.CIR/IMD/DF/9/2011, dated May 19, 2011
228 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
name of the scheme, in all Statement of Account/Common
Account Statement (CAS) issued to the investors.
17.2.4.7 Know your client (KYC)
a. Where investor desires to hold units in dematerialised form, the
KYC performed by DP in terms of SEBI requirements413 would be
considered compliance with applicable requirements specified in
this regard414 by Mutual Funds/AMCs.
b. The Mutual Funds/AMC shall take necessary steps to do KYC
requirements of all investors as per the prescribed guidelines415.
17.2.4.8 Stock exchanges and mutual funds/AMCs, based on the
experience gained may improve the mechanism in the interest of
investors.
17.2.4.9 In addition to the existing facilities of purchasing and redeeming
directly with the Mutual Funds and Stock Brokers, the following
be noted416:
a. Units of mutual funds schemes may be permitted to be
transacted through clearing members of the registered Stock
Exchanges.
b. Permit Depository participants of registered Depositories to
process only redemption request of units held in demat form.
413 SEBI Circular No - MRD/DoP/Dep/Cir-29/2004 dated August 24, 2004
414 SEBI Circular No - ISD/AML/CIR-1/2008 dated December 19, 2008
415 SEBI Circular No. MIRSD/SE/Cir-21/2011, dated October 5, 2011, SEBI Circular
No.MIRSD/Cir-23/2011 dated December 2, 2011 and SEBI Circular No.MIRSD/Cir- 26 /2011
dated December 23, 2011
416 SEBI Circular No CIR/IMD/DF/17/2010 dated November 9, 2010
229 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
17.2.4.10 The following be noted with respect to investors having demat
account and purchasing and redeeming mutual funds units
through stock brokers and clearing members:
a. Investors shall receive redemption amount (if units are
redeemed) and units (if units are purchased) through
broker/clearing member’s pool account. Mutual Funds(MF)/
Asset management Companies(AMC) would pay proceeds to
the broker/clearing member (in case of redemption) and
broker/clearing member in turn to the respective investor and
similarly units shall be credited by MF/AMC into
broker/clearing member’s pool account (in case of purchase)
and broker/clearing member in turn to the respective
investor.
b. Payment of redemption proceeds to the broker/clearing
members by MF/AMC shall discharge MF/AMC of its
obligation of payment to individual investor. Similarly, in case
of purchase of units, crediting units into broker/clearing
member pool account shall discharge MF/AMC of its
obligation to allot units to individual investor.
17.2.4.11 The following may be noted in this regard:
a. Clearing members and Depository participants will be eligible
to be considered as official points of acceptance417 and
conditions stipulated418 Viz. AMFI /NISM certification, code of
conduct prescribed by SEBI for Intermediaries of Mutual Fund,
shall be applicable for such Clearing members and Depository
participants as well.
417 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No.11/78450/06 dated October 11, 2006
418 SEBI Circular dated November 13, 2009 for stock brokers
230 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
b. Stock exchanges and Depositories shall provide investor
grievance handling mechanism to the extent they relate to
disputes between their respective regulated entity and their
client and shall also monitor the compliance of code of conduct
specified419 regarding empanelment and code of conduct for
intermediaries of Mutual Funds.
17.2.4.12 The respective stock exchanges and Depositories would provide
detailed operating guidelines to facilitate the above and ensure
that timelines prescribed420 shall be adhered to with regard to
allotment of units and receipt of redemption proceeds at the
investor’s level.
17.2.4.13 Transferability of Mutual Fund units421
a. Regulations422 states that “a unit unless otherwise restricted
or prohibited under the scheme, shall be freely
transferable by act of parties or by operation of law.” The
spirit and intention of this regulation is not to prohibit
transferability of units as a general rule or practice.
b. All AMCs shall clarify by way of an addendum that units of
all mutual fund schemes held in demat form shall be freely
transferable from the date of the issue of said addendum
which shall be not later than October 1, 2010. However,
restrictions on transfer of units of ELSS schemes during
the lock-in period shall continue to be applicable as per
the ELSS Guidelines.
419SEBI Circulars MFD/CIR/20/23230/02 dated November 28, 2002 and
SEBI/IMD/08/174648/2009 dated August 27, 2009
420 SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
421 SEBI Circular No - CIR/IMD/DF/10/2010 dated August 18, 2010
422 Regulation 37(1) of SEBI (Mutual Fund) Regulations, 1996
231 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
17.2.5 Stock exchanges and mutual funds/AMCs, based on the experience
gained may further improve the mechanism in the interest of
investors. Necessary clarifications, if any, would be issued at
appropriate time by SEBI in this regard.
17.2.6 423SEBI Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) has been allowed
to use infrastructure of the recognised stock exchanges to
purchase and redeem mutual fund units directly from Mutual
Fund/Assets Management Companies on behalf of their clients,
including direct plans.
The other provisions of circular no. CIR/MRD/DSA/32/2013 dated
October 04, 2013 remain unchanged.
17.3 Cash Investments in mutual funds424
17.3.1 In order to help enhance the reach of mutual fund products
amongst small investors, who may not be tax payers and may
not have PAN/bank accounts, such as farmers, small
traders/businessmen/workers, cash transactions in mutual funds to
the extent of 50,000/-425 per investor, per mutual fund, per financial
year shall be allowed subject to (i) compliance with Prevention of
Money Laundering Act, 2002 and Rules framed there under; the
SEBI Circular(s) on Anti Money Laundering (AML) and other
applicable AML rules, regulations and guidelines and (ii) sufficient
systems and procedures in place.
17.3.2 Repayment in the form of redemptions, dividend, etc. with respect
to aforementioned investments shall be paid only through banking
channel.
423 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/MRD/DSA/CIR/P/2016/113 dated October 19, 2016
424 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/21/2012 dated September 13, 2012.
425 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/10/2014 dated May 22, 2014
232 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
CHAPTER 18
MISCELLANEOUS
18.1 Online Registration Mechanism for Mutual Funds426
18.1.1. It has been decided to operationalize SEBI Intermediary Portal
(https://siportal.sebi.gov.in) for the entities to submit the mutual
funds registration applications online. For registration of mutual
funds the SEBI Intermediary Portal shall include online application
for registration, processing of application, grant of in-principle
approval, grant of final registration etc. Link for SEBI Intermediary
Portal is also available on SEBI website - www.sebi.gov.in.
18.1.2. SEBI Intermediary Portal for application of registration of Mutual
Funds shall be made operational from June 01, 2017. Thereafter, all
applications for registration of Mutual Fund shall be made through
SEBI Intermediary Portal only.
18.1.3. The applicants will be separately required to submit relevant
documents viz. declarations/ undertakings required as a part of
application form prescribed in relevant regulations, in physical form
only for records, without impacting the online processing of
applications for registration.
18.1.4. In case of any queries and clarifications with regard to the SEBI
Intermediary Portal, intermediaries may contact on 022-26449364
or may write at portalhelp@sebi.gov.in.
426 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2017/52 dated June 01, 2017
233 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
18.2 Clarification427 to Regulation 24428
18.2.1 The amended Regulation mandates that AMCs shall appoint separate
fund manager for each separate fund managed by it unless the
investment objectives and assets allocations are the same and the
portfolio is replicated across all the funds managed by the fund
manager.
18.2.2 The replication of minimum 70% of portfolio value shall be considered
as adequate for the purpose of said compliance, provided that AMC
has in place a written policy for trade allocation and it ensures at all
points of time that the fund manager shall not take directionally
opposite positions in the schemes managed by him.
18.2.3 Wherein a fund manager is common across mutual fund schemes and
schemes/products under other permissible activities of AMC, then
the AMC shall:
18.2.3.1 disclose on their websites, the returns provided by the said
manager for all the schemes (mutual fund, pension funds,
offshore funds etc) on a monthly basis.
18.2.3.2 in case of any performance advertisement is issued by the AMC for
any scheme, then the details of returns of all the schemes (mutual
fund, pension funds, offshore funds etc) managed by that fund
manager shall be provided.
18.2.3.3 in case the difference between the annual returns provided by the
schemes managed by the same fund manager is more than 10%
427 SEBI Circular No.Cir/IMD/DF/7/2012 dated February 28, 2012
428 Of SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996
234 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
then the same shall be reported to the trustee and explanation for
the same shall be disclosed on the website of the AMC.
18.3 Product Labeling in Mutual Funds429
18.3.1 All the mutual funds shall ‘Label’ their schemes on the parameters
as mentioned under:
a. Nature of scheme such as to create wealth or provide regular income
in an indicative time horizon (short/ medium/ long term).
b. A brief about the investment objective (in a single line sentence)
followed by kind of product in which investor is investing
(Equity/Debt).
c. Level of risk in mutual fund schemes shall be increased to five as
under430
i. Low - principal at low risk
ii. Moderately Low - principal at moderately low risk
iii. Moderate - principal at moderate risk
iv. Moderately High -- principal at moderately high risk
v. High - principal at high risk.
The depiction of risk using colour codes would be replaced by pictorial
meter named "Riskometer" and this meter would appropriately depict
the level of risk in any specific scheme. For enumeration, a scheme
having moderate risk would be depicted as under:
429 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/5/2013 dated March 18, 2013
430 SEBI Circular No. CIR/IMD/DF/4/2013 dated April 30, 2015
235 Master Circular for Mutual Funds
“Investors understand that their principal will be at moderate risk”
Mutual Funds may 'product label' their schemes on the basis of the
best practice guidelines issued by Association of Mutual Funds in
India (AMFI) in this regard.
d. A disclaimer that investors should consult their financial advisers if
they are not clear about the suitability of the product.
18.3.2 Product label shall be disclosed in:
a. Front page of initial offering application forms, Key Information
Memorandum (KIM) and Scheme Information Documents (SIDs).
b. Common application form – along with the information about the
scheme.
The product label with respect to (a) & (b) shall be placed in proximity
to the caption of the scheme and shall be prominently visible.
c. Scheme advertisements-placed in manner so as to be prominently
visible to investors.
236 Master Circular for Mutual Funds